'Seinfeld's' Michael Richards Shares Private Battle With Prostate Cancer In 2018: Without Surgery I'd Be 'Dead In About 8 Months'
A struggle with his health motivated former 'Seinfeld' star Michael Richards to pen his forthcoming memoir "Entrances and Exits."
In the new memoir, the actor, famously known for his portrayal of Cosmo Kramer on USA Network's Seinfeld (1989-1999,) recounted his experience of being diagnosed with stage 1 prostate cancer in 2018. Reflecting on his diagnosis, Richards shared with PEOPLE in an interview published Thursday how he "thought, well, this is my time. I'm ready to go."
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Richards, 74, shared that his determination to overcome the illness was fueled by his son, Antonio, whom he shares with his wife Beth Skipp. Recalling the pivotal moment, he revealed, "But then my son came to mind just a few seconds later, and I heard myself saying, 'I've got a 9-year-old and I'd like to be around for him.' 'Is there any way I can get a little more life going?' "
Richards is also the father of daughter Sophia with his ex-wife Cathleen Lyons.
Richards revealed that his cancer required swift containment, leading to a decision for him to undergo surgery to remove his entire prostate. Reflecting on the urgency of the situation, he elaborated, "I had to go for the full surgery. If I hadn't, I probably would have been dead in about eight months."
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In his memoir, he named the "over 40 journals I'd kept over the years and wanted to do a full review of my life. I'm turning 75, so maybe wanting to do that is something that comes with being my age."
"I wanted to connect with feelings and memory," the comedian continued. "I'm surprised at how much I was able to remember."
The book will also detail the significant career setback after his racist outburst during a 2006 stand-up comedy performance at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood.
Richards admitted how he "was immediately sorry the moment I said it onstage," and afterwards, confessed he does not expect to be embraced after the tirade. "I'm not looking for a comeback," he said.
The California native described how he "completely stepped away from show business" because "It was time to disappear and finally pay attention to where all of my anger was coming from."
"Entrances and Exits" is available for purchase on June 4.
