"Seinfeld" 20 Years Later | 1 of 7

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The Cast of "Seinfeld"

SEINFELD, Jason Alexander, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jerry Seinfeld, Michael Richards, 1990-1998

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xevious

xevious

October 01, 2009 - 09:48 AM GMT

Before Seinfeld, these actors were unknown to most people, on the C-List roster. Seinfeld brought about a unique chemistry that really worked, for as long as Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld could come up with new material.

Jason Alexander flourished in the role of George. He simply worked so well for it, because his default acting style and appearance melded with the role. And as the show went on, it was tailored to him. Everybody sees him as "George". It's incredibly hard not to.

For Jason, it's a double edged sword. He can't really get very much in the way of desirable acting roles, yet he's a major multi-millionaire from the Seinfeld franchise. He did his "big thing"... i don't think he'll ever top George Costanza. But that's not so bad... there are plenty of actors that have labored for many years up until retirement and simply made a "decent paying" wage from their efforts. No hit show windfall. Better to have one major hit and that's all, rather than a long line of unmemorable efforts.

Julia Louise Dreyfus was great as Elaine. Sure, she's not the best actress that they could have gotten, but Julia was able to conjure up some amazing mannerisms that totally worked for the scenes. In many episodes, she made it all come together. Her first foray outside of Seinfeld flopped. Now she's pitching "Old Christine". It's not a bad show, but truth be told it would flop completely if it weren't for Wanda Sykes. Julia is now just an "older Elaine" in this role. She's kind of flat. I don't see the appeal. Yet, Julia seems to be trying very hard. I think the show will limp along for another year or two then close. She'll never make it as a serious actress, because of the Seinfeld legacy. As for future comedy, well, she'd have to show more depth and range in her comedic style. I'm not sure she can pull it off. But again, she's set for life financially and has a place in sitcom history.

Michael Richards didn't really accomplish much prior to Seinfeld. And his first interpretation of Kramer was forgettable. However, he eventually found his niche within the role and was able to bring it to life, with the help of the producers and directors, making him the most edgy character of the Seinfeld series. He was the icing on the cake, so to speak. I think he did a fabulous job with the role, very believable in his crazy insane perception of the world around him. To then go off and start a show titled by his name "The Michael Richards Show" was so ARROGANT and egotistical. He didn't have the clout to pull of such an endeavor, and that came to fruition by how badly the show failed. He is so typecast by the Cosmo Kramer character that he'll likely never break completely free of it. As such, he should have spent his time reinventing himself, pursuing advanced acting classes and seeking out small roles that he could get because of his Seinfeld clout, and drive hard to prove his acting range. But no... he had to believe he was much more than he really was. The crowning achievement was his arrogant response in that comedy club. Very unfortunate coincidence that someone was able to video record it well enough so that he could be heard. But maybe that was a good thing. A wake-up call that he's not so invincible as he thought he was. I can't see him doing much else, given that serious social gaffe he committed. But that Seinfeld cash cow legacy... he doesn't have to work again, really.

Jerry Seinfeld has been the most adept at managing his post Seinfeld series career. He was smart to go back to stand-up. He's so amazingly wealthy that he certainly doesn't have to work ever again. So, why work hard going forward? Work small and smart, enjoying life to the fullest. He seems to be doing that. Do a stand-up gig in Las Vegas for $150 a ticket, then wait a couple of years to do it again and exhibit the new material he has culminated in between shows. And now he's going to make that appearance on Curb Your Enthusiasm with o

chuck3434

chuck3434

July 11, 2009 - 08:55 PM GMT

man sinefield had alot of hair. man how could he stand it.

Lord Plye Wood

Lord Plye Wood

July 07, 2009 - 08:41 AM GMT

I was at a meeting of my secret "club," whose name I won't reveal except to say the initials of the club are "A.A." Anyway, at one of our meetings, we had a speaker, a lawyer, whose story was very entertaining. He reminded me of someone. I finally realized that he reminded me a LOT of "Shakey" the Mohel, the rabinical surgeon from the "Bris" episode. It wasn't him, but he was one of the best, most entertaining AA speakers I'd heard in 10 years.

peanutbuttertemp

peanutbuttertemp

July 06, 2009 - 10:53 PM GMT

where did my comment go from yesterday? Who would take it down? All I said was that it was it one of the most brilliant shows on television, much better and much more memorable than any of the sitcoms today. And it wasn't the show about nothing - it was the show about EVERYTHING! :-)

TigerDn

TigerDn

July 06, 2009 - 04:26 PM GMT

It wasn't Elaine that coined the phrase "yada, yada, yada". It was George's date , who hooked up with her old boyfriend for an all nighter, and said "yada, yada, yada" to avoid explaining the details.

Sandra H

Sandra H

July 06, 2009 - 03:57 PM GMT

loved, loved, loved this show. I still watch the re-runs everyday. I can't decide whom I like the most. I can't imagine the show without Jerry, Elaine, George or Kramer. I love when I catch one of them in a new production. I loved Jason Alexander (George) in Shallow Hal. If in fact Michael Richards does feel hatred for any race, I hope he has worked that out and I do wish him more success. I think any of them could do well in any kind of role. You cannot be successful that many years and not have real talent. I would love to see an hour movie of their life now. Kramer could have like 3 kids that look like him. Elaine could still be looking for the right one and then her and Jerry could hookup again. George could be a stand up comedian like Jerry, but he would act insecure and scream at the crowd..... I don't know but I would love to see them again!!!!

Luke1139

Luke1139

July 06, 2009 - 10:41 AM GMT

With Reality TV shows getting so much attention television Networks have forgotten how to make original sitcoms, I really do miss Seinfeld and Must See TV.

Franki

Franki

July 06, 2009 - 09:23 AM GMT

Richards career never had what it took to be successful on it's own. He only got notice by the help of others..."Fridays!", Weird "Al" and "Seinfeld". That night club incident didn't ruin his career...it just closed the lid on the box. He was funny on "UHF".

klibankatz

klibankatz

July 06, 2009 - 07:23 AM GMT

Ease up on Michael Richards, guys. He did a horrible, stupid thing, but who of us hasn't? Long before Seinfeld, I became a fan of his when he was a regular on a brilliant comedy show called "Fridays". Also on that show were Larry David and the actor who played the Rabbi on Seinfeld. Michael is a gifted entertainer, and one incident of poor behaviour shouldn't be allowed to ruin his career.

klibankatz

klibankatz

July 06, 2009 - 07:09 AM GMT

Julia also suffered the post-Seinfeld curse, with her short flop serious called "Watching Ellie". Wayne Knight is a superb, undervalued comic actor. I loved the backward show in India.