Hiram Kasten dies at 71: Fans pay tribute to 'Seinfeld' actor after tragic death battling prostate cancer

LOS ANGLES, CALIFORNIA: Comic actor Hiram Kasten, well known for roles in shows like 'Seinfeld', 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' and 'Saved By the Bell', died at the age of 71 after battling prostate cancer.

According to Kasten's obituary which was shared on his Facebook page Sunday afternoon, he died in the arms of his wife, Dian Kisiel Kastenbaum, "only hours after their 38th wedding anniversary."

Hiram’s obituary revealed that he had battled multiple health issues, including prostate cancer and Crohn’s disease, over the past seven years.

Hiram Kasten had a 45-year friendship with Jerry Seinfeld

Kasten appeared in three episodes of 'Seinfeld' in 1993-1994, playing Michael, a work colleague of Elaine Benes 

He was a regular on the New York City comedy circuit and frequently performed at The Comic Strip, where his friend Jerry Seinfeld once served as master of ceremonies. 

According to the obituary, Seinfeld "passed Hiram on his first audition, and he became a regular," leading to a 45-year friendship between the two.

Kasten also counted Michael Richards, Paul Reiser, Larry Miller, and Mark Schiff among his friends, as noted in the obituary.

The obituary highlighted that while Kasten “loved show business and lived his dream of being in show business ... his most satisfying and greatest role though was as a family man” to his spouse and daughter, Millicent Jade Kastenbaum.

“He loved being a dad to his beautiful and brilliant daughter, her many achievements in her young life and in her career as an Assistant District Attorney have made him burst with pride and love.”

Hiram Kasten’s career achievements in 90s sitcoms

Kasten also made appearances on 90s sitcoms such as 'Saved By the Bell', 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air', 'Cybill', 'Mad About You', and 'Everybody Loves Raymond'.

In the early 2000s, he appeared on shows like 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch,' 'My Wife and Kids', and '7th Heaven'.

According to the obituary, Kasten was a regular at comedy clubs during the 1970s and 1980s, including 'The Improv, The Comedy Cellar, Caroline’s, and Dangerfield’s. 

Born Hiram Z Kastenbaum in the Bronx, he also performed on cruise ships and had a Las Vegas show at the now-closed Desert Inn titled The Rat Pack is Back.

Hiram Kasten shared his serious condition with friends in the last 6 months

The obituary notes that although Kasten's health declined and he ceased performing or actively pursuing his career starting in 2017, he only began to share the seriousness of his condition with friends in the last six months.

Kasten's 'great comedy and artistic community rallied to his side,' with friends visiting him in Batavia, late-night Zoom meetings across both coasts, often going into the early hours. 

His wife, Diana, said, 'It prolonged his life for at least another two months to be able to laugh with his peers.'

Kasten's family announced that funeral services will be held at Schwartz Brothers-Jeffers Memorial Chapel in Forest Hills, New York, with details to be announced; a memorial service in Los Angeles is planned for later this summer.

He is survived by his wife Diana, daughter Millicent Jade, brother-in-law Kevin John Kisiel, "several loving nieces and nephews and their children, as well as wonderful cousins on both sides of the family."

The family has requested that memorial tributes be made as charitable donations to Crossroads House and the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund).

Internet reminisce about the talents of Hiram Kasten amid his death

After reading the heartbreaking news of the Seinfeld actor's death, many people have shared their condolences with his family on Facebook. One said, "Our heart is breaking for you and Millie….sending love to embrace you."

Another added, "I’m so sorry to read this sad news. I loved hanging out with Hiram and was lucky enough to do so more than a few times both in Las Vegas and Las Angeles. He was a man who loved his wife, daughter, baseball and comedy. He was generous to his friends and always a delight. I’m sad I will never see him again in this life. But the next life is funnier and has an extra Yankee fan today. My most sincere condolences"

One user emphasized the talents of Kasten, "Multi talented. Act, sing, dance, direct, write. A heart as large as his talent. Mentor to many."

Another claimed, "Hiram was amazing, sweet, devoted to Diana and Millie, FUNNY and will remain in my memories as one of the nicest people whom I ever knew. I trust that his parents and sister, Sari, greeted him 😇" The last added, "Such a Sad Day!!! 😓 My deepest, heartfelt condolences & prayers to Diana & Millie and all who loved & adored Hiram!! 🙏 May His Sweetest Soul Rest Peacefully in Heaven when he is not on stage entertaining the masses above!! 🙏 May His Memory Always BE for a Blessing!! 🌹"

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