Michael Richards, the former "Seinfeld" star, opens up about the aftermath of his 2006 racial outburst in his upcoming memoir, "Entrances and Exits." Richards delves into the insecurities that followed and how he's transformed his downfall into a life lesson, emphasizing that he's not seeking a comeback.
Michael Richards, the beloved "Seinfeld" star who portrayed the eccentric Cosmo Kramer, has embarked on a profound journey of self-improvement following his controversial racial outburst in 2006. In his upcoming memoir, "Entrances and Exits," Richards candidly shares the aftermath of that life-altering night, the insecurities that plagued him, and his transformative process of turning adversity into a life lesson.
"I was immediately sorry the moment I said it onstage," Richards told People magazine about his past rant during a stand-up show. "I'm not looking for a comeback."
Richards acknowledges that his anger was uncontrolled and deeply rooted. Rather than shying away from it, he chose to confront it head-on, embarking on a path of self-discovery. He delved into the origins of his anger, recognizing the impact of internalized self-doubt and the need for self-acceptance.
"I'm not racist," Richards asserts. "I have nothing against Black people. The man who told me I wasn’t funny had just said what I’d been saying to myself for a while. I felt put down. I wanted to put him down."
Richards' memoir promises to be a raw and introspective reflection on his life and the complexities of human nature. It will explore his experiences as a child of divorce, his struggles with fame, and his ongoing quest for self-understanding.
"My book is a hymn to the irrational, the senseless spirit that breaks the whole into pieces, a reflection on the seemingly absurd difficulties that intrude upon us all," Richards said.
Richards also delves into the evolution of his beloved "Seinfeld" character, Cosmo Kramer, and how the immense fame associated with the role affected his self-esteem. Despite the character's popularity, Richards admits to feeling a disconnect from the joy of being an artist.
"Somehow I couldn’t connect to the joy of being an artist," he told People. "I was a good character actor, but I was comfortable being the character, not in being me."
Fame, Richards reveals, amplified his insecurities. He declined offers for a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and to host "Saturday Night Live" because he felt unworthy. He acknowledges that his self-doubt stemmed from a deep-seated fear of not measuring up.
Richards' journey of self-improvement is an ongoing process, marked by both challenges and triumphs. He emphasizes the importance of learning from past mistakes and embracing both the light and the darkness within each of us.
"I continue to work through the day and the night, the light and the dark that I am," Richards said.
"Entrances and Exits" is set to be released on June 4. In it, Michael Richards shares his personal experiences and insights, offering a compelling look at the human capacity for growth, forgiveness, and self-acceptance.
