Kramer's Signature Seinfeld Entrance Was Hurried For A Reason
While the problems and partners of the core four on "Seinfeld" vary from episode to episode, one thing remains a constant — the way Kramer (Michael Richards) enters neighbor Jerry Seinfeld's apartment. There's no knocking or hesitation. Rather, he swings the door open and quickly slides in, which doesn't surprise Jerry, George Costanza (Jason Alexander) or Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus).
Richards revealed in an interview on "Charlie Rose" that Kramer's iconic entrance wasn't exactly planned. In fact, it came about thanks to the fast-paced nature of the sitcom.
He said, "I know that I came in to catch up with the scene. Something was happening very quickly in a scene and I come bolting in, and it got a laugh as well as it felt right. Of course, it took a few shows to get to this point, but I felt that that represented Kramer. That was the essence of the character because I felt that's how the character steps into life. He just, he comes into things. Also the pace of the show, it's moving very fast, the patter between Jerry and George. So I like to get in quick, and get right to the scene."
Thanks to this unexpected addition to "Seinfeld," it's now hard to imagine Kramer ringing a doorbell or hesitantly walking into Jerry's place of residence so as not to intrude on his neighbor. Kramer hilariously lacks boundaries, and this is a perfect way to highlight such a character trait.
Kramer's iconic entrance shows off Michael Richards' physical comedy
Kramer always enters Jerry's apartment like he's on a mission, but his arrivals aren't always the same. Sometimes, he accidentally slips a little before regaining his balance. Other times, he's joined by his buddy Mickey Abbott (Danny Woodburn). And, on just one occasion, Jerry actually locks his apartment door, causing a confused Kramer to crash into the unexpected barrier.
A rare behind-the-scenes photo, shared on Reddit by u/ryanhas420inhisname, shows Richards on set preparing to barge into his neighbor's place. He can be seen leaning forward, hand on the doorknob, ready to disrupt whatever Jerry is up to. Many agree that, when it comes to the art of physical comedy such as this, Richards was in a league of his own during his years on "Seinfeld."
U/mattybravo16 said, "Michael Richards brought Kramer to life in a way that no one else could. Michael studied and respected the physical aspect of comedy, and is one of the greatest, period. He was magical on screen in my opinion." U/Soren_Camus1905 added, "I imagine it takes a lot to pull off Kramer. And to be able to do it again and again and again take after take must require a tremendous amount of concentration."
Richards' efforts to bring this quirky character to life — including the countless times he had to barrel through a door — paid off, and he took home the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series three times. Giddy up!