Michael Richards spotted on first outing in two years

Michael Richards was seen out for the first time in two years during a shopping trip at Melrose Place in West Hollywood earlier this week.

The 76-year-old actor wore dark pants, a dark jacket, boots and glasses during the outing.

Richards spoke about leaving Hollywood during a 2024 appearance on the Today show. He said he had withdrawn after making racist remarks at a comedy club in 2006.

"I canceled myself out. Take an exodus. Get away from show business to see what the heck is going on inside me to have been so despicable that night, losing my cool and hurting people," he said.

He added that he is now "probably more aware of myself" and that anger had been a problem. "Looking at it very closely, it's something that's always with us, certainly with me," Richards said. "Not as horrible as it was 18 years ago. Anger had a hold of me."

Richards said he has apologized for the 2006 incident and has come to terms with what happened.

He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018. In 2024 he returned to public view with the release of his memoir, Entrances and Exits.

In an interview with Jay Leno after the book came out, Richards said he wanted to review his life. "Now in my 70s, having passed through a bout with cancer, I wanted to review my life, have a written account of myself for my fans and family," he said. "I don’t get out much. I’m a very private man. The book has been my way of coming out and saying hello."

"If I make a mistake, I’ll embrace it and say, 'OK, let’s get through this,' rather than trying to bulls--- myself out of it," he added.