Seinfeld

Hiram Kasten -- a force on the New York City comedy scene in the 1970s and '80s who appeared on "Seinfeld" -- has died.

The actor-comedian passed away Sunday after battling various illnesses including prostate cancer ... according to an obituary posted to his official Facebook page.

In the obituary, Kasten's remembered as a hilarious comedian, charming guy and terrific family man who rose to fame during New York City's comedy boom of the 1980s.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus disagrees with her former costar Jerry Seinfeld on comedy turning too politically correct -- saying that stance usually set off alarm bells for her.

The actress sat down for an interview with the New York Times published Saturday where they asked her about remarks her longtime pal Jerry Seinfeld made ... when he called out the "extreme left" for ruining comedic television.

JLD says she's not in line with Seinfeld one bit ... saying certain comedies and dramas from years ago just don't work under modern scrutiny anymore -- and, being sensitive to that changing taste isn't a problem.

Jerry Seinfeld reflected on the state of comedy ahead of his 70th birthday -- and he thinks modern-day showbiz has lost its sense of humor ... all 'cause of politically correct culture.

The legendary comedian was talking on the New Yorker's Radio Hour this past week, and he talked about where comedy in general stands today ... in his opinion, it's not great -- and it all has to do with the "extreme left," which he believes has ruined TV shows and sitcoms.

JS says people need comedy, and yet ... they're not getting their daily dose in the 21st century -- especially in 2024 -- when they turn on their televisions to wind down at night.

Peter Crombie, famoso por interpretar a uno de los personajes favoritos de los fans de "Seinfeld", "Crazy" Joe Davola, ha muerto ... TMZ ha averiguado.

El actor falleció el miércoles debido a una enfermedad que le quitó la vida rápidamente, según su ex esposa Nadine Kijner. No está claro qué enfermedad podría haber padecido. El resto de los detalles que rodean su muerte no fueron revelados inmediatamente.

Peter será mejor recordado por su recurrente papel en "Seinfeld", "Crazy" Joe Davola, que aparece en 5 episodios de la temporada 4. Joe aterrorizó, acosó y amenazó a Jerry Seinfeld e incluso salió con Elaine en un momento dado.

Aparte de su fama en "Seinfeld", Peter actuó en películas como "My Dog Skip", "Natural Born Killers", "The Blob", "Se7en" y "Rising Sun", "Born on the Fourth of July", por nombrar solo algunas. En realidad, trabajó mucho más en televisión, y a lo largo de los años apareció en grandes series.

Además de "Seinfeld", Peter protagonizó la miniserie de televisión "House of Frankenstein". También participó como estrella invitada en programas como "NYPD Blue", "Walker, Texas Ranger", "Diagnosis Murder", "Law & Order", "Perfect Strangers", "Spenser: For Hire", "L.A. Law", "L.A. Firefighters" y muchas otras.

En total, tenía 35 créditos como actor y parece que dejó el mundo del espectáculo alrededor del año 2000.

La ex esposa de Peter nos dice: "Era el hombre más bondadoso, generoso y considerado. Era querido por todos, generoso y nunca tenía nada malo que decir de nadie".

Su amigo Bill Stetz recuerda a Peter como "un amigo amable y leal, de palabras suaves y trabajo expresivo como actor y escritor." Peter tenía 71 años.

Peter Crombie -- famous for playing fan favorite "Crazy" Joe Davola on "Seinfeld" -- has died ... TMZ has learned.

The actor passed away Wednesday due to some sort of illness that took his life quickly, according to his ex-wife Nadine Kijner. It's unclear what ailment he might've been battling -- the rest of the details surrounding his death weren't immediately disclosed.

Peter will be best remembered for his recurring role on "Seinfeld" ...  his character "Crazy" Joe Davola appears in 5 episodes in season 4 ... with Joe terrorizing, stalking and threatening Jerry Seinfeld and even dating Elaine at one point.

Aside from his "Seinfeld" fame, Peter acted in movies like"My Dog Skip," "Natural Born Killers," "The Blob," "Se7en" and "Rising Sun," "Born on the Fourth of July" ... just to name a few. He did a lot more work in television, actually ... having made appearances on some big-time shows over the years.

