In the golden age of television, one show stood head and shoulders above the rest, rewriting the sitcom playbook and captivating audiences worldwide. You guessed it, Seinfeld.
A beloved series that reigned supreme from 1989 to 1998, it left an indelible mark on pop culture. With nine unforgettable seasons and 180 hilarious episodes, Seinfeld wasn’t just a sitcom but a cultural phenomenon.
Promo shot of American television sitcom Seinfeld featuring Michael Richards as Cosmo Kramer, Jason Alexander as George Costanza, Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Elaine Benes, and Jerry Seinfeld as Jerry Seinfeld (Credit: NBC)
But the saga didn’t end there. Seinfeld didn’t just break records; it generated billions of dollars in syndication, a testament to its timeless humor and enduring appeal. Now, with a show of such magnitude, you might wonder what the Seinfeld cast’s bank accounts look like.
Well, the cast was handsomely rewarded during the show’s ’90s heyday, and many continued to rake in the dough with subsequent TV and movie roles. Thanks to Seinfeld’s evergreen presence on various streaming platforms, their bank balances haven’t stopped growing.
Seinfeld stars Jason Alexander, Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Michael Richards pose with their Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series on February 22, 1997 (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)
Let’s explore how each Seinfeld cast member amassed their wealth after bidding farewell to the sitcom that made them household names and discover where they are now, years after the show’s resounding success.
1. Jerry Seinfeld: The King of Sitcoms With a $950 Million Fortune
Renowned for his razor-sharp observations about the mundane aspects of modern life, Jerry Seinfeld portrayed Jerry Seinfeld, a stand-up comedian navigating the quirks of everyday life in the bustling streets of New York City, surrounded by his eccentric group of friends.
The 70-year-old comedian’s distinctive brand of dry humor and impeccable comedic timing effortlessly made him an iconic figure in the world of sitcoms.
Jerry Seinfeld keeps it casual in a light gray blazer and jeans, while Jessica Seinfeld stuns in a vibrant pink pleated dress paired with a chic handbag, both completing their looks with matching white sneakers (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Since bidding farewell to the Seinfeld era, Jerry hasn’t been heavily involved in acting. However, he did take on the role of hosting Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee on Netflix for several years, which undoubtedly contributed to his substantial net worth.
Today, Jerry Seinfeld is the wealthiest comedian and cast member of the series, with an estimated net worth of a staggering $950 million. His financial success comes from diverse roles and ventures, including comedian, TV producer, actor, and car collector.
However, most of his fortune can be attributed to his role in Seinfeld, where he possesses a remarkable 15% stake in the TV series’ backend equity. This savvy investment has yielded him over $400 million from per-episode salaries and syndication royalties.
2. Larry David: Co-Creator of Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm With $400 Million
Larry David played George Steinbrenner, the eccentric owner of the New York Yankees. He captured the larger-than-life persona and quirks of the real Steinbrenner with uncanny authenticity.
Beyond Seinfeld, the 77-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic career, notably as the writer and star of the critically acclaimed HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Larry David looks sharp in a classic black tuxedo with satin lapels, paired with a matching tie and his signature round glasses at the Emmy Awards (Credit: Faye Sadou / Media Punch / INSTARimages)
Larry’s distinctive humor and unapologetic approach to social situations have made him a beloved figure in the comedy world. His quick wit and hilarious anecdotes have also left audiences in stitches during his memorable appearances on late-night talk shows.
The comedian’s talents extend to the film world, with notable roles in movies like Woody Allen‘s Whatever Works and the Farrelly brothers’ reboot of Three Stooges.
With a career spanning television, film, and late-night comedy, Larry David has accumulated a substantial net worth of $400 million.
3. Julia Louis-Dreyfus: Emmy-Winning Actress With a $250 Million Net Worth
Julia Louis-Dreyfus brought Elaine Benes to life on the iconic sitcom. As one of the four main cast members who contributed to the show’s monumental success, her portrayal of Elaine Benes, a quirky and independent woman, quickly endeared her to fans.
