NBC
Over nine seasons, the iconic show “Seinfeld” became renowned for incorporating celebrities into their storyline, often humorously portraying exaggerated versions of themselves. Notable names like Raquel Welch, Marisa Tomei, and Mel Tormé, to name a few, joined in the fun. However, some of the most memorable cameo appearances came from the sports realm. Given Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David’s well-documented love for sports, particularly baseball, it was intriguing to see their favorite New York baseball teams’ players making guest appearances on their show.
Larry David, a die-hard Yankees supporter, managed to bring Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams, fresh from their World Series victory, onto the Season 8 episode “The Abstinence” in 1996. Despite the episode not ranking amongst the series’ best, Jeter and Williams demonstrated their versatility and comfort within the comedy genre – something not all athletes can master when venturing into acting. However, their contribution could not eclipse the comedic brilliance of former New York Met Keith Hernandez’s appearance in the two-part Season 3 classic “The Boyfriend”.
The show’s version of Jerry navigates an unlikely friendship with the five-time All-Star first baseman quite smoothly, until he abruptly ends it to avoid helping Hernandez move his furniture. In reality, Jerry Seinfeld found the interaction less smooth.
Jerry Seinfeld’s Nervous Encounter with New York Mets Legend Keith Hernandez
NBC
During a 2023 interview with Vulture focusing on his standout performance, Hernandez revealed that Seinfeld, known for his avid Mets fandom, was somewhat shy but still welcoming. He had positive things to say about the rest of the cast, with the exception of Jason Alexander.
According to Hernandez, Alexander was somewhat aloof throughout the week. This behavior raised questions, considering the other cast members’ welcoming nature. Hernandez speculated it might have been because he was seen as an outsider in the comedy world.
In his words to Vulture:
“[Alexander] probably had to work his way through bit roles, and here I come as a guest star, and who am I? A retired baseball player? I’m just speculating. But it all changed when we had to do the complete run-through in chronological order in front of the NBC executives on Friday night. I had to pass their litmus test and censors, and I didn’t make any mistakes. Jason came up to me with a big smile and shook my hand and said, “Nice going.” From that point on, he was wonderful. I guess I had to prove myself. I realized I couldn’t hold them up and be terrible and not memorize lines. I had a lot of lines. It was a very, very stressful week.”
So, there it is: a slightly nervous Seinfeld and a somewhat unfriendly Alexander, at least initially. Regardless, all cast members brought their best, culminating in a highlight of “Seinfeld” Season 3.
FAQs
1. Who were some sports celebrities that appeared on Seinfeld?
– Some sports celebrities that appeared on Seinfeld include Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, and Keith Hernandez.
2. What was the episode of Seinfeld with Keith Hernandez?
– Keith Hernandez appeared in the two-part episode “The Boyfriend” in Season 3.
3. How did Jerry Seinfeld react to meeting Keith Hernandez?
– According to Hernandez, Seinfeld was a little shy but welcoming when they first met.
4. Why was Jason Alexander standoffish with Keith Hernandez?
– Hernandez speculated that Alexander might have been standoffish because he saw him as an outsider in the comedic world. However, Alexander warmed up to him after a successful run-through in front of NBC executives.
5. Who are some other celebrities that made appearances on Seinfeld?
– Other celebrities that made appearances on Seinfeld include Raquel Welch, Marisa Tomei, and Mel Tormé, among others.
6. What is the relationship between Seinfeld and sports?
– Seinfeld and Larry David, the creators of the show, are big sports fans. They often incorporated sports themes and personalities into their storyline.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
