'Seinfeld' Actor Michael Richards Shares his Private Battle with Prostate Cancer in 2018

A health battle motivated Michael Richards, famous for his role as Kramer on Seinfeld, to pen his upcoming memoir, Entrances and Exits.

The 74-year-old actor reveals his experience of being diagnosed with stage 1 prostate cancer in 2018 in his new book, set to release on Tuesday, June 4. In an interview with People on Thursday, May 23, Richards shared, "I thought, well, this is my time. I'm ready to go."

Richards shared that his son, Antonio, was the inspiration for him to fight against the illness. When he thought about his 9-year-old son, he realized he wanted to be there for him. He wanted to find a way to extend his life a little longer. (Richards also has a daughter named Sophia with his ex-wife, Cathleen Lyons.)

Richards mentioned that his cancer needed to be dealt with quickly, so he underwent surgery to remove his entire prostate. He believed that if he hadn't gone through with the full surgery, he would have passed away in about eight months.

His cancer battle was one of the reasons why he decided to reflect on his life in his new book. With over 40 journals to draw stories from, he wanted to connect with his feelings and memories as he turned 75. Surprisingly, he was able to recall a lot from his past.

Seinfeld, which aired from 1989 to 1998, was a successful show that ran for nine seasons. Despite appearing in other TV shows and films like Walk the Light, Kirstie, and Faith, Hope & Love, Richards' career took a hit when he made a racist outburst during a stand-up comedy gig in 2006 at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood.

Seinfeld Star Michael Richards Reveals He Privately Battled Prostate Cancer in 2018 3

Michael Richards, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jerry Seinfeld, and Jason Alexander. Cover Images

During a tense exchange, Richards used a racial slur towards an audience member. The incident was captured on video and later went viral. As a result, Richards publicly apologized for his actions on an episode of the Late Show With David Letterman.

In an interview with We in October 2015, Richards referred to the incident as a "reality check." He explained that he had only been performing stand-up comedy for about seven or eight months at the time. Richards admitted that he lost his patience that night due to constant heckling from the audience, causing him to lose his composure. Despite the incident, Richards stated that he has moved on from the situation.

He admitted to People on Thursday that he immediately regretted his actions, which he delved deeper into in his book. Richards felt the damage was internal, prompting him to step away from the entertainment industry. He realized it was time to take a break, reflect on the root of his anger, and work on improving himself.

Following his decision to step back, Richards has been focusing on self-improvement through learning and healing. He has received support from his family and has delved into studying philosophy and religion. Despite the challenges he faced, Richards has maintained a strong friendship with his former costar Jerry Seinfeld, who even wrote the forward for Richards' memoir. Reflecting on his experiences, Richards believes life has its ups and downs, but it's all part of the journey.

Editor's P/S:

Michael Richards' memoir, "Entrances and Exits," provides a raw and intimate account of his personal struggles, including his battle with stage 1 prostate cancer and the aftermath of his racist outburst in 2006. Richards' candid reflection on his experiences, from the highs of his career to the lows of personal adversity, offers valuable insights into the human condition. His resilience and determination to overcome challenges serve as a testament to the power of self-reflection and the importance of finding support from loved ones.

The memoir also sheds light on the enduring impact of the 2006 incident, which Richards acknowledges as a "reality check" that forced him to confront his own anger and prejudice. His decision to step away from the spotlight and focus on personal growth demonstrates his commitment to accountability and his desire to become a better person. Richards' journey, as chronicled in "Entrances and Exits," is a poignant reminder of the complexities of human nature and the transformative potential of adversity.