RICHARD JENI - COMEDIAN JENI DEAD

US comedian RICHARD JENI has been found dead at his West Hollywood, Los Angeles apartment. Authorities suspect he committed suicide. The Brooklyn-born comedian staged a series of popular TV specials and, according to his own website, he has appeared on America's THE TONIGHT SHOW more than any other stand-up comic. Jeni, who also appeared opposite JIM CARREY in THE MASK, was scheduled to perform in Chicago, Illinois on Saturday (10MAR07), but cancelled the show last month (FEB07). The comedian won a CableACE Award for one of his HBO TV specials, and went on to star in his own short-lived sitcom, PLATYPUS MAN. In 2004, Jeni was named number 57 on US TV network Comedy Central's list of the 100 greatest stand-up comedians of all time.