“Seinfeld” Star Michael Richards Opens Up About Infamous Racist Tirade
In his highly anticipated memoir, “Entrances and Exits,” former “Seinfeld” star Michael Richards finally addresses the controversial racist incident that tarnished his career. The 74-year-old actor, best known for his role as Kramer, shocked audiences in 2006 when he unleashed a barrage of racial slurs during a comedy club performance.
Richards reveals that the incident was fueled by his frustration over the failure of his post-“Seinfeld” sitcom, “The Michael Richards Show,” which was canceled after just eight episodes in 2000. Despite a six-year gap between the show’s cancellation and the incident at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles, the comedian admits that he was still deeply affected by the setback.
During his ill-fated set, Richards recounts hearing disruptive chatter from the balcony and responding with a profanity-laced outburst that delighted the audience. However, when someone from the balcony called out that he wasn’t funny, Richards admits that the remark hit him hard.
While the exact words spoken that night are not detailed in the book, video footage of the incident shows Richards making derogatory remarks and using racial slurs towards the hecklers. Reflecting on the incident, Richards expresses regret for his actions, stating that he wishes he had simply agreed with the audience member instead of stooping to their level.
The Emmy-winning actor reveals that the incident deeply affected him, with the words “You’re not funny” haunting his thoughts. He admits that he realized the heckler had tapped into his biggest fear – the fear of not being funny. Richards describes a sense of inferiority and anger that consumed him in the aftermath of the incident.
In an effort to make amends, Richards appeared on the “Late Show with David Letterman” to apologize for his behavior. He also received support from his “Seinfeld” castmates, Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. However, Richards admits feeling embarrassed and concerned about the negative impact his actions had on his colleagues.
Taking the advice of actress Frances Fisher, Richards embarked on a soul-searching journey, retreating to Mexico and traveling to countries like Cambodia, India, and Thailand. These experiences seemed to be part of a spiritual quest for the actor and his girlfriend.
While Richards acknowledges having some regrets, he also believes in the continuity of the soul and sees his mistakes as necessary for personal growth. Recently, he made a rare red-carpet appearance alongside his former castmate Jerry Seinfeld at the premiere of Seinfeld’s new movie, “Unfrosted.”
