His recently released memoir, Entrances and Exits, a candid, insightful, humorous, and complex memoir about his life and storied career with Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, Jason Alexander, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and other iconic figures in show business, added “New York Times bestselling author” to his already illustrious credits.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, grew up playing on nearby studio backlots nourished by silent era comedies, television sitcoms and movies while finding comfort in nature and the Los Angeles landscape. He discovered a love of acting in school and was an award-winning standout in National Forensic League competitions.

Throughout high school and college, he acted in theater productions and stand-up comedy clubs before being drafted into the army during the Vietnam War era.

As a student at CalArts, Richards became a student of the avant-garde and was influenced by Allen Kaprow, Grotowksy, Ionesco, Pinter and Becket. Later he began performing in L.A.’s legendary Comedy Store and Improv, coming up in a red-hot comedy scene alongside Robin Williams, Sam Kinison, and Jay Leno.

Starting in 1980, he spent three seasons starring on the sketch comedy show Fridays where he first worked with Larry David and famously collaborated with Andy Kaufman. Following that series, which remains revered for its edgy work and deep roster of talent, he spent the decade guest-starring on Night Courts, St. Elsewhere, Miami Vice, Cheers and other top shows of the day. He also had memorable roles in cult comedy films Transylvania 6-5000, UHF, Airheads, and Problem Child. He also starred in the Diane Keaton-directed drama Unstrung Heroes.

Richards has also won two Screen Actors Guild awards and been nominated for various honors more than 20 times. Read Less ^