I would like to answer a question that many of you probably are asking today: No, Michael Richards is not Jewish.
Michael Richards is not a Jew.
As Cosmo Kramer in “Seinfeld,” Richards played one on TV. But he himself is not Jewish — not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Richards lashed out a heckler at the Laugh Factory last Friday, spitting out the “N” word without humor and with abandon. Audience members booed, several walked out, then Richards himself walked off stage.
The incident was caught on a cellphone camera and posted at the TMZ.com Web site, where it ignited a firestorm of criticism against Richards. Richards apologized on “The Late Show With David Letterman” Monday night. “I was at a comedy club trying to do my act, and I got heckled, and I took it badly and went into a rage,” he said. “For me to be in a comedy club and flip out and say this crap, I’m deeply, deeply sorry. I’m not a racist. That’s what’s so insane about this.”
Fellow comedians and fans have been quick to criticize Richards — and misrepresent his religious background. Comedian Paul Rodriquez held a press conference at the Laugh Factory, saying that Richards should know better, because the Hollywood community defended Jews against actor Mel Gibson’s anti-Semitic tirades.
The implication was that Richards, a Jew, should not be launching racist attacks. He shouldn’t, but he also isn’t Jewish.
“Someone needs to tell Rodriquez that Michael isn’t a Jew,” said a television director who has known Richards for years. The two worked together in 1980 on ABC’s “Fridays” television show and have remained in touch ever since.
According to sources familiar with Richards, the actor was raised Catholic. A biography of him on the Wikipedia web site lists no religion, but does say Richards is very involved in the Masons.
And by the way, yes, I think he’s a bigot. That kind of stuff does not come from nowhere. Just as Mel Gibson’s anti-Semitism came to the fore in his drunken rage, I’m thinking that Richards knew exactly what he was saying. I watched the video, and my jaw just dropped.
But at least people don’t get to blame this one on the Jews.
Even if Richards *were* Jewish, Rodriguez’ comments would be wrong. A single wacky TV comedian is not representative of all Jews (or all any group) and does not speak for all Jews (or all any group).
Gary, come on now, are you expecting people not to blame all Jews for the behavior of any Jew?
Because if you are, I think we need to perform an intervention and get you out of that Lala Land you’re living in.
(But of course, we’re only doing it because we love you.)
*This post is dripping with sarcasm, and may be quoted in its entirety without charge.
After watching the Michael Richards video, I will have to say that I am surprised that he lost it like that on stage. Not that the same might have come out of any human being at any time in the same circumstance.
I worked for 5 years in event management planning. The crowds were 500-50,000 people. I have noticed that when certain people “buy” a ticket to an event, with or without alcohol, in their mind they have the idea that they can do whatever they want to at the event. Please read the back of the ticket to any public event.
The video of Michael Richards on stage is strange to me. The cost of the tickets had to be over $30 per person I would bet. Where do people buy tickets at that cost, to see people that they DON’t THINK ARE FUNNY. Then the ignorance shows when one guy out of the group mispronounces the show Seinfeld, as he yells to heckle Michael Richards.
Richards was on the cutting edge of comedy in the 90’s and although I have never had a beer with him, I would have to imagine that he holds an above average IQ. It is a shame that I can’t say that about the audience that evening.
Good Luck Michael Richards!
Back of the ticket or no back of the ticket, there isn’t a stand-up comedian in the world that doesn’t know heckling is part of stand-up comedy.
And then there’s the little point about Richards’ response being racist, uncalled for, and pretty despicable.
I can’t believe you’re looking for excuses for that rant.
To #3 Mitch,
Do you not realize that mispronouning words have nothing to do with ones IQ?
I for ones mispronounce many many words, just can’t say or spit out many others. But, I have an extremely high IQ, like so many others who mispronounce words.
I am sure that there are racists with high IQ’s, in fact Hitler had to have an extremely high IQ to be able to pull off what he did in his country. All racism is wicked and evil.
Your seeking excuses for Michael Richards is unexcusable and your own way of condoning such behavior as no big deal because in your heart you have many of the same feelings that Richards expressed like many other White Americans, but do not have the guts to admit because you know it is politically incorrect. But, always remember the truth that such racist feelings are most importantly wicked. As in demonic.
D.Walker,
Please define”extremeely high”
I don’t know how accurate that “Jew-watch” list is – Telly Savalas is on it and he was Greek Orthodox, not Jewish. Not everyone with a big nose is jewish.
Judas, if you call your web site “Jew Watch” and see malign Jewish influence behind every bad thing ever, your facts on Jews may not be 100% accurate. To a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. To a Jew-hater, every problem looks like a Jew.
Bookmistress, Judas is an anti-Semite, as is the site he was promoting. I don’t know how he slipped through comments moderation, but he’s gone now. Fuck him, and fuck his Jew-hating website.
Man, I miss out on all the fun.
;o)>
That’s funny about Telly Savalas. Misidentification of Jews can go both ways. Many people think Kevin Youkillis of the Red Sox is Greek.
Someone needs to tell his newly hired PR guy, Howard Rubenstein as well that he’s not a jew: http://tinyurl.com/yygmez
According to the article I referred to above, he put some anti-semitic commentary into his earlier comedic routines. If he were Jewish (as his misinformed PR handler maintains he is (also reported here: http://tv.yahoo.com/news/ap/20061123/116427834000.htm and here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15859121/)) he would certainly have some license as a comedian to do that. Making people confront their predjudices is a large part of what comedy is. On the other hand, while a Jewish Michael Richards might not be a logical reason to “blame it on the Jews” he does show an especial insensitivity in that he not only used the N-word but referred sadistically to hanging as well. If he’s really not Jewish, it looks like he’s an anti-semite as well as a bigot. To think Larry David let him play a major role on Seinfeld. Uusch.
The first like above doesn’t work. Try this one: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061123/ap_on_en_tv/michael_richards