10 Best Performances In Seinfeld, Ranked

With memorable dialogue, jokes about everyday life scenarios, and over-the-top arguments, Seinfeld stands out among other sitcoms, and the cast does, too. Jerry Seinfeld and his four co-stars became famous for portraying these New York friends who get annoyed easily and who don’t always have the best attitudes or make the smartest decisions. There are also many talented guest stars who appear briefly and also some amazing actors who contribute to the series by playing side characters.

From some members of the main cast to some actors who played minor but significant roles, there are many actors on Seinfeld who gave amazing performances that are still remembered fondly today.

10 Jerry Seinfeld As Jerry Seinfeld

The sitcom wouldn’t be the same without Jerry’s hilarious Seinfeld storylines or his constant joking around as he observes the places, events, and people around him. Fans enjoy watching Jerry’s dates, hang-outs with his pals, and silly moments with his parents and other family members.

Although Jerry is a crucial part of this show, some of his friends do stand out a bit more as they’re such hilarious and memorable characters.

9 Barney Martin As Morty Seinfeld

From screaming about a doctor keeping him waiting to having conflict with neighbors, Jerry’s dad Morty is a beloved part of Seinfeld, all thanks to Barney Martin’s performance.

Martin plays Morty as a likable character who can’t help but get frustrated a lot of the time and who feels the need to let his emotions and thoughts out no matter what. Even when viewers wonder why Morty is getting so upset, it’s impossible not to love him and want to him to appear in more scenes.

8 Courteney Cox As Meryl

Meryl is one of Jerry’s girlfriends who sticks out thanks to Courteney Cox’s performance. Meryl and Jerry tell everyone that they’re married because they want to get a dry cleaning discount, something that Friends fans can see Monica doing.

Cox makes fans laugh as Meryl and Jerry love ordering pancakes and they fall into the routine of a couple who is really married. Jerry’s dating life can sometimes be frustrating to watch as he can be immature, but this is a great storyline.

7 John O’Hurley As J. Peterman

J. Peterman’s best Seinfeld episodes allow viewers to get to know Elaine’s unique boss. John O’Hurley definitely excels in this role, taking on Peterman’s eccentric personality and little quirks.

Peterman could fade into the background of the sitcom, as he’s featured quite a lot in the later seasons but Elaine has another memorable boss in Mr. Pitt. O’Hurley gives an incredible performance as Peterman, especially when he tells stories.

6 Jami Gertz As Jane

Jami Gertz’s season 5 Seinfeld episode “The Stall” is one of the most unforgettable of the entire series, cementing Gertz’s incredible performance on the sitcom.

Gertz is hilarious as Jerry’s girlfriend Jane who won’t “spare a square” of toilet paper for Elaine. When Elaine asks the stranger in the washroom stall next to her to help her out, she doesn’t know that it’s Jane. Gertz brings the perfect amount of humor and stubbornness to this role.

5 Wayne Knight As Newman

Without Wayne Knight’s performance as Newman, the show would definitely be missing something, as Knight is the perfect actor to show fans Newman’s passion, enthusiasm, and hatred of Jerry.

Knight knows just how far to push Newman’s zest for life and often frustrated personality without making this character too intense or over-the-top. Newman’s schemes with Kramer and tension with Jerry are always highlights of the show.

4 Jerry Stiller As Frank Costanza

George’s funny Seinfeld schemes are one of the most beloved aspects of the show, and fans also enjoy watching George talk to his parents, as they disagree and have trouble getting along in every single scene.

Jerry Stiller gave a strong performance as George’s dad Frank, a spirited and intelligent character who thinks that the world is against him. Stiller especially wows viewers during the Festivus storyline as Frank shares the message of this winter holiday with the other characters: air their grievances and complain about people.

3 Estelle Harris As Estelle Costanza

Estelle Harris is another Seinfeld actor who brings her character to life in a fun and exciting way. George’s mom Estelle is a funny, independent, strong character who can’t believe how silly and frustrating her family members are.

Harris and Alexander’s scenes are especially memorable as they can’t get along and George is always upsetting his mom, whether he’s unemployed, moving back home, or just not acting the way that she wants him to.

2 Jason Alexander As George Costanza

George’s funny Seinfeld plotlines make up the moments that fans love the most, from sharing the tale of saving a whale to making up his character Art Vandelay. This character wouldn’t be as iconic or classic if not for the acting talents of Jason Alexander.

On the surface, George can be tough to like. He complains, says the wrong thing to people all the time, and doesn’t really want to work that hard or even have a job. But Alexander plays George with warmth, charm, and friendliness, and it’s impossible not to consider George one of the best parts of the show.

1 Julia Louis-Dreyfus As Elaine Benes

Julia Louis-Dreyfus is one of the funniest actors, lending her comedic talents to Veep and The New Adventures Of Old Christine, and it’s her time as Elaine that people love the most.

Louis-Dreyfus makes Elaine a sweet, charming, intelligent, and stubborn character who dances badly, makes mistakes but doesn’t admit them, and generally seems content while figuring out the ups and downs of work and love.

About The Author

Aya Tsintziras
(1742 Articles Published)

Aya Tsintziras is a freelance writer who writes about pop culture and TV. She has a Political Science degree from the University of Toronto and a Masters of Journalism from Ryerson University. She loves coffee, reading, working out, and watching TV. She lives in Toronto with her husband.

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