The 1990s were all about nothing. And bynothing, we meanSeinfeld. Co-created byJerry SeinfeldandLarry David, this sitcom follows the trials and tribulations of New York City-based stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld (who plays a version of himself) and his mundane misadventures with his fellow self-obsessed friends including Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), George Costanza (Jason Alexander), and Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards). Over the course of its impressive nine season run, the series was nominated for68 Emmys and won 10.
Audiences found solace in watching their favorite narcissistic New Yorkers get frustrated over benign annoyances and happenings, including misunderstandings, double-dipping, awkward dates, and of course, soup. Now that the entire series is available on Netflix, a whole new generation is able to fall in love with Jerry, Elaine, George, and Kramer.
Here’s a character guide toSeinfeldand what the cast has been up to since.
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Jerry Seinfeld (Jerry Seinfeld)
Playing a semi-fictional version of himself, the Jerry from the series is a New York-based stand-up comedian who gets into hilariously bizarre and troubling situations with his ex-girlfriend Elaine, neighbor Kramer, and best pal George. Jerry keeps himself pretty entertained by his friends’ exploits and often gets into the middle of some himself. Much of his storyline deals with his many romantic relationships (most of which have a short shelf life) and his shallow hang-ups. In addition to stand-up, Jerry loves the New York Mets, Superman, and cereal.
Seinfeldrocketed stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld to fame for his sharp observational comedy and clean-cut humor, winning him an Emmy for Best Comedy Series. Post-Seinfeld, he wrote, produced, and starred in the animated filmBee Movieand launched the popular web-turned-Netflix chat seriesComedians in Cars Getting Coffee, which, as the title suggests, features Jerry picking up a comedian (likeRicky Gervais,Amy Schumer,Seth Rogen, andMartin Short) in an antique car to grab some coffee. Seinfeld regularly appears onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonand has popped up onColin Quinn’s YouTube seriesCop Show,Inside Amy Schumer,The Jim Gaffigan Show, andSaturday Night Live. He’s appeared in several documentaries about the history of stand-up comedy and has two successful Netflix specials titledJerry Before SeinfeldandJerry Seinfeld: 23 Hours to Kill. You can also buy his recent bookIs This Anything?wherever books are sold.
Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus)
Elaine Benes is Jerry’s close friend and ex-girlfriend who frequents Jerry’s apartment to vent, seek advice, and grab the occasional snack. She’s a unique combination of straightforward, sensitive, and sarcastic, and, like the others, is very judgmental. Aside from her fairly steady relationship with David Puddy (Patrick Warburton), Elaine also goes on many dates that put her in unpredictable circumstances. Throughout the series, she’s worked in different areas of publishing, and in Season 6, she was hired by hyper businessman and recurring character J. Peterman (John O’Hurley) who involved Elaine in his many grand plans. An iconic moment in the series is when Elaine shows off her shockingly terrible dance skills, much to everyone’s horror. Though she’s one of the core four characters, she didn’t appear in the show until the second episode.
Actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus won an Emmy for her work onSeinfeldand has continued an incredibly successful career since the series wrapped. She won an Emmy for starring as Christine Campbell in the sitcomThe New Adventures of Old ChristinewithClark Gregg,Hamish Linklater, andWanda Sykes, which ran for five seasons. From there, she landed the role of Selina Meyer in the critically acclaimed HBO seriesVeep, earning six consecutive Emmy wins for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. She recently joined theMarvel Cinematic Universe as Valentina Allegra de Fontainein the Disney+ seriesThe Falcon and the Winter Soldier.She’s attachedto an untitled comedy written byKenya BarrisandJonah Hill, which starsEddie Murphy,Molly Gordon, andDavid Duchovny. In 2018, she won the coveted Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards)
Cosmo Kramer, referred to as “Kramer,” is Jerry’s lovable and jittery neighbor. Kramer is known for his physical comedy and outrageous entrances into Jerry’s apartment. The cartoonish, fast-talking friend is always working on the next best invention, jumping from one ultra-specific project to the next whether it’s a bra for men or a coffee table bookaboutcoffee tables. He keeps himself busy with these exploits and odd jobs, which include being an underwear model, working at a bagel shop, and being thevoice of Moviefone. Kramer’s often accompanied on his adventures by Newman (Wayne Knight), Jerry’s neighbor and arch-enemy. The character of Kramer was based on Larry David’s actual quirky neighbor.
Michael Richards won three Emmys for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy for his performance as Kramer. He starred in the short-livedThe Michael Richards Show, and appeared inKirstie,Bee Movie, and as himself inCurb Your Enthusiasm. During a stand-up show in 2006, he went on a racist rant after being provoked by an audience member, and has since maintained a low profile in the public eye.
George Costanza (Jason Alexander)
George Costanza is Jerry’s tightly-wound childhood friend who is consumed by insecurity and lack of self-esteem. He lives with his parents, Frank and Estelle (Jerry StillerandEstelle Harris), but like Kramer and Elaine, is always making himself at home in Jerry’s apartment. George is plagued by jealousy, and finds himself in the middle of convoluted and unfortunate circumstances because of his constant lying. A big part of his storyline is when he joins the New York Yankees administration. Larry David based this character on his real-life friend,Michael Costanza.
Jason Alexander was nominated for several Emmys for playing George Costanza (which he recently joked about in anEmmys sketch). SinceSeinfeld, he’s played a version of himself inCurb Your Enthusiasm, and has appeared in shows includingThe Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,The Grinder,Young Sheldon, andThe Conners. Alexander is also a singer and got his start in theatre, and has since won both a Tony and a Grammy. Next up, he can be heard in the Paramount+ seriesStar Trek: Prodigy.
