The 1990s were all about nothing. And by nothing, we mean Seinfeld. Co-created by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry 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 for 68 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 to Seinfeld and what the cast has been up to since.
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.
Seinfeld rocketed 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 film Bee Movie and launched the popular web-turned-Netflix chat series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, which, as the title suggests, features Jerry picking up a comedian (like Ricky Gervais, Amy Schumer, Seth Rogen, and Martin Short) in an antique car to grab some coffee. Seinfeld regularly appears on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and has popped up on Colin Quinn’s YouTube series Cop Show, Inside Amy Schumer, The Jim Gaffigan Show, and Saturday Night Live. He’s appeared in several documentaries about the history of stand-up comedy and has two successful Netflix specials titled Jerry Before Seinfeld and Jerry Seinfeld: 23 Hours to Kill. You can also buy his recent book Is 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 on Seinfeld and has continued an incredibly successful career since the series wrapped. She won an Emmy for starring as Christine Campbell in the sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine with Clark Gregg, Hamish Linklater, and Wanda Sykes, which ran for five seasons. From there, she landed the role of Selina Meyer in the critically acclaimed HBO series Veep, earning six consecutive Emmy wins for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. She recently joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine in the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. She’s attached to an untitled comedy written by Kenya Barris and Jonah Hill, which stars Eddie Murphy, Molly Gordon, and David 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 book about coffee tables. He keeps himself busy with these exploits and odd jobs, which include being an underwear model, working at a bagel shop, and being the voice 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-lived The Michael Richards Show, and appeared in Kirstie, Bee Movie, and as himself in Curb 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 Stiller and Estelle 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 an Emmys sketch). Since Seinfeld, he’s played a version of himself in Curb Your Enthusiasm, and has appeared in shows including The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Grinder, Young Sheldon, and The 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+ series Star 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,” Newman is likely laughing maniacally or throwing an outrageous tantrum.
In addition to being Jerry’s pesky neighbor, actor Wayne Knight is best known for his work as Officer Don in 3rd Rock from the Sun alongside Joseph Gordon-Levitt, John Lithgow, and Jane Curtain. He’s also had a recurring role in Hot in Cleveland and appeared in Space Jam and Jurassic Park. He’s lent his voice to plenty of animated projects, including the Toy Story and Kung Fu Panda franchises and HBO’s Harley Quinn. He can be seen in the recent movie 12 Mighty Orphans starring Luke Wilson, Robert Duvall, and Martin Sheen, and heard in the Netflix animated comedy Back to the Outback with Isla Fisher and Guy 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 as Seinfeld progresses, 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. Actress Heidi Swedberg hasn’t acted much since her Seinfeld days. She can be seen in projects such as Kindergarten Cop, Galaxy Quest, Roswell, ER, and Bones.
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.
Actor John O’Hurley is known for his extensive voice-over career, voicing characters such as King Neptune in Spongebob Squarepants, Roger Doofenshmirtz in Phineas and Ferb, and various characters in the Scooby-Doo universe. He’s had recurring roles in series such as All My Children and Devious Maids, and was the host of Family Feud for several years. He can next be seen in Christmas in New England, Red Door and Lemon Tree, and the TV movie Blind Psychosis.
Frank and Estelle Costanza (Jerry Stiller and Estelle Harris)
George’s parents make up a significant amount of the yelling that takes place on Seinfeld. 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 Steinbrenner makes. 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 Randolph played 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 on Seinfeld, and found his next sitcom home on another long-running series The King of Queens with Kevin James and Leah Remini. He also played Maury Ballstein in the Zoolander movies, which starred his son, Ben Stiller. Jerry Stiller passed away in 2020 at the age of 92. In addition to playing George’s mother, Estelle Harris had a recurring role in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and is the voice of Mrs. Potato Head in the Toy Story films.
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.
Actor Barney Martin, who portrayed Morty Seinfeld in all but one appearance (actor Philip Bruns initially played Jerry’s father in “The Stakeout” before being recast) is most known for his work on Seinfeld. Prior to the show, he had small roles in classic shows like Murder, She Wrote, Murphy Brown, The Twilight Zone, Night Court, and Hill Street Blues. He passed away in 2005. In addition to playing Helen Seinfeld, Liz Sheridan is known for her work on ALF and several appearances on shows such as The A-Team, Who’s the Boss, Cagney & Lacey, and Family Ties. In addition to acting, she had an impressive career as a dancer and singer.
The entire series of Seinfeld is available to stream on Netflix, yada, yada, yada.