Seinfeld star Michael Richards, famous for playing the role of Cosmo Kramer from 1989 to 1998, went for a hike in Los Angeles, California, looking noticeably different.
Ever since his fall from grace following a racist incident involving a Black fan, 70-year-old Richards has been in hiding from the public eye. Despite his fall from grace, Richards is still worth an estimated $45 million.
It was a rare appearance for the actor, and it seems that he has grown himself a full beard while most of the country has been on lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In the photo captured, Richards appeared to be taking a break from a hiking and biking adventure as he sat with his feet up in the trunk of his car.
The comedian has kept somewhat of a low profile over the years, particularly after his infamous racist rant in 2006 which he has since apologized for.
In 2012, Richards opened up to his former co-star Jerry Seinfeld about the incident in his show Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee.
During the candid interview with his former Seinfeld co-star, Richards admits he is still haunted by the incident, saying: ‘It broke me down.’
More details of this story from AWM:
In the November 2006 incident, which was caught on camera, Richards screamed at a heckler in his audience and referred to the critic as a “n****r.” The video was filmed at the Laugh Factory in West Hollywood, where Richards had been invited to perform a standup comedy routine. Since the career-ending incident, Richards has largely remained in hiding since he has found it practically impossible to land a job.
In the alarming footage, Michael Richards hurls racial slurs and abuse at the critic, demanding that security at the comedy club do his bidding and “Throw his ass out… He’s a n*****! Look there’s a n*****!”
When speaking to Seinfeld about being a “selfless” comedy performer during the pity interview, Richards said, “That’s a lesson I learned… when I blew it in the comedy club. I lost my temper because somebody interrupted my act and said some things that hurt me, and I lashed out in anger.”
He added, “I should have been working selflessly that evening. It was a selfish response. I took it too personally, and I should have just said: ‘Yeah, you’re absolutely right. I’m not funny. I think I’ll go home and work on my material, and I’ll see you tomorrow night.’ But – you know – it was just one of those nights.”
Richards admitted, “I busted up after that event… It broke me down.”
Seinfeld publicly supported Richards following his racist outburst. During the 2012 appearance on the interview format show, he thanked the billionaire, saying: “And thanks for sticking by me. It meant a lot to me. ‘But inside, it still kicks me around.”
Source: AWM