Hiram Kasten, a beloved comedian and actor known for his vibrant presence in the New York comedy scene and memorable roles in popular TV shows, has passed away at 71. Kasten died in his home in Batavia, New York, on Sunday, June 16, 2024, after battling prostate cancer and Crohn’s disease.
Kasten was born Hiram Z. Kastenbaum in the Bronx, New York City on October 30, 1952. From an early age, he dreamed of becoming an actor, a dream he pursued vigorously throughout his life. He began his career in the late 1970s, performing at iconic New York comedy clubs like The Comic Strip, where he met and befriended then-MC Jerry Seinfeld. Their friendship, lasting over four decades, was a cornerstone of Kasten’s career.
In the early days, Kasten was a regular at Catch a Rising Star, The Improv, The Comedy Cellar, and Caroline’s. For many years, he ran his own show on Sunday nights at Dangerfield’s, becoming a prominent figure in the New York comedy circuit. Kasten’s comedy was known for its vaudeville-inspired style, often channeling legends like Alan King and Jackie Gleason.
In the late 1980s, Kasten moved to Los Angeles to expand his career. He rapidly achieved success, securing roles in various well-known 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 significant roles was portraying Michael, a colleague of Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ character Elaine on “Seinfeld.”
Kasten also had a prominent role in the Las Vegas show “The Rat Pack is Back” at the Desert Inn, where he played a character reminiscent of Joey Bishop. His comedic talents took him worldwide, performing on luxury cruise lines like Seabourn, Royal Viking, and Princess.
Kasten’s health declined in his later years, and he stopped performing in 2017. However, he remained connected to his comedy community. “Hiram’s great comedy and artistic community rallied to his side,” his wife shared in a post on Facebook, noting that late-night Zoom meetings with friends provided him comfort and joy in his final months.
When reflecting on his life and career, Kasten said, “I always wanted to make people laugh. It’s the greatest feeling in the world.” His legacy will undoubtedly continue to bring joy to many through his work and the memories he created.
He is survived by his wife, Diana Kisiel Kastenbaum, whom he married in June 1986, his daughter, Millicent Jade, and a large extended family. His passing came just hours after celebrating his 38th wedding anniversary with Diana.
Kasten’s funeral services will be held in Forest Hills, New York, with a memorial service planned in Los Angeles later this summer. The family has requested that memorial donations be made to Crossroads House or the Entertainment Community Fund, reflecting Kasten’s lifelong commitment to supporting fellow performers.