Michael Richards, best known for his role as ‘Kramer’ on the iconic sitcom ‘Seinfeld,’ made a long-awaited return to the comedy stage, addressing the 2006 incident that marked a dramatic shift in his career. The comedian took the stage for his first public performance in nearly two decades, marking the start of his new tour titled ‘Michael Richards: An Evening of Conversations, Questions and Answers.’ The event provided a platform for Richards to talk about his past, the incident that changed his life, and his decision to stay away from the spotlight for nearly 17 years.
Richards described the incident as a moment that led him to reflect deeply on his life and career. ‘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 told the audience. The comedian recounted how he was heckled during a stand-up performance, which led to a racist outburst. Richards admitted that he had initially tried to channel the moment as a form of comedy, but it ultimately turned into a very public and damaging situation.
Following the incident, Richards stepped away from the entertainment industry, choosing a path of self-reflection and personal growth. ‘I thought I would just back off and step into myself apart from show business,’ he stated. Over the next 17 years, Richards focused on his inner life, spending time in nature and exploring his thoughts and feelings. The comedian also shared how he found a deeper sense of purpose, which he described as ‘faith in creation’ and a belief in the power of personal growth and redemption.
Richards’ journey took him away from the fast-paced world of Hollywood, where he had once thrived. During this time, the comedian received many offers to return to the acting world, but he chose to remain away. ‘I took lots of calls from people who wanted to offer me a route back into acting,’ he said. ‘But something else wanted me to stay alone, to be a reclusive.’
Despite his long absence, Richards’ former co-stars and colleagues have remained supportive. Notably, his ‘Seinfeld’ co-star Jerry Seinfeld remains his friend, and even the character of Kramer has been a fan favorite. Although Richards has largely stepped away from stand-up, his work on ‘Seinfeld’ and his other projects have left a lasting impact on popular culture. Now, with his return, Richards is not only re-establishing his presence in the world of comedy but also reflecting on the journey that brought him back to the stage.