Michael Richards Returns to Stage, Reflects on Past and New Book

Los Angeles, CA – Michael Richards, the actor known for his role as Cosmo Kramer on the iconic sitcom ‘Seinfeld,’ returned to the comedy stage for the first time in nearly two decades on Wednesday night. The 76-year-old comedian kicked off his new tour, “Michael Richards: An Evening of Conversations, Questions and Answers,” where he reflected on his career and life choices.

This performance marks the first public event for Richards since a racist outburst in 2006 derailed his career. During the show, he openly discussed the incident, stating, “I was forced to revisit [my backstory] because 19 years ago, I was in a comedy club, and I was a very naughty, naughty man.” He admitted that he let hecklers provoke him, leading to a response that he later came to regret.

Richards took a 17-year hiatus from the spotlight following the incident at the Laugh Factory, where he was filmed yelling racial slurs during a stand-up set. He explained his decision to remain away from show business, saying, “I thought I would just back off and step into myself apart from show business.” He spent these years in self-reflection, seeking to understand his thoughts, feelings, and desires.

Richards indicated that despite numerous offers to return to acting, he chose to remain detached from the industry. “Something else wanted me to stay alone, to be reclusive,” he shared. He emphasized the importance of nature in his healing process, often spending mornings in the Santa Monica mountains for peace and clarity.

Having begun his comedy career in the 1970s and reaching fame with ‘Seinfeld,’ which aired from 1989 to 1998 and earned him three Emmy Awards, he faced a cultural shift after his outburst. Even though his show, ‘The Michael Richards Show,’ was short-lived, he remains a beloved figure for fans of the sitcom.

Reflecting on his time away, Richards wrote in his new book, “Entrances and Exits,” that he chose to “cancel myself.” He spoke about his transformation during this absence from Hollywood, stating, “I found faith along the way… It’s rather merciful in that it allows us to reflect upon our wrongs and move on to get to a better place in oneself.”

As he concluded his performance, he reminded the audience of the lessons learned from his mistakes. “That night, I think I should have just left the stage,” he recounted humorously, reiterating his belief in the importance of growth and self-reflection.