The Many Faces of George Costanza
George Costanza, the neurotic, insecure, and spectacularly selfish best friend, was based on co-creator Larry David himself. Finding the right actor was a huge challenge. Before Jason Alexander made the role his own, a stunning array of famous names were
considered. According to Alexander and reports over the years, the list included powerhouse actor Danny DeVito, who was reportedly offered the role but turned it down, likely due to his booming film career at the time. Other contenders were as varied as future stand-up legend Chris Rock, 'Boardwalk Empire' star Steve Buscemi, and even talk show host Rosie O'Donnell. David Letterman's bandleader, Paul Shaffer, was also a serious consideration. Alexander himself thought the part would go to Jerry Seinfeld's real-life friend, comedian Larry Miller, but his unique take on the character, inspired by Woody Allen, ultimately won the producers over.
The Search for Elaine Benes
Elaine Benes wasn't even in the original pilot. NBC executives felt the show was too male-centric and demanded a strong female lead. The character, based on ex-girlfriends of both Seinfeld and David, was added in the second episode. Before Julia Louis-Dreyfus secured her career-defining role, several other actresses were in the running. Comedian Rosie O'Donnell was a top contender and auditioned for the part. Patricia Heaton, who would later star in 'Everybody Loves Raymond,' also auditioned but felt her chemistry read with Jerry wasn't quite right. Megan Mullally, future star of 'Will & Grace,' was another frontrunner who came very close to getting the part before Louis-Dreyfus's audition sealed the deal. In a fun meta-twist, Mariska Hargitay, another candidate, later appeared on 'Seinfeld' as an actress auditioning for the role of Elaine in Jerry and George's fictional sitcom pilot.
The Unpredictable Path to Kramer
Cosmo Kramer, the bizarre, energetic neighbor, is nearly impossible to imagine being played by anyone other than Michael Richards. The character was based on Larry David's real-life former neighbor, Kenny Kramer. Initially, the character was written as more of a slow-witted recluse. Larry Hankin, known to many as Mr. Heckles on 'Friends,' was a top choice and was told by David that he resembled the real Kramer more than Richards did. However, Michael Richards' explosive, physical audition completely redefined the part. Before Richards' game-changing read, other notable actors considered for the role included Tony Shalhoub, who would later star in 'Monk'—a role Richards himself turned down years later. Veteran actors Jeffrey Tambor and James Cromwell also auditioned for the part of the quirky neighbor who would become a pop culture icon.
The One Constant: Jerry
While the roles of George, Elaine, and Kramer were wide open, the center of the show was never in doubt. NBC executives approached Jerry Seinfeld to develop a sitcom for him to star in, making him the anchor from day one. The entire premise was built around a fictionalized version of his life and his stand-up comedy. While other actors were considered for his friends, the part of Jerry was tailor-made for Seinfeld himself. The casting process became a search for the perfect foils to his specific comedic persona. The success of Jason Alexander, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Michael Richards was not just in their individual talent, but in how their unique energies bounced off Seinfeld's central performance. It was this specific, irreplaceable combination that created the magic, proving that while many could have been in the show, only this exact group could have made it 'Seinfeld'.
