5 Seinfeld Cast Members and 23 Celebrity Cameos
Seinfeld is one of the most iconic sitcoms of all time, known for its witty humor, clever writing, and memorable characters. But what many people may not know is that the show also featured a wide array of famous celebrities as guest stars throughout its nine-season run.
From A-list movie stars to popular TV actors, Seinfeld attracted a diverse range of talent to its set, often casting them in hilarious and unexpected roles. Some of these celebrities were already household names at the time, while others were just starting out in their careers.
Whether they played themselves or characters created specifically for the show, these guest stars brought their own unique flair to Seinfeld, and helped to make it the beloved comedy classic that it is today.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most famous celebrities who appeared on Seinfeld, and explore the impact that they had on the show’s legacy.
The Original Seinfeld Cast
The cast of Seinfeld is one of the most beloved sitcoms from the 90s. It was a show about nothing, but it sure made us laugh. Each character brought something unique to the table and helped make each episode full of laughs. Let’s take a look at the main cast:
- Jerry Seinfeld played himself in this hilarious show where he took on the role as a semi-fictional version of himself. He was surrounded by his eclectic cast of friends whose hijinx often got him into trouble.
- Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) was Jerry’s ex-girlfriend who had her hands full with her own job at J Peterman and dealing with Jerry’s antics. She was a strong and independent woman who wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself.
- George Costanza (Jason Alexander) was Jerry’s friend and often the victim of his schemes. George was the quintessential loser, forever trying to get ahead in life but usually failing miserably. Despite this, he always managed to stay positive and find humor in everyday situations.
- Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards) was Jerry’s goofy neighbor whose antics often got him into trouble. He was an eccentric character who always had something wild and unexpected happening around him.
- Finally, Newman (Wayne Knight) rounds out the gang as Jerry’s sworn enemy and mailman with an ever-changing agenda. He was always up to no good and trying to one-up Jerry in any way he could.
They were an unlikely bunch, but together they created a show that will be remembered for years to come. Now let’s take a look at some of the most famous names to appear as show guests.
Celebrity Cameos and Guest Cast Members of the Show
Jerry Stiller
Jerry Stiller played Frank Costanza, George’s father, in 26 episodes of Seinfeld. He was known for his loud and eccentric personality, and his catchphrase “serenity now!” became a pop culture phenomenon. Stiller’s comedic timing and chemistry with the other actors made him a fan favorite.
Bryan Cranston
Bryan Cranston played Tim Whatley, Jerry’s dentist, in five episodes of Seinfeld. He was known for his smooth-talking and manipulative ways. Cranston’s performance in Seinfeld helped establish his reputation as a versatile actor, which later led to his iconic role as Walter White in Breaking Bad.
Teri Hatcher
Teri Hatcher played Sidra Holland, Jerry’s girlfriend, in two episodes of Seinfeld. She was known for her stunning looks and her famous line “they’re real, and they’re spectacular!” Hatcher’s appearance in Seinfeld helped launch her career, which later included her role as Lois Lane in the TV series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.
Lauren Graham
Lauren Graham played Valerie, Jerry’s girlfriend, in one episode of Seinfeld. She was known for her quirky and neurotic personality. Graham’s appearance in Seinfeld was one of her first major acting roles, which later led to her starring roles in the TV series Gilmore Girls and Parenthood.
Jon Favreau
Jon Favreau played Eric the Clown, a children’s entertainer, in one episode of Seinfeld. He was known for his clumsy and awkward performance. Favreau’s appearance in Seinfeld was one of his first major acting roles, which later led to his successful career as a director and producer, including his work on the Iron Man and The Mandalorian franchises.
Debra Messing
Debra Messing played Beth Lookner, a reporter, in one episode of Seinfeld. She was known for her sharp wit and intelligence. Messing’s appearance in Seinfeld was one of her first major acting roles, which later led to her starring role in the TV series Will & Grace.
Courteney Cox
Courteney Cox played Meryl, Jerry’s girlfriend, in one episode of Seinfeld. She was known for her charming and bubbly personality. Cox’s appearance in Seinfeld was one of her first major acting roles, which later led to her starring role in the TV series Friends.
