Full Name | Jay Scott Greenspan |
Born | September 23, 1959 in Newark, NJ |
Spouse | Daena E. Title (m. 1982–1996) |
Children | 2 |
Social Media | Instagram, Twitter |
For any devout Seinfeld fan like myself, Jason Alexander will forever be the one and only George Costanza – the lord of the idiots and the undisputed king of neurotic meltdowns. But beyond his iconic role as the balding and bespectacled George, Jason Alexander boasts an acclaimed career across stage, film and television that underscores his brilliant comedic talents and versatile dramatic skills.
The Master of Physical Comedy
Watching Jason Alexander explode into fits of anger, panic, paranoia and exaggerated gesticulations as George Costanza is nothing short of comedic nirvana. His mastery of physical comedy is unparalleled, bringing George’s neuroses to life through frantic scrambles, bumbling mishaps, and cringe-worthy social interactions.
As Alexander himself has stated, "George was a very physical character for me…the poor guy was defined by his tics." By embracing George‘s spasmodic nature, Alexander crafted a hysterical, unique comedic persona that endures as one of the most beloved sitcom characters ever.
Comedic Brilliance Across Mediums
While George Costanza represents the peak of Alexander‘s comedic abilities, his sharp wit and impeccable timing make him a scene stealer across television, film and theatre. He brought mischievous humor to films like Pretty Woman and Love! Valour! Compassion!, while scoring laughs in family fare like The Hunchback of Notre Dame as the gregarious gargoyle Hugo.
On Broadway, Alexander starred in multiple legendary Mel Brooks musicals, including the original The Producers as Max Bialystock‘s neurotic accountant Leo Bloom. And his quick banter and chemistry with Larry David earned him recurring roles on Curb Your Enthusiasm as himself and as George Costanza in the meta Seinfeld reunion.
Dramatic Range
Though best known for comedy, Alexander is also a gifted dramatic actor. He starred in the legal drama Shakespeare‘s Law and portrayed troubled husband Jack Dundee in the indie black comedy Just Looking. Most recently on The Good Fight, Alexander taps into darker territory as the cunning, corrupt lawyer Mike Kresteva.
According to Alexander, drama allows him to "access what people don‘t want to talk about." His nuanced performances across mediums showcase impressive depth and range.
Directing and Giving Back
Beyond performing, Alexander is an accomplished director, helming episodes of Seinfeld and acclaimed independent films. He also co-founded a children‘s charity, the Turnaround Arts program, and supports organizations like the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
This generosity of spirit and commitment to excellence in all his creative pursuits make Alexander such an inspirational figure. As a fan, it has been an honor to watch him bring so much humor, heart and captivating drama to screens both big and small over the years. The entertainment world is all the richer for his talents.