Jerry Seinfeld
Early Life
Jerry Seinfeld, born Jerome Allen Seinfeld on April 29, 1954, is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Kalman Seinfeld, a sign maker, and Betty (Hesney) Seinfeld. His father was of Hungarian Jewish descent, while his mother was of Syrian Jewish descent. Seinfeld grew up in Massapequa, New York, and attended Massapequa High School on Long Island. From an early age, he showed an interest in stand-up comedy, and would often watch comedians on television with his father, who was also a fan of comedy.
In 1976, Seinfeld graduated from Queens College, City University of New York, with a degree in communications and theater. After graduation, he tried out at an open-mic night at New York City's Catch a Rising Star comedy club, which led to an appearance in a Rodney Dangerfield HBO special.
Career
Stand-up Comedy
Seinfeld's career took off after his first appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1981. His style of comedy, often described as 'observational', focuses on personal relationships and uncomfortable social obligations. Seinfeld's ability to articulate the minutiae of daily life in a humorous way resonated with audiences, and he quickly became a popular figure on the stand-up circuit.
In 1987, Seinfeld created a pilot for NBC, The Seinfeld Chronicles, with fellow comedian and friend Larry David. The show, later renamed simply Seinfeld, was a fictionalized version of Seinfeld's own life, with Seinfeld playing a version of himself.
Seinfeld
Seinfeld, often described as a 'show about nothing', ran for nine seasons from 1989 to 1998. The show was hugely successful, and is considered one of the greatest and most influential sitcoms of all time. It was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards and consistently ranking high in the Nielsen ratings.
The show's unique format, which often involved intricate, overlapping storylines and a focus on the mundane aspects of everyday life, was a departure from the traditional sitcom format. The show also featured a number of now-iconic characters, including George Costanza (Jason Alexander), Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards).
Post-Seinfeld Career
After Seinfeld ended in 1998, Seinfeld returned to stand-up comedy. He also wrote and produced the animated film Bee Movie, in which he voiced the main character. In 2007, he made a guest appearance on the NBC show 30 Rock, playing himself.
In 2012, Seinfeld started a web series, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. The show, which features Seinfeld driving various vintage cars and having conversations with fellow comedians, has been well-received and has featured guests such as Larry David, Alec Baldwin, and Tina Fey.
Personal Life
Seinfeld married Jessica Sklar in 1999, and the couple have three children. Seinfeld is known for his love of cars, and has an extensive collection of vintage and sports cars.
Legacy
Seinfeld's impact on comedy and popular culture is significant. His observational style of comedy has influenced a generation of comedians, and the sitcom Seinfeld has had a lasting impact on television comedy. Seinfeld himself continues to perform stand-up, and is considered one of the greatest stand-up comedians of all time.