Wow. Here's a shocker for a Sunday afternoon: Comedian Richard Jeni has passed away from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 45 years old (Update: Jeni's web site cites his year of birth as 1957).

According to this AP report (via CNN), Jeni's girlfriend called police and told them "my boyfriend shot himself in the face." Jeni was found in a West Hollywood home barely alive, and he died in the hospital soon afterwards.

You've likely seen Jeni many times, as a guest on various talk shows (he appeared on The Tonight Show often, with both Johnny Carson and Jay Leno), or on HBO specials like Platypus Man or last year's A Big Steaming Pile of Me. He first appeared nationally on a 1990 Showtime special entitled Richard Jeni: Boy From New York City.

Dane Cook just revealed a big secret to his fans on his MySpace and website: he's going to have his very own HBO special! In case you didn't know, an SNL guest spot (which Dane has already conquered... in fact, his appearance created the highest ratings for the show in two years) and an HBO special are two huge milestones in any comedian's career. Dane will return to his hometown of Boston on April 15, 2006 for the taping (in the massive TD Banknorth Garden) and, as of right now, you can take advantage of the pre-sale by coming here and using the password SUFI (Su-Fi is short for "super-finger"... learn more about it here).

Mister Dane Cook, I offer you a hearty congratulations and a fully-deserved "rok on" Su-Fi.