NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 01:  Actor  Jason Alexander takes part in a SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations On Broadway at SAG-AFTRA Foundation Robin Williams Center on December 1, 2017 in New York City.  (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
TV - Movies
Jerry Seinfeld
Begged This
Comedian To
Play George
On Seinfeld
By DAMON RIVERA
“Seinfeld” gave us countless iconic moments and characters, with some fans especially drawn towards George Costanza (Jason Alexander), who struggled with his adulthood, baldness, dating, and career. As George Costanza, Alexander received eight Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy series and became a comedy legend — but he actually wasn’t Jerry Seinfeld’s first choice.
Originally, when the show was still an idea, Seinfeld wanted Jake Johannsen to play George Costanza. Johannsen, a prolific comedian in his own right, ultimately turned down the role and decided to continue pursuing stand-up.
Fans on Reddit agreed with this decision, commenting that it would’ve been difficult to imagine Johannsen as George, but they could’ve possibly seen him playing Cosmo Kramer. Even though he didn’t play George, Johannsen’s career has spanned more than three decades, including 45 Letterman appearances, TV roles, and several comedy specials.