‘Seinfeld’ star Michael Richards, best known for playing Jerry Seinfeld’s eccentric neighbor Cosmo Kramer, reflects on the success of the beloved sitcom and his captivity 35 years later at the launch of his new book The power of many hearts.
Since July 5, 1989, this critically acclaimed sitcom from Larry David and Seinfeld has captivated television audiences around the world. This July will mark the 35th anniversary of its premiere.
“Seinfeld” is in its ninth season and continues to generate revenue through syndication and streaming deals.
“The chemistry and the results were just amazing,” Richards told Jesse Waters on Thursday while promoting his new book, “Entrance and Exit,” which is released June 4.
“We all work very, very hard, but we’re both passionate about making comedy. You know, getting into comedy, Jerry and I are deeply committed to that,” Richards said. “Our friendship stems from, well, he’s been a fan of mine since I was doing Friday. When I auditioned for the role, he was so supportive of me, and oh my gosh, thank you, and we’ve been a fan ever since. Became neighbors.
Richards has largely stayed out of the spotlight since 2006, when he was filmed shouting racial slurs during a stand-up show.
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Seinfeld cast list (Getty Images)
He discussed David’s original vision for Kramer and revealed that he almost had a ponytail.
“Larry David started portraying the character through his neighbor Kenny Kramer, who had a ponytail. So Larry got very close to Kenny’s look and asked me if I would wear a ponytail,” Li said. Chaz recalled. “At first I thought it might be funny. Maybe it would fall off during filming. You know, Kessler, who became Kramer, was wearing a wig. I was thinking how to make it funny, but then I decided I had more things to think about than a wig, so I gave it up.
Richards revealed that his physical comedy was influenced by iconic Hollywood actors such as Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy.
“I guess it was just my idea to make my friends laugh. I could ride my bike into the bush and do it in such a way that they would laugh and we would all laugh together.”
“I always wear padding. I’m very scientific about it – really, really. So I know how to withstand falls and hitting walls and stuff like that. You know, it’s just natural,” he said.
“Seinfeld”: “Mom and Pop” Episode 8. (J. Delvalle/NBCU Photo Library/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
When asked whether political correctness was killing comedy, Richards said “comedy, in a sense, was born out of it.”
“People are more sensitive to what we say about each other, and I think that’s a good thing — comics are starting to play with political correctness now,” he said. “Haha is typical. It’s everywhere, it’s still with us, and it’s alive, it’s alive.”
Michael Richards, pictured here who plays Cosmo Kramer on “Seinfeld,” said having a son inspired him to fight cancer. (Joy Del Valle/NBCU Photo Library/Getty Images)
Richards admitted that he only recently started watching “Seinfeld” with his son.
“I never watched these shows because I could always see how they could get better and I had to whip out each episode every week,” he said.
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“Up until the time when I was actually preparing the book, adjusting the episodes, adjusting the seasons — for nine years — I watched every episode in the order they aired each week,” Richards said. “I have greater objectivity and I remember a lot and I just sit and laugh with my son and watch what a great show so many people put together.”
“Entrance and Exit” showcases Richards’ mastery of physical comedy and his portrayal of Kramer in “Seinfeld.”