In addition to 'Seinfeld, Peter starred in the TV miniseries "House of Frankenstein" ... as well as guest starring roles on TV shows like "NYPD Blue," "Walker, Texas Ranger," "Diagnosis Murder," "Law & Order," "Perfect Strangers," "Spenser: For Hire," "L.A. Law," "L.A. Firefighters" and lots of others.

All in all, he had 35 acting credits to his name ... and it looks like he left showbiz around 2000.

Peter's ex-wife tells us ... "He was the kindest most caring, giving, considerate man. He was loved by everybody, generous and never had anything bad to say about anyone."

His friend Bill Stetz remembers Peter as "a gentle and loyal friend of soft words and expressive work as an actor and a writer." Peter was 71.

He landed Barack Obama ... now, Eli Manning has his sights set on his next dream "ManningCast" guests -- Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David!!

TMZ Sports played a pivotal role (or so we tell ourselves) in helping Peyton and Eli book the former president on their alternative broadcast of "Monday Night Football" last season ... with the older bro joking Eli's interview with us back in February 2022 is what helped seal the deal.

Considering our influence, Babcock and Lucas gave Eli the opportunity to shoot his shot for his next dream guests on the ESPN2 show ... and he's got some big names in mind.

"I think now, I'm a big 'Seinfeld' fan, so I think a Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David ... something in that realm would be pretty cool," Eli told the TMZ Sports TV show (airs on FS1) at his Easter event with The Children's Place.

The pairing would be pretty great ... considering Jerry is a big Giants fan, and Larry is known as a diehard Jets backer. There are also reports the "Seinfeld" creator played a role in getting Obama to appear on the "ManningCast" last year ... so maybe it's time for him to do it as well.

Eli admits he never thought he'd be able to land a former president ... adding, "I'd never imagine when I retired from playing football I'd ever interview Barack Obama for a segment while watching a football game at the same time. That kind of blew my mind."

"I thought I'd just say something outrageous, it would never happen. I could just keep saying the answer for years to come. Obviously, I can't do that now."

George Shapiro -- one of the most famous talent managers, who repped stars from Jerry Seinfeld to Andy Kaufman, not to mention a mega TV producer in his own right -- has died.

The one-man band of showbiz passed away from natural causes Thursday at his home in Beverly Hills -- this according to Deadline. No other details of his death were released.

Shapiro cut his teeth in entertainment by working as a hungry talent agent -- surrounding himself with some of the biggest names in entertainment at the time ... including Elvis Presley and Carl Reiner, the latter of whom he went on to represent/manage personally.

Eventually, he started his own business -- and while he continued to manage certain talent, like Kaufman, most of his work seemed to focus on producing hit TV shows ... some of which include "The Steve Allen Show," "That Girl" and 'Gomer Pyle.'

He also packaged a number of specials for huge variety show hosts at the time, like Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore and Carol Channing. But, his biggest contribution to TV would come in the '90s. Of course, we're talking "Seinfeld," for which he served as an EP.

Jerry and George remained very close after the sitcom's epic run -- GS even went on to produce a number of standup specials for Jerry, and memorably appeared in the 2002 doc "Comedian" ... where Jerry tries his hand at comedy again in the wake of "Seinfeld."

As involved as he's been with Jerry over the years -- including continuing to produce for JS's recent projects, like "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" -- Shapiro was equally devoted to the late, great Kaufman ... going through the rollercoaster of his notoriety back in the day.

Their relationship was dramatized on film in 1999's 'Man on the Moon,' where Jim Carrey infamously went method to portray Kaufman, and with Danny DeVito playing George.

In short, Shapiro had worked with the best of the best ... and leaves behind a storied career. He's survived by his lifelong partner and mother of his children, Melody, his kids and his many grandchildren. He was 91.

Liz Sheridan, who played Jerry Seinfeld's mom on "Seinfeld" ... has died, TMZ has learned.

Liz passed peacefully in her sleep from natural causes Friday at 2:30 AM ... just 5 days after her 93rd birthday.

Liz brilliantly played Helen on the show for the entire run -- from 1990-1998. She's the only non-central character who played during the full run. If you recall, Helen and her hubby, Morty, lived in Florida. Her iconic catchphrase -- "How could anyone not like him?" She played a VERY over-protective mom.