But her post-Seinfeld career has been nothing short of remarkable. The You People star ventured into television again, notably portraying Selina Meyer in HBO’s Veep.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus exudes power and sophistication in a tailored pinstripe suit paired with platform heels and a chic velvet handbag, completing her look with a crisp white shirt (Credit: Janet Mayer / Startraksphoto)
Her portrayal in this role earned her six consecutive Emmy wins and seven straight nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.
In addition to her television success, the 63-year-old has been recognized globally. In 2016, she was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People and was honored with the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2018.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus has made her fortune primarily as an actress throughout her career. Her latest venture in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, portraying Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, significantly contributed to her wealth. As of 2024, her net worth is an impressive $250 million.
4. Jason Alexander: From Seinfeld’s George to a $50 Million Legacy
Jason Alexander embodied the role of George Costanza on the sitcom. His character was a constantly agitated individual who perpetually found himself in absurd and comical situations, providing endless laughs throughout the show’s nine-season run.
The 65-year-old’s portrayal of George Costanza in 171 episodes made him one of the most recognizable actors on Seinfeld. His stellar performance garnered seven consecutive Emmy nominations, a testament to his exceptional talent.
Jason Alexander looks dapper in a dark brown suit paired with a patterned tie, effortlessly pulling off a classic and polished lookh (Credit: Janet Mayer / Startraksphoto)
Beyond the small screen, he lent his voice to the character Hugo in the animated classic The Hunchback of Notre Dame and appeared in the beloved film Pretty Woman in 1990.
Jason is also a devoted lover of theater. He earned a Tony Award for his work in “Jerome Robbins’ Broadway” and has served as the artistic director of Reprise! Broadway’s Best in Los Angeles. This involvement in the theater world has undoubtedly added to his net worth, which currently stands at $50 million.
5. Michael Richards: The Man Behind Kramer With a $30 Million Net Worth
Michael Richards played Cosmo Kramer, giving life to the eccentric neighbor of Jerry Seinfeld, captivating audiences with his wild entrances and unique mannerisms.
During his tenure on Seinfeld, the 75-year-old brought life to Cosmo in a remarkable 170 episodes, earning an impressive $600,000 per episode in the later seasons.
Michael Richards as Cosmo Kramer in his signature quirky style, sporting an oversized blazer, patterned shirt, and loose-fitting pants, complete with his iconic animated expression (Credit: NBC)
Michael’s comedic genius earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase, solidifying his place as one of the most unforgettable characters in the annals of television. However, his career took an unfortunate turn in 2006 when he was caught in a video unleashing a racist tirade, leading to a significant setback.
While Michael Richards has appeared on television since his Seinfeld days, he has yet to reclaim the same level of success, and the 2006 incident has marred his reputation.
Michael Richards, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Jerry Seinfeld reunite in style at the Seinfeld DVD launch, with Julia shining in a rich burgundy dress while the men opt for classic suits (Credit: Bill Davila / Startraksphoto)
Nevertheless, with a respectable net worth of $30 million earned primarily from being an actor and comedian, he doesn’t necessarily need to pursue work anymore.
6. Jerry Stiller: Comedy Legend and Frank Costanza With a $14 Million Net Worth
Jerry Stiller’s remarkable career included a memorable stint on the sitcom, where he portrayed Frank Costanza in 24 episodes. He joined the show in 1993, making sporadic appearances in a recurring role.
His journey to fame began as part of the comedy duo Stiller and Meara alongside his long-time wife, Anne Meara. This partnership propelled him to initial recognition.
Jerry Stiller looks dashing in a classic black tuxedo and bow tie, making a timeless appearance with his signature charm (Credit: Roger Wong / INFphoto)
However, he experienced a significant resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to his son, Ben Stiller, and his iconic portrayal of Frank on Seinfeld.
In addition to his television work, Jerry appeared alongside his son in several movies, including Zoolander, Heavyweights, and Hot Pursuit.
While Seinfeld contributed significantly to his earnings, his net worth before passing in 2020 was estimated at $14 million. He left a lasting legacy when he died on May 11, 2020, at age 92, and had the good fortune of enjoying a long and fulfilling life.
