Michael Richards
Michael Richards: A Comedian's Journey to Stardom
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Michael John Richards is the full name of this American comedian, actor, and television producer. He is commonly known as Mike Richards.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on July 24, 1949, in Culver City, California, Richards is still active in his career, so there is no recorded death date.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Richards is an American national with a profession that spans over four decades as a comedian, actor, television producer, and writer. He has worked extensively in the entertainment industry, contributing to various TV shows, movies, and live performances.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Los Angeles, Richards was raised by his parents, Eddie and Phyllis Richards. His father owned a construction company, while his mother was a housewife. Michael had two younger siblings, a sister named Patricia and a brother named David. The family's cultural background is predominantly Irish and Jewish.
Richards' interest in comedy began at an early age. He started performing stand-up comedy in the late 1960s. However, it wasn't until he became a regular performer at various clubs that his career gained momentum. His dedication to honing his craft paid off when he landed a spot on the popular sitcom "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) in 1984.
Major Accomplishments
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During his tenure at SNL, Richards was part of the show's core cast for five seasons. He became known for his impressions and comedic sketches, particularly those that parodied famous individuals like Bette Midler and Johnny Cash. His performance on the show earned him multiple Emmy nominations.
In addition to his work with SNL, Richards has appeared in numerous films throughout his career. Some of his notable roles include "Problem Child" (1990), "Airheads" (1994), and "Trial & Error" (2018). He has also made guest appearances on various TV shows such as "Seinfeld," where he portrayed the iconic character Kramer's nemesis, Kessler.
Notable Works or Actions
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Richards' most notable work is undoubtedly his portrayal of Cosmo Kramer in the hit sitcom "Seinfeld." The show ran for nine seasons and became one of the highest-rated TV programs during its time. His performance as the eccentric neighbor was widely praised by critics and audiences alike.
In 2018, Richards made headlines when he played a parody version of himself on the ABC comedy series "Trial & Error." This came after a brief hiatus from acting due to controversy surrounding his past.
Impact and Legacy
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Richards' impact on popular culture cannot be overstated. His portrayal of Cosmo Kramer is one of the most recognizable characters in television history. The character's eccentricities, mannerisms, and catchphrases have been imprinted on audiences worldwide.
In addition to his entertainment value, Richards has also made significant contributions to comedy writing and production. He has worked extensively as a writer, producer, and executive for various TV shows and films.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Michael Richards is widely quoted or remembered due to his iconic portrayal of Cosmo Kramer in "Seinfeld." The show's impact on popular culture, combined with Richards' versatility as an actor, comedian, and writer, has cemented his status as a comedy legend. His ability to bring characters to life and make audiences laugh continues to inspire new generations of comedians and actors.
Quotes by Michael Richards
I'll get to the force field of this hostility, why it's there, why the rage is in any of us, why the trash takes place, whether or not it's between me and a couple of hecklers in the audience or between this country and another nation, the rage.
There's a great deal of disturbance in this country and how black feel about what happened in Katrina, and, you know, many of the comics, many of performers are in Las Vegas and New Orleans trying to raise money for what happened there.
I'm not a racist, that's what so insane about this, and yet it's said, it comes through, it fires out of me, and even now in the passion that's here as I confront myself.
When you perform in front of an audience after only two days of rehearsal, you’re flying by the seat of your pants – particularly when they’re rewriting the show right up to the moment the camera goes on.
I don’t know, in view of the situation and the act going where it was going, I don’t know, the rage did go all over the place. It went to everybody in the room.
I’m a performer. I push the envelope, I work in a very uncontrolled manner onstage. I do a lot of free association, it’s spontaneous, I go into character.
It’s strange how parts come along, how life lives us, and what we get to do with the abilities that are given us.
There’s a great deal of disturbance in this country and how black feel about what happened in Katrina, and, you know, many of the comics, many of performers are in Las Vegas and New Orleans trying to raise money for what happened there.
Aerobics is a really whacked-out way to get going. The loud rock ‘n’ roll music and the teachers standing before you, doing the exercises and screaming into the microphone, “Go! Go! Go for the burn!”