Comedian Richard Jeni, 45, found dead of gunshot wound, possible suicide

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. -- Standup comedian Richard Jeni, a regular on the "Tonight Show" and in movies, has died of a gunshot wound in an apparent suicide, police said. He was 45.

Jeni was found alive by police but gravely injured in a West Hollywood home when they responded to a call Saturday morning from Jeni's girlfriend, said Los Angeles Police Officer Norma Eisenman.

Eisenman said the caller told police: "My boyfriend shot himself in the face."

Jeni died at a nearby hospital.

Eisenman said suicide had not been officially confirmed and the investigation was continuing.

Jeni regularly toured the country with a standup act and had starred in several HBO comedy specials, most recently "A Big Steaming Pile of Me" during the 2005 to 2006 season.

Another HBO special, "Platypus Man," won a Cable ACE award for best standup comedy special, and formed the basis for his UPN sitcom of the same name that ran for one season.

Jeni's movie credits included "The Mask," in which he played Jim Carrey's best friend, "The Aristocrats," "National Lampoon's Dad's Week Off," and "An Alan Smithee Film: Burn, Hollywood, Burn."

Jeni became a frequent guest on "The Tonight Show" during Johnny Carson's reign and continued to appear after Jay Leno took over as host.

He also wrote comic material for the 2005 Academy Awards, which was hosted by his friend Chris Rock.