7. Wayne Knight: Seinfeld’s Newman and His $8 Million Net Worth
In 1992, Wayne Knight added laughter to the screen by playing Newman, Jerry’s nemesis and neighbor. His elaborate schemes and manipulative antics often threw Jerry’s life into comical chaos, bringing an intriguing mix of tension and humor to the show.
Beyond Seinfeld, the 69-year-old’s distinctive voice and versatile talent have landed him roles in numerous blockbuster movies. Notably, he portrayed Officer Don Orville in the TV series 3rd Rock from the Sun from 1996 to 2001.
Wayne Knight flashes a big smile in a sleek charcoal suit paired with a silver tie, exuding confidence and style (Credit: Roger Wong / INFphoto)
While not a megastar, Wayne has left an indelible mark in the entertainment industry. His appearances in films such as Dirty Dancing, Jurassic Park, and Space Jam have solidified his presence in Hollywood.
With a net worth estimated at $8 million amassed primarily through his work as a film and television actor, Wayne Knight’s enduring success in acting is nothing to scoff at.
8. Estelle Harris: Iconic TV Mom Estelle Costanza With a $5 Million Net Worth
Estelle Harris brought George Costanza’s mother, Estelle Costanza, to life, capturing the essence of a nagging, overbearing mother with remarkable precision. Fans will undoubtedly remember her distinctive squeaky voice and memorable lines like “You got ketchup on it!”
She had a prolific career as an American star, voice actress, and comedian, with over 100 credits to her name. Her versatility allowed her to explore roles in the Star Trek: Voyager series and the 1995 television movie The West Side Waltz.
Estelle Harris looks elegant in a flowing black ensemble with satin details, pairing it with a rich burgundy blouse and a chic black clutch (Credit: Tony DiMaio / Startraksphoto)
In addition to her role as Estelle in Seinfeld for 27 episodes between 1992 and 1998, Estelle voiced Mrs. Potato Head in the beloved Toy Story franchise and portrayed Muriel in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.
Tragically, she passed away in 2002 at the age of 93. Just before passing, she reprised her role as Mrs. Potato Head in Toy Story 4.
Her net worth at the time of her death remained an estimated $5 million, reflecting her enduring legacy in the entertainment world.
9. Liz Sheridan: Seinfeld’s Helen Seinfeld With a Fortune Between $1 to $5 Million
Liz Sheridan is best known for portraying Helen Seinfeld, Jerry’s doting mother. Despite living far away from Jerry’s character, she left a lasting impression in just 21 out of 180 episodes.
Before gracing the screens, Liz was a versatile talent with a background in dance and singing. Her career spanned multiple decades and encompassed work in television and theater.
Liz Sheridan smiles brightly in a casual yet bold look, pairing a red button-down shirt with a black top (Credit: Marty Hause / Startraksphoto)
Following the conclusion of Seinfeld in 1998, Liz continued to work in various TV shows and movies. Notable credits include a guest appearance in the crime drama Numb3rs and a voice role in the animated sitcom American Dad!
Her estimated net worth ranged from $1 million to $5 million, primarily from her film and TV actress earnings. Sadly, Liz Sheridan passed away at the age of 93 in 2022.
10. Heidi Swedberg: Seinfeld’s Susan Ross and Her $300K Net Worth
Heidi Swedberg played George Costanza’s fiancée, Susan Ross, on Seinfeld. She had a recurring role that spanned 27 episodes during the fourth and seventh seasons of the show.
Her character met a famously bizarre demise in the seventh season finale after licking toxic envelopes, a moment that stirred considerable controversy.
Jason Alexander as George Costanza and Heidi Swedberg as Susan Ross share a tender moment on Seinfeld in one of the show’s iconic scenes depicting their complicated relationship (Credit: NBC)
Regardless of her controversial departure, the 58-year-old’s time on Seinfeld was financially rewarding. While her net worth may not match the astronomical figures of some of her Seinfeld co-stars, $300,000 is still a substantial sum.
After her Hollywood career, Heidi transitioned to a different path. Today, she teaches music and showcases her musical talents by singing and playing the ukulele in her two bands, Heidi Swedberg & The Sukey Jump Band and The Smoking Jackets.