Danny DeVito had a chance to be part of one of the most iconic sitcoms in television history. Before Jason Alexander became synonymous with the role of George Costanza on ‘Seinfeld’, there were reports that DeVito was considered for the same part. This possibility has sparked curiosity among fans about how the show might have evolved with a different actor in the lead role, and it also raises questions about how this missed opportunity could have influenced DeVito’s already successful career.
The Role That Could Have Been
‘Seinfeld’ is widely regarded as one of the greatest sitcoms ever created. Its sharp humor, unique characters, and memorable episodes have left an indelible mark on pop culture. However, one of its central roles almost went to a different actor. According to Jason Alexander, who played George Costanza throughout the series, Danny DeVito was a serious contender for the role. Alexander even mentioned that Chris Rock was considered before the part ultimately went to him.
During an interview with Howard Stern, Alexander shared his thoughts on why DeVito may have passed on the opportunity. He suggested that at the time, DeVito’s career was at its peak, and he might not have wanted to take on a supporting role. “I think in the case of Danny, he probably didn’t want to be — his career, when we started ‘Seinfeld,’ would’ve been at its apex, so he probably didn’t want to do a sidekick role,” Alexander said. As for Chris Rock, he speculated that the role may not have reached the offer stage.
Why George Costanza May Not Have Been the Right Fit
It’s easy to imagine how the role of George Costanza could have significantly altered DeVito’s career path. ‘Seinfeld’ became a massive hit, and George became one of the most recognizable characters in sitcom history. If DeVito had taken the role, audiences might have seen a completely different interpretation of the character. However, DeVito did not need ‘Seinfeld’ to solidify his status as a comedy icon.
Before ‘Seinfeld’ premiered, DeVito had already made a name for himself through his work on ‘Taxi’. From 1978 to 1983, he played Louie De Palma, the morally ambiguous supervisor of the Sunshine Cab Company. This role helped establish him as a major figure in the world of comedy. After ‘Taxi’ ended, he transitioned into film and continued to build a strong career.
By the time ‘Seinfeld’ debuted in 1989, DeVito was already a well-established actor with a successful career in both television and movies. Around that time, he had just starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in ‘Twins’ (1988). If he had accepted the role on ‘Seinfeld’, he might have had less time for later films such as ‘The War of the Roses’ (1989) or ‘Batman Returns’ (1992).
The Impact of a Different Choice
The idea of Danny DeVito playing George Costanza remains an intriguing thought experiment. His unique comedic style and personality could have brought a different energy to the role. However, Jason Alexander ultimately made George Costanza his own, creating a version of the character that is now deeply embedded in popular culture.
While the possibility of DeVito in the role is fascinating, it’s clear that the choice to go with Alexander was the right one for the show. The combination of Alexander’s performance and the writing of the series helped create a legacy that continues to be celebrated today. Whether or not DeVito had taken the role, his contributions to comedy have already left a lasting impact.
