He is best known for playing the role of Cosmo Kramer on the popular television sitcom Seinfeld from 1989 to 1998.
And on Wednesday, Michael Richards looked unrecognizable as he surprised fans with a rare TV appearance.
The American actor, 74, looked very different from his time on the show, sporting gray hair as he spoke about his new memoir Entry and Exit on Channel Seven’s Sunrise.
During the interview, Michael revealed why he decided to write a memoir 18 years after stepping away from the spotlight.
“It’s a memory from my current age of 75, and I have a lot to talk about from when I was little to getting to show business,” he explained.
Michael Richards looked unrecognizable and shocked fans when he made a rare television appearance on Wednesday.
‘Without a doubt, how I became an actor and how I discovered myself as an artist. I was working on my journals and started writing about the Seinfeld show and as I got into it, it started to turn into a book.
He also spoke about his infamous rant at Laugh Factory in 2006, where he exploded with anger and hurled racist insults at hecklers during a stand-up show.
‘Ultimately, I had to start with that forgiveness in myself. How do I get out of such a despicable night? Bad night. Horrible night. He said horrible things. “That was 18 years ago,” he admitted.
‘There was a lot of self-reflection. And going deeper into myself. It’s interesting how a situation like that is a catalyst for moving towards a better self. That’s all. Recovery, forgiveness and reconciliation.’
The American actor, 74, looked very different from his time on Seinfeld as he discussed his new memoir Entrances and Exits on Channel Seven’s Sunrise.
In November 2006, shocking footage emerged of Richards repeatedly calling an audience member, who was interrupting his performance, a racial slur.
‘Throw his ass… He’s a *****! Look, there’s a *****!’ Richards can be heard saying in the video.
During his meltdown, Richards repeatedly called black audience members ‘n*****’ while yelling, ‘Fifty years ago we would have you face down with a fucking fork up your ass.’
After the shocking incident, he turned to David Letterman to express his regret, stating, “I’m really devastated by this and I’m very, very sorry.” I’m not racist, that’s what’s crazy about this. I said some pretty nasty things to some African Americans, a lot of swear words.
During the interview, Michael revealed why he decided to write a memoir 18 years after stepping away from the spotlight.
The father of two continued: ‘You know, I’m an artist… I go further; I work very uncontrollably on stage. I do a lot of free association, it’s spontaneous, I get into character.’
According The GuardianAt the time, his two-minute tirade left the audience “confused” and “unsure whether the extreme language was part of Richards’ act.”
The publication noted that at one point, “the target of Richards’ comments yelled at him multiple times, telling him that the insults were unnecessary.”
“I have a lot of life to talk about since I was little and until I got to show business,” he explained. Richards’ new memoir is now available
