TV Shows
‘Seinfeld’ Nearly Had Different Stars Playing George, Kramer and Elaine, Book Reveals
The casting of Seinfeld could have turned out very differently, according to details revealed in Blake J. Harris’ book, Emperor of Nothing: The Making of Larry David.
The new Larry David biography revisits the creation of the hit sitcom he cocreated with Jerry Seinfeld and reveals which actors were considered for the roles of Jerry’s close friends, Elaine, George, and Kramer.
“When you’re starting the casting of something,” casting director Marc Hirschfeld explained, per Harris via Entertainment Weekly, “you just sort of start writing down anyone who you think might be in the zone.”
“Keep in mind that these initial lists are really just a starting point. It doesn’t mean everyone on that list will be contacted, and even if they are, you have no idea if they’ll be available or even interested,” Hirschfeld added.
According to Harris, several actors were considered for the role of Jerry’s eccentric neighbor, Cosmo Kramer, including Larry Hankin, Hector Elizondo, Harry Dean Stanton, Dan Hedaya, Eugene Levy, and Joe Pesci.
The part eventually went to Michael Richards. He went on to win the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series three times, taking home the award in 1993, 1994 and 1997, per the Television Academy.
Meanwhile, actors “in the zone” for Jason Alexander’s George Costanza included Adam Arkin, Anthony Edwards, Rick Moranis, as well as Jim Carrey, Paul Feig and Robert Wuhl.
For the role of Elaine Benes, Harris named Patricia Heaton, Wendie Malick, Rosie O’Donnell, and Megan Mullally among the actresses who were considered for the role.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus ultimately secured the role, winning the Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television Golden Globe award in 1994, and the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Emmy in 1996.
Seinfeld ran for nine seasons from 1989 to 1998. David, 79, tapped Seinfeld, 72, Louis-Dreyfus, 65, Alexander, 67, and Richards, 77, for a fictional reunion in season 9 of Curb Your Enthusiasm.