Marisa Tomei
Marisa Tomei played herself in one episode of Seinfeld. She was known for her beauty and talent as an actress. Tomei’s appearance in Seinfeld was a cameo, but it helped solidify her status as a Hollywood star.
Sarah Silverman
Sarah Silverman played Emily, Kramer’s girlfriend, in one episode of Seinfeld. She was known for her edgy and irreverent humor. Silverman’s appearance in Seinfeld was one of her first major acting roles, which later led to her successful career as a comedian and actress.
James Spader
James Spader played Jason “Stanky” Hanky, a recovering alcoholic, in one episode of Seinfeld. He was known for his intense and brooding performance. Spader’s appearance in Seinfeld was one of his first major acting roles, which later led to his successful career as an actor, including his work on The Blacklist and Boston Legal.
Christine Taylor
Christine Taylor played Ellen, Jerry’s girlfriend, in one episode of Seinfeld. She was known for her sweet and innocent personality. Taylor’s appearance in Seinfeld was one of her first major acting roles, which later led to her starring roles in the movies The Wedding Singer and Zoolander.
Denise Richards
Denise Richards played Molly Dalrymple, Jerry’s girlfriend, in one episode of Seinfeld. She was known for her beauty and charm. Richards’ appearance in Seinfeld was one of her first major acting roles, which later led to her starring roles in the movies Wild Things and Starship Troopers.
Fred Savage
Fred Savage played himself in one episode of Seinfeld. He was known for his boyish charm and talent as an actor. Savage’s appearance in Seinfeld was a cameo, but it helped solidify his status as a Hollywood star.
Molly Shannon
Molly Shannon appeared in the Seinfeld episode “The Summer of George” as Sam, a co-worker of Elaine’s who is obsessed with the “Summer of George” concept. Shannon is a well-known comedian and actress, having starred on Saturday Night Live and in films such as Superstar and Never Been Kissed.
Danny Woodburn
Danny Woodburn played Mickey Abbott, a friend of Kramer’s who is a little person. He appeared in several episodes of Seinfeld, including “The Stand-In” and “The Yada Yada.” Woodburn has also appeared in numerous other TV shows and films, including Mirror Mirror and Bones.
Phil Hartman
Phil Hartman played the character of Eugene in the Seinfeld episode “The Gum.” Hartman was a beloved comedian and actor, known for his work on Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons. Sadly, he passed away in 1998.
Larry David
Larry David co-created Seinfeld and also appeared on the show as various characters, including the voice of George Steinbrenner. David is also the creator and star of the HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Rita Wilson
Rita Wilson played the character of Rava, Jerry’s girlfriend in the Seinfeld episode “The Shoes.” Wilson is an actress and producer, having appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including Sleepless in Seattle and The Good Wife.
Jennifer Coolidge
Jennifer Coolidge played the character of Jodi, Jerry’s girlfriend in the Seinfeld episode “The Masseuse.” Coolidge is a comedic actress known for her roles in films such as Legally Blonde and American Pie.
Brad Garrett
Brad Garrett played Tony, the mechanic who works on Jerry’s car in the Seinfeld episode “The Bottle Deposit.” Garrett is a well-known comedian and actor, having starred on Everybody Loves Raymond and in films such as Ratatouille and Tangled.
Marcia Cross
Marcia Cross played the character of Sara, a dermatologist who becomes obsessed with Elaine’s skin in the Seinfeld episode “The Slicer.” Cross is an actress known for her roles on the TV shows Melrose Place and Desperate Housewives.
Lori Loughlin
Lori Loughlin played the character of Patty, Jerry’s girlfriend in the Seinfeld episode “The Serenity Now.” Loughlin is an actress known for her roles on the TV shows Full House and When Calls the Heart.
Jami Gertz
Jami Gertz played the character of Jane, Jerry’s girlfriend in the Seinfeld episode “The Stall.” Gertz is an actress known for her roles in films such as The Lost Boys and Twister, as well as her work on the TV show The Neighbors.