Michael Richards To Return To TV After Racism Controversy Exile

Michael Richards will return to the small screen on TV Land’s comedic pilot Giant Baby after a long absence — following not only the success of Seinfeld, but a race-based controversy in which remarks he made during a stand-up set caused intense backlash.

Michael Richards is undoubtedly best known for his role as Kramer on the 90s comedy hit, and, of the four main characters — Jerry, Elaine, and George as well — Richards’ slapstick absurdity in some ways made Seinfeld work.

But Richards’ comments at a 2006 Laugh Factory appearance forever colored public perception of the comic actor when a heckler spat laced with the n-word and references to lynching went viral. Later, Michael Richards said during a public apology on David Letterman’s show:

“For me to be at a comedy club and to flip out and say this crap, I’m deeply, deeply sorry.”

The Seinfeld star also called Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton to attempt to mend fences with the black community.

Michael Richards’ Giant Baby pilot also stars Cheers and Fat Actress alum Kirstie Alley and is not the only thing the actor has done since Seinfeld. Richards appeared in Jerry Seinfeld’s web comedy series last year and, along with the rest of the cast of the 90s hit, appeared in the Seinfeld reunion arc of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

The Hollywood Reporter describes Michael Richards’ role in Giant Baby:

“Created by Marco Pennette, the comedy revolves around Broadway star Madison Banks (Alley), who reconnects with her long-lost son after the death of his adopted mother. Richards will play Maddie’s limo driver, with Gilles Marini (Brothers Sisters) also booking a guest-star gig as her chef. Perlman will play her assistant and best friend. “

No word on precisely when Richards’ new pilot will air.