Newman (Wayne Knight)
Lurking in the halls of Jerry’s apartment is Newman, his theatrical nemesis and neighbor. Newman can either be found on one of his mail delivery routes or plotting intricate schemes with his buddy and fellow neighbor, Kramer. This oddball pairing is ripe for hilarious miscommunications, failed entrepreneurial efforts, and fodder for Jerry and his cohorts. Newman often puffs on a cigarette in a noir-like fashion and delivers dramatic monologues detailing the reasons why he loathes Jerry. When he’s not muttering to himself and dismissing Jerry as a mere “joke boy” who scoots by in life by making “inane observations,”Newmanis likely laughing maniacally or throwing an outrageous tantrum.
In addition to being Jerry’s pesky neighbor, actorWayne Knightis best known for his work as Officer Don in3rd Rock from the SunalongsideJoseph Gordon-Levitt,John Lithgow, andJane Curtain. He’s also had a recurring role inHot in Clevelandand appeared inSpace JamandJurassic Park. He’s lent his voice to plenty of animated projects, including theToy StoryandKung Fu Pandafranchises and HBO’sHarley Quinn. He can be seen in the recent movie12 Mighty OrphansstarringLuke Wilson,Robert Duvall, andMartin Sheen, and heard in the Netflix animated comedyBack to the OutbackwithIsla FisherandGuy Pearce.
Susan Ross (Heidi Swedberg)
We first meet Susan Ross in Season 4 Episode 3 titled, “The Pitch” when Jerry and George go to NBC to, well, pitch their idea for a sitcom. She is one of the executives in the meeting, and asSeinfeldprogresses, has an on-again-off-again relationship with George. Despite making some major life decisions together, Susan and George never quite hit it off. George’s indifference to her throughout the series not only brings out George’s selfish side, but also creates a layer of friction between the core four whenever she’s on-screen. She has a memorable final appearance in Season 9. ActressHeidi Swedberghasn’t acted much since herSeinfelddays. She can be seen in projects such asKindergarten Cop,Galaxy Quest,Roswell,ER, andBones.
J. Peterman (John O’Hurley)
Jacopo Peterman(commonly referred to as J. Peterman), one of the most profound characters in the Seinfeld universe, makes his first of many grand entrances in the Season 6 finale episode “The Understudy.” Peterman is Elaine’s boss and the buffoonish mastermind behind the aptly titled company The J. Peterman Catalog. The verbose businessman never tires of talking about his adventures or “romantic escapades” from around the globe, and usually ropes an overworked Elaine into shenanigans outside the office. And let’s not forget about the time he accused Elaine of having a drug problem.
ActorJohn O’Hurleyis known for his extensive voice-over career, voicing characters such as King Neptune inSpongebob Squarepants, Roger Doofenshmirtz inPhineas and Ferb, and various characters in theScooby-Doouniverse. He’s had recurring roles in series such asAll My ChildrenandDevious Maids, and was the host ofFamily Feudfor several years. He can next be seen inChristmas in New England,Red Door and Lemon Tree, and the TV movieBlind Psychosis.
Frank and Estelle Costanza (Jerry Stiller and Estelle Harris)
George’s parents make up a significant amount of the yelling that takes place onSeinfeld. Frank and Estelle Costanza are constantly at odds with each other, and Jerry, Elaine, and Kramer blame them for George’s insecurities and manic tendencies. Anything can set off Frank’s temper and animated tantrums, especially George’s immature behavior, something Estelle says, or a trade that Yankees’ owner (and George’s boss)George Steinbrennermakes. When she’s not screaming at Frank and George, Estelle is likely playing mahjong or complaining.
Actor Jerry Stiller, who portrayed Frank Costanza (originally,John Randolphplayed George’s father before being quickly recast), had an extensive career. He and his wife,Anne Meara, performed for years as the popular comedy duo Stiller and Meara. Stiller was nominated for an Emmy for his work onSeinfeld, and found his next sitcom home on another long-running seriesThe King of QueenswithKevin JamesandLeah Remini. He also played Maury Ballstein in theZoolandermovies, which starred his son,Ben Stiller.Jerry Stiller passed away in 2020at the age of 92. In addition to playing George’s mother, Estelle Harris had a recurring role inThe Suite Life of Zack & Codyand is the voice of Mrs. Potato Head in theToy Storyfilms.
Morty and Helen Seinfeld (Barney Martin and Liz Sheridan)
Del Boca Vista retirement community superstars Morty and Helen Seinfeld absolutely adore their perfect son, Jerry. Despite being retired, Morty still clings to his businessman mindset and always gives his two cents (no pun intended) to Jerry about how to handle money (and let’s not forget, he invented the “beltless trench coat”). Helen can’t understand why anyone would ever do anything to hurt her little boy. Over the years, the Seinfeld parents had a contentious relationship with George’s parents, particularly when the latter two wanted to move into Helen and Morty’s retirement community.
ActorBarney Martin, who portrayed Morty Seinfeld in all but one appearance (actorPhilip Brunsinitially played Jerry’s father in “The Stakeout” before being recast) is most known for his work onSeinfeld. Prior to the show, he had small roles in classic shows likeMurder, She Wrote,Murphy Brown,The Twilight Zone,Night Court, andHill Street Blues. He passed away in 2005. In addition to playing Helen Seinfeld,Liz Sheridanis known for her work onALFand several appearances on shows such asThe A-Team,Who’s the Boss,Cagney & Lacey, andFamily Ties. In addition to acting, she had an impressive career as a dancer and singer.
The entire series ofSeinfeldis available to stream on Netflix, yada, yada, yada.
