BATAVIA, N.Y. — Hiram Kasten, a renowned actor known for his roles in popular television shows like “Seinfeld,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and “Saved by the Bell,” passed away at the age of 71. His wife, Diana Kisiel Kastenbaum, announced his death on Facebook, revealing that Kasten had been battling prostate cancer. The actor died in his wife’s arms just hours after celebrating their 38th wedding anniversary.
Kasten, a New York native, had also been fighting Crohn’s disease for the past seven years. He passed away at his home in Batavia, New York. According to his wife’s social media post, Kasten’s health had been declining since 2017, prompting him to step back from his career. However, in the past six months, he started sharing the severity of his condition with friends.
Despite his health struggles, Kasten found strength in the support of his fellow comedians and artists. Friends visited him in Batavia, and he regularly participated in late-night Zoom meetings with friends from both coasts. His wife noted that these interactions, filled with laughter and camaraderie, extended Kasten’s life by at least two months.
Kasten began his comedy career in the New York City circuit, becoming a regular performer at the Comic Strip, a venue historically associated with Jerry Seinfeld. He also formed close relationships with other notable figures in the comedy world, including Michael Richards, Paul Reiser, Larry Miller, and Mark Schiff.
In addition to his appearances at the Comic Strip, Kasten showcased his comedic talent at other renowned comedy clubs. He had notable roles on various hit shows including “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Cybill,” “Mad About You,” and “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Kasten’s acting credits extended to “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” “My Wife and Kids,” and “7th Heaven.”
A funeral service for Kasten will take place at Schwartz Brothers-Jeffer Memorial Chapel in Forest Hills, New York. Additionally, an official memorial service is planned for Los Angeles, California, later this summer. Kasten is survived by his wife Diana, daughter Millicent Jade, and brother-in-law Kevin John Kisiel.