Seinfeld is widely regarded as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. Created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, the show ran for nine seasons and followed the everyday misadventures of four friends living in New York City. While the show was known for its hilarious and relatable storylines, there were also some dark secrets from the Seinfeld cast that fans may not be aware of.
Michael Richards’ Racist Tirade
Michael Richards played the iconic role of Kramer on the show. However, in 2006, he was involved in a racist incident at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles, where he repeatedly shouted racial slurs at a group of African American hecklers. The incident was caught on camera and widely circulated online. Richards issued a public apology, but the damage had already been done to his career and public image.
Jason Alexander’s Failed TV Show
After Seinfeld ended, Jason Alexander struggled to find success in his acting career. In 2001, he starred in his own sitcom, Bob Patterson, which was canceled after just five episodes due to low ratings. The failure of the show was a blow to Alexander’s career, but he continued to work in television and film in the years that followed.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Breast Cancer Diagnosis
In 2017, Julia Louis-Dreyfus announced that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. The news was a shock to fans of the actress, who had played the iconic role of Elaine on Seinfeld. Louis-Dreyfus underwent chemotherapy and other treatments, and thankfully, she was declared cancer-free in 2018. She has since become an advocate for breast cancer awareness and research.
Jerry Seinfeld’s Personal Life
While Jerry Seinfeld was known for his clean-cut image on Seinfeld, his personal life was not always so wholesome. In 1998, he began dating a 17-year-old high school student while he was 38 years old. The relationship was met with controversy and criticism from the public, and Seinfeld eventually broke things off with the teenager.
Wayne Knight’s Struggle with Weight
Wayne Knight played the iconic role of Newman on Seinfeld. However, the actor struggled with his weight for many years, which affected his health and self-esteem. In 2017, Knight underwent gastric bypass surgery and lost over 100 pounds. He has since spoken publicly about his weight loss journey and the impact it has had on his life.
Larry David’s Personal Life
Larry David co-created Seinfeld with Jerry Seinfeld, but his personal life was just as interesting as his professional career. In 2007, he divorced his wife of 14 years and began dating actress Laurie David, who was also going through a divorce. The relationship was met with controversy, and the couple eventually broke up.
Heidi Swedberg’s Firing
Heidi Swedberg played the role of Susan, George Costanza’s fiancé, on Seinfeld. However, her character was famously killed off in the show’s seventh season. It was later revealed that Swedberg had been fired due to her lack of chemistry with the rest of the cast. While the decision was controversial at the time, it has since become a part of Seinfeld lore.
In conclusion, while Seinfeld is a beloved sitcom that has stood the test of time, the cast has had their fair share of dark secrets and controversies. Despite this, the show remains a cultural touchstone and a testament to the talent of its creators and actors.