American sitcom Seinfeld came to an end 28 years ago, and the series followed the titular character's life in his Manhattan apartment. As an up-and-coming comedian in the late 80s, Jerry Seinfeld was given the opportunity to create a sitcom with NBC. Alongside fellow comedian and friend Larry David, they came up with a premise that would become a favourite among critics. The series is regarded around the world as one of the greatest and most influential American shows of all time, and it is still referenced in popular culture today.
Jerry Seinfeld's billionaire status
The series centres around Jerry's misadventures with his best friends, and the character is a fictionalised version of comedian Jerry Seinfeld. The 72-year-old star, who won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in the series, went on to star in and produce a number of films and shows, including Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. He has also written three books, with his latest being published in 2020, and his many achievements have led to him gaining official billionaire status.
In 2024, Bloomberg declared Seinfeld a billionaire with a net worth of more than $1 billion, thanks to various syndication deals his sitcom signed, making him one of the richest celebrities.
Jason Alexander's theatre and film roles
George was known to struggle with a number of insecurities and would often doom his romances through a fear of being rejected. He was played by Jason Alexander, a 66-year-old actor and comedian who went on to direct several plays, including the original 2023 Broadway production of The Cottage. His latest role is in the upcoming film Jimmy, about actor James Stewart, in which he plays film producer Louis B. Mayer. The film is set to be released this November.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus's awards and health battle
Elaine was Jerry's ex-girlfriend, but the pair maintained a solid bond and are considered to be best friends. She was played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, a 65-year-old actress and comedian who has become one of the most awarded actors in TV history. She was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 2014 and has her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2023, she became host of the podcast Wiser Than Me, and her most recent role was in the 2026 film The Sheep Detectives. In 2017, she revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, which she discovered the day after winning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Veep. Thankfully, a year later, she announced she was cancer-free.
Michael Richards's memoir and cancer survival
Kramer was Jerry's neighbour who was known for his eccentric personality, and his character was loosely based on the comedian Kenny Kramer, a former neighbour of Larry David. He was played by Michael Richards, a 77-year-old actor and comedian who released his memoir, Entrances and Exits, in 2024. As part of his memoir, he revealed how he had survived stage 1 prostate cancer in 2018 by having his prostate removed. Speaking with People magazine about his diagnosis, the actor admitted he was preparing himself for death, sharing: “I thought, well, this is my time. I’m ready to go. But then my son came to mind just a few seconds later and I heard myself saying, ‘I’ve got a nine-year-old and I’d like to be around for him. Is there any way I can get a little more life going?'”
Estelle Harris's tragic death
Estelle Costanza was George's mother in the series, and she was played by Estelle Harris, who tragically died in 2022 at the age of 93. While she died of natural causes, her death came just 20 days before her 94th birthday. Her son Glen Harris, who held her as she drew her final breath, told Deadline at the time: “Her kindness, passion, sensitivity, humour, empathy and love were practically unrivalled, and she will be terribly missed by all those who knew her.” The star was also known for voicing Mrs Potato Head in the Toy Story films.
Larry David's unseen role and return to TV
Larry David starred as Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, though his face was never seen on screen. The 79-year-old comedian, actor and TV producer went on to write and star in the HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm. In July 2025, David announced his return to TV with the series Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness, which aired in June 2026. Produced by Barack and Michelle Obama's Higher Ground Productions, the series takes a comedic approach to major events in American history. It starred some huge names like Kaley Cuoco, Jimmy Kimmel and even Barack Obama himself. Seinfeld is streaming on Netflix.
