Richard Jeni

It was a tough week for B-entertainment.

First, Andy Sidaris, television sports pioneer and silicon-movie maven, succumbed to throat cancer and probably happily joined a gaggle of buxom Valkyries in Vahalla. The next day, John Inman--known best for his role of Mr. "I'm Free!" Humphries on the classic British comedy series "Are You Being Served"--passed on at age 71.

But the one that hurts the most was comedian Richard Jeni, who took his own life last Sunday at age 45.

According to Jeni's family, Richard suffered from "severe clinical depression coupled with bouts of psychotic paranoia." I've had friends who suffer from mental illness, and it's more than a hard thing to live with. As Jeni's tragedy painfully demonstrated, it can take your life.

Sometimes, the ones who make us laugh are the ones with the most pain.

Richard Jeni first came to fame during the stand-up saturation of the early 1990s, when you couldn't find a channel without a comedian dishing some routine. What made Jeni stand above most, however, was his delivery. Nobody was better. If you listened to his jokes, they weren't funny by themselves. Until Richard told 'em. He didn't do anything fancy--he didn't have props, gimmicks, or catchphrases. He simply was your drinking buddy, telling you a funny story while you're watching a boring game with beer and wings. If he had a "gimmick," that was it: he was your friend. Just sit back, listen, and laugh.

Rest in piece, Richard. And thank you.