Hiram Kasten’s Journey from Bronx Jazz Clubs to Television Fame!

Hiram Kasten was a comedian and actor best known for his role as Michael on the sitcom “Seinfeld.” He passed away on June 16, 2024, at the age of 71.

Since his birth, Hiram has been predestined with an inclination for performing. He harbored a passion for acting and stand-up comedy from a young age.

Immediately after graduating from college in 1974, Isreal Horovitx cast him in a revival of his play “Line” at the 13th Street Repertory Theatre.

Reportedly, Hiram faced a series of health issues since 2016. Unfortunately, he succumbed to prostate cancer and Crohn’s disease on Sunday.

Hiram Kasten, a Celebrated New York Comedian, Initially Wanted to Make an Acting Career

Hiram Kasten was born on October 30, 1952, in the Bronx, New York, to parents James Kastenbaum and Mildred Polansky.

The late comedian made a name for himself in the entertainment scene during the 1980s and 1990s, performing at New York clubs.

He worked at Pearl’s Place, a jazz club on the Upper East Side, during his initial days.

Likewise, The Comic Strip had become Hiram’s base, where he served as the resident Emcee for several years.

He performed in clubs and cruise ships. Thanks to his triumphant career as a comedian, he traveled the world on luxury cruises such as Royal Viking and more.

According to his IMDb profile, Hiram’s last role on camera was Jim in the 2012 TV series Fumbling Thru the Pieces.

In addition to his role in Seinfeld, he appeared in shows like Mad About You, Saved by the Bell, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Everybody Loves Raymond, and more.

Hiram reportedly wanted to establish an acting career on television, although he was extensively known as a stand-up comedian.

The American comedian Hiram graduated from CUNY Herbert H. Lehman College in 1974, where he studied for a Bachelor of Arts (BA).

Likewise, he also went to William Howard Taft High School in the Bronx, New York.

Hiram Kasten and His Wife, Diana Kisiel, Met at the Club Called “The Big Apple“

Hiram Kasten’s wife, Diana Kisiel from Batavia, New York, was a 2016 Democratic Congressional Candidate to represent the 27th Congressional District of New York.

They crossed paths for the first time in 1981 when Hiram started working at The Big Apple, a club.

Since then, their love for arts and theatre helped them foster a sound relationship for five years until their marriage in 1986.

The couple married on June 15, 1986, in New York, and they celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary just hours before his demise.

Speaking of Diana’s career, she is a politician and a local businesswoman serving as the CEO of Pinnacle Manufacturing Company in Batavia, New York.

She was also the President and owner of Green Prism Technology Group, LLC, from January 2011 until February 2014.

Likewise, Hiram’s wife, Diana, also belonged to the acting fraternity. She had a short-lived acting career with credit for working in the TV series Barwy szczescia.

Diana, a graduate of The Catholic University of America, is committed to protecting social security for future generations.

Hiram was Proud of his Daughter Millicent Jade Kastenbaum, a Graduate of Cornell University

Hiram and Diana shared a daughter, Millicent Jade Kastenbaum, a Juris Doctor degree holder of Fordham University School of Law.

Millicent, a graduate of Cornell University, now serves as Editor-In-Chief of The Fordham Law Moot Court Board.

She previously interned at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Court of International Trade.

Previously, she bagged the Cornell Division of University Relations’ Campus-Community Leadership Award in 2016.

Hiram, a family man, was nothing but proud of Millie’s accomplishments and successful career trajectory.

Meanwhile, we extend our condolence to his wife, Diana, daughter, Millicent, and extended family.