Michael Richards Reflects on 'Seinfeld's' Phenomenal Success and Shares His Journey as Kramer

Michael Richards, best known for his iconic role as Cosmo Kramer on the beloved sitcom "Seinfeld," opens up about the show's enduring popularity, the chemistry within the cast, and how his own physical comedy antics brought the character to life.

Michael Richards, the beloved actor who immortalized the eccentric character of Cosmo Kramer on "Seinfeld," recently shared his insights on the sitcom's phenomenal success and his own journey as the lovable neighbor. Released in 1989, "Seinfeld" captivated audiences for nine seasons and remains a cultural touchstone today.

Richards attributed the show's enduring popularity to its relatable characters and the impeccable chemistry among the cast. "The chemistry and the outcome was just sensational," he remarked. "We all worked very, very hard, but we were all into making comedy."

The actor elaborated on Larry David's initial concept for Kramer, revealing that David had initially envisioned the character with a ponytail. "So Larry was very close to the look of Kenny and asked me if I would wear a ponytail," Richards recalled. He ultimately decided against it, opting instead to focus on his physical comedy, which was heavily influenced by iconic Hollywood actors like Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, and Laurel and Hardy.

Richards' physical antics, from pratfalls to wall-banging, became synonymous with Kramer's character. "It just came out of me, I think, in making my friends laugh," he explained. "I could ride my bike into a bush and do it in such a way that they would just crack up and we'd all be laughing together."

Despite being a comedy legend, Richards admitted that he only recently began watching "Seinfeld" with his son. "I never watched the shows because I could always see how they could be better, and I had to move fast each week in making each episode," he said. However, upon rewatching the series, he was struck by its brilliance and the collective effort that made it so unforgettable.

Richards also addressed the ongoing debate about political correctness in comedy. "Comedy is coming out of it in a sense," he observed. "People are just being more sensitive about what we're saying about each other, which I think is a good thing." He believes that comics are finding new ways to navigate the landscape of political correctness while still making people laugh.

"The ha-ha's archetypal. It's everywhere, it's still going to be with us, and it's alive, it's alive," Richards asserted. "Comedy is not dead, it's just evolving."

Michael Richards's book "Entrances and Exits" delves into the actor's mastery of physical comedy and his transformative portrayal of Kramer. The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of "Seinfeld" and the enduring legacy of one of television's most iconic characters.

As Richards reflects on his time on "Seinfeld" and shares his experiences in "Entrances and Exits," it becomes evident that the beloved sitcom continues to resonate with audiences around the world, proving that laughter and camaraderie transcend time and generations.