Noted actor and comedian Hiram Kasten, renowned for his significant contributions to the New York comedy scene and various television roles, has died at the age of 71. Kasten succumbed to years of ill health, including prostate cancer and Crohn’s disease, in his Batavia, New York home on Sunday, June 16, 2024.
Born Hiram Z. Kastenbaum on October 30, 1952, in the Bronx, New York City, Kasten harbored ambitions of acting from a young age. His career took off in the late 1970s when he began performing at iconic New York comedy clubs like The Comic Strip. It was here where he struck up a friendship with Jerry Seinfeld, a relationship that would span over four decades and significantly shape his career.
Kasten was a frequent performer at Catch a Rising Star, The Improv, The Comedy Cellar, and Caroline’s in his early days. He also hosted his show on Sunday nights at Dangerfield’s for several years, solidifying his status in the New York comedy circuit. His comedic style, often influenced by legends such as Alan King and Jackie Gleason, was noted for its echoes of vaudeville.
To broaden his horizons, Kasten relocated to Los Angeles in the late 1980s. He quickly found success, landing roles in successful TV shows such as “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “L.A. Law,” “Cybill,” “Mad About You,” “My Wife and Kids,” “Brooklyn Bridge,” “7th Heaven,” “Men of a Certain Age,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” One of his most notable roles was as Michael, a workmate of Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s character Elaine in “Seinfeld.”
Besides TV, Kasten also had a significant role in the Las Vegas show “The Rat Pack is Back” at the Desert Inn, portraying a character akin to Joey Bishop. His comedic skills also took him to international waters, with performances on luxury cruise lines such as Seabourn, Royal Viking, and Princess.
Due to declining health, Kasten retired from performing in 2017. Despite this, he remained active within his comedy community. Late-night Zoom meetings with his friends were a source of comfort and happiness in his final months, as his wife shared on Facebook.
In reflecting on his life and career, Kasten stated, “I always wanted to make people laugh. It’s the greatest feeling in the world.” His legacy of laughter and joy will undoubtedly live on through his work and the countless memories he left behind.
Kasten is survived by his wife, Diana Kisiel Kastenbaum, to whom he was married in June 1986, his daughter, Millicent Jade, and an extensive extended family. His death came just hours after he celebrated his 38th wedding anniversary with Diana.
Funeral services for Kasten were held in Forest Hills, New York, with a memorial service scheduled in Los Angeles later this summer. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions be made to Crossroads House or the Entertainment Community Fund, a poignant tribute to Kasten’s lifelong dedication to supporting his fellow performers.
