Seinfeld star Michael Richards tears up after revealing he was born after stranger raped his mom

Seinfeld actor Michael Richards became emotional in a recent interview after a heartbreaking part of his past was revealed.

The comedian sat down for an explosive interview with Entertainment Tonight, which explored many aspects of his life and career.

Richards famously withdrew from stand-up in 2006 after a video was sent to TMZ showing him responding to hecklers at comedy club The Laugh Factory with a racist tirade, including using the n-word.

The comedian told how he had reacted to the incident, telling Entertainment Tonight's Nischelle Turner how he had 'cancelled himself' when TMZ published the clip.

Michael Richards opened up about his mom. (Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images)

Explaining, he said: "After that club incident I withdrew, and I needed to view that kind of behavior - what the heck is behind all this?

"Losing it the way I lost it... it was a catalyst, it took me deeper into myself, my life, my family, the world."

Richards is currently releasing his memoir, Entrances and Exits, and the book contains a harrowing part of his past which he also touched on with Turner.

This was how Richards found out that he had been born after his mom was raped by a stranger.

The topic was touched on the interview, with Richards becoming emotional speaking about it.

He said: "This is very deep stuff. I didn't know about the rape. So, you know."

The comedian then trailed off as he became visibly upset by the thought, before being quick to add that he did not want to use the tragedy as a way to make himself seem more sympathetic after the club incident.

"I don't want any pity. I'm coming clean with you because we're human," he told Turner.

He went on to say that he was not seeking out a return to comedy, saying: "I'm not out here for that. I don't even have an agent."

Explaining why he had opened up, he added: "This is close to my heart and soul."

Richards has been supported by Jerry Seinfeld over the years. (Matt Winkelmeyer/WireImage)

In the book, Richards also opens up about how his mother had initially planned to have an abortion or put him up for adoption.

He described that this had left him with the feeling of 'unwantedness'.

The comedian added: "Opening up the way I am, I think it's part of the apology. It's one thing to say you're sorry, but I think it's important - and I've said this in the flap of my book - when it affects so many people, I think then you do have to come out and say, what the hell happened? And show us where you're going with this."

UNILAD has reached out to representatives of Michael Richards for comment.