Jerry Seinfeld

Jerry Seinfeld 1992

Jerry Seinfeld (1997)

Jerry Seinfeld knocks on the Oval Office window

Jerry Seinfeld on a support visit of Israel in December 2023, a visit to Kibbutz Be'eri following the Be'eri massacre on October 7, 2023 (1)

Shoshanna Lonstein Gruss and Jerry Seinfeld at the 1995 Emmy Awards

Jerry Seinfeld (born April 29, 1954) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, producer, and director. He is best known for playing a semi-fictionalized version of himself in the sitcom Seinfeld, which he created and wrote with Larry David. The show aired on NBC from 1989 to 1998, becoming one of the most acclaimed and popular sitcoms of all time.

Early Life

Jerry Seinfeld was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Hungarian-Jewish father and a Syrian-Jewish mother. He grew up in Massapequa, New York, and attended Massapequa High School on Long Island. After high school, Seinfeld attended the State University of New York at Oswego, transferring after his second year to Queens College, City University of New York, where he graduated with a degree in communications and theater.

Career

Stand-up Comedy

Seinfeld's interest in comedy was sparked at an early age through the influence of his father, a sign maker who was also a closet comedian. He began his stand-up career in the late 1970s, performing at open mic nights in New York City's comedy clubs. His big break came in 1981 when he appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, receiving a standing ovation for his performance. This appearance helped launch his career, leading to regular spots on late-night shows and comedy specials on cable television.

Seinfeld

In 1989, Seinfeld teamed up with Larry David to create Seinfeld, a sitcom about a stand-up comedian living in New York City and his quirky group of friends. The show, often described as "a show about nothing", was initially slow to gain popularity but eventually became one of the most beloved and influential sitcoms in television history. Seinfeld played a fictionalized version of himself, and the series explored the minutiae of everyday life with humor and wit. The show ran for nine seasons and won numerous awards, including an Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series.

Post-Seinfeld Career

After Seinfeld ended, Jerry Seinfeld returned to stand-up comedy, touring nationally and internationally. He also created and hosted the web series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, where he interviews comedians and other celebrities while driving them in classic cars to get coffee. In addition to his work in comedy, Seinfeld has written several books, including Seinlanguage and Halloween.

Personal Life

Jerry Seinfeld married Jessica Sklar in 1999, and the couple has three children. He is known for his love of cars, particularly Porsches, and has one of the largest Porsche collections in the world.

Legacy

Jerry Seinfeld's influence on comedy and television is profound. His observational humor and unique take on everyday life have inspired countless comedians. Seinfeld remains a cultural touchstone, and its catchphrases and concepts have entered the lexicon. Seinfeld himself is regarded as one of the greatest stand-up comedians of all time, with a career that spans decades and continues to influence the world of comedy.