Jerry Seinfeld created and produced "Seinfeld," and he also starred in the sitcom as the self-absorbed (yet charming) stand-up comedian "Jerry Seinfeld." Seinfeld's work on the sitcom earned him a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Television Critics Association Award, an American Comedy Award and an American Television Award. Seinfeld began his comedic career by doing stand-up comedy before he co-created "Seinfeld" with Larry David, one of the show's executive producers. After the series ended, Seinfeld continued to do stand-up comedy, played the voice of Barry B. Benson in the 2007 animated film "Bee Movie" and starred in the documentary "Comedian," a behind-the-scenes look into his national stand-up tour and his post-"Seinfeld" life.
Jason Alexander played the neurotic, self-loathing George Costanza, whose constant bad luck with jobs and women, incessant scheming and dishonesty -- not to mention his complete awareness of his flaws and eccentricities -- made for a nutty-yet-likable character. The role earned Alexander an American Television Award, two American Comedy Awards and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Before "Seinfeld," Alexander was a successful Broadway actor, earning a Tony Award for Best Actor for his 1989 role in the musical "Jerome Robbins' Broadway." Post-"Seinfeld," Alexander continued his success on the stage in the Los Angeles production of "The Producers." Alexander's film credits include "Pretty Woman," "The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle," "Shallow Hal" and "Jacob's Ladder."
Julia Louis-Dreyfus played the smart, assertive and confident Elaine Benes, a role that earned Louis-Dreyfus an Emmy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Golden Globe Award and four American Comedy Awards. A talented actress with a knack for improv, Louis-Dreyfus began her comedic career with a three-year spot on "Saturday Night Live." Post-"Seinfeld," Louis-Dreyfus continued her prime-time comedy success as the star of the comedy series "The New Adventures of Old Christine." Though the series only ran from 2006 to 2010, Louis-Dreyfus earned an Emmy Award for her performance on the show. Louis-Dreyfus' other TV roles include the title role in the 2002 TV series "Watching Ellie" and a recurring role on "Arrested Development." Her film credits include "Deconstructing Harry," "Fathers' Day" and the voice of Princess Atta in the Disney and Pixar animated film "A Bug's Life."
Michael Richards played Jerry Seinfeld's eccentric, free-spirited neighbor Cosmo Kramer, undoubtedly the quirkiest character on the show. He appears to have no job, yet he mysteriously survives and thrives. Richards' role as the outlandish neighbor with a tendency to barge through Jerry's door with a new scheme or wild story earned the actor three Emmy Awards. Richards began his career as a stand-up comedian, which landed him a prime-time debut on the "Billy Crystal Special," a role in the late-night sketch-comedy series "Fridays" and appearances on "Cheers," "Miami Vice" and "Night Court." Richards was less successful than his castmates post-"Seinfeld," with his unsuccessful launch of "The Michael Richards Show" in 2000 and a racist rant directed toward African-American hecklers during a stand-up performance in 2006.