In addition to "Seinfeld," Liz played the eccentric neighbor, Mrs. Ochmonek, on "ALF."

Liz was an accomplished Broadway actress, appearing in 12 productions on the Great White Way, including "Happy End" with Meryl Streep.

She famously dated James Dean and even wrote a book about it called "Dizzy and Jimmy."  They had a super passionate affair. The book is being turned into a feature film.

Liz, who was a go-go dancer in the 50s, loved to sing and performed a one-woman show, "Mrs. Seinfeld Sings," all over the country.

Liz is survived by her daughter and son-in-law.

She was 93.

RIP

Estelle Harris, who brilliantly played George Costanza's mom, has died.

Estelle passed away Saturday at her home in Palm Desert, CA, just outside of Palm Springs.  Her son Glen says she died from natural causes, adding, "It is with the greatest remorse and sadness to announce that Estelle Harris has passed on this evening at 6:25."

Glen went on to say, "Her kindness, passion, sensitivity, humor, empathy, and love were practically unrivaled, and she will be terribly missed by all those who knew her."

Estelle played a loud, opinionated and confrontational mom who was quick to take on her hubby and George at the drop of a hat. Short story ... she was hysterical!

And, speaking of story ... Estelle played Mrs. Potato Head in the 3 most recent 'Toy Story' flicks. There's a lot more to her CV ... "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody," "Tarzan II," "The Pinocchio Shop," and tons of other voiceover work.

Estelle was a New Yorker by birth and got her big break on "Night Court."

She was married to Sy Harris from 1953 to 2021, when he died. She's survived by 3 kids -- Eric, Glen and Taryn, as well as 3 grandsons and a great-grandson.

Estelle was 93.

RIP

Michael Richards allegedly pulled off a caper some people might call Kramer-ish -- cutting down a neighbor's 30-year-old trees ... but they're not laughing, in fact, they're suing the "Seinfeld" star and his wife.

Maxine Adams is suing Michael and his wife, Beth Skipp, claiming they sauntered over to her Pacific Palisades property on April 2 and "maliciously cut mature Brazilian Pepper Trees and underbrush" on her property.

In docs, obtained by TMZ, Adams says her property is right next door to the Richards' -- they share a border which is only separated by a narrow public walkway.

Adams says Michael and Beth had no business chopping down her two 18-foot trees just to improve their ocean views. Adams says the trees were 30 years old and providing significant privacy and shade.

Adams claims the couple cut down the trees knowing full well they didn't have Adams's consent in order to "significantly enhance the value of their home as it would increase their view to the Pacific Ocean."

And, get this ... Adams claims she can't crane in new large box trees and instead will have to plant much smaller ones that'll take 20 years to reach the height of her old ones -- and will cost her more than $62k. She's suing for that amount, plus at least another $200k for the loss of aesthetic value to property.

Jerry Seinfeld has a thing or two to say to anyone who thinks the Big Apple is done for amid the coronavirus pandemic -- and it can be summed up in two words ... Shut. It.

The legendary comedian penned an op-ed for the NYT titled ... "So You Think New York Is ‘Dead’ (It's Not)," and he takes aim at a specific guy who wrote a LinkedIn article claiming exactly that, while also saying the city wouldn't bounce back amid a resident exodus.

Welp, Jerry believes otherwise in pretty strong terms, and even calls that author a "putz" who should stop waling and whining about the death of NYC. He writes, "Oh, shut up," while adding ... "Wipe your tears, wipe your butt and pull it together." Well said, JS!

You gotta read the editorial yourself, but basically ... Jerry makes the argument that New York (Manhattan especially) is resilient and that the abandoned streets won't last forever. He says there's a magic in that town that'll resurge, even if it comes back slightly different.

He also says the "work from home" trend will die out too eventually, 'cause it doesn't capture the same energy as when people are together. He thinks the same applies to NYC.

Now, Jerry isn't advocating for things to get back to normal just yet -- he's just telling true New Yorkers to tough it out and wait for the storm to pass ... because in his eyes, it will.

If there's anyone you should listen to on the topic of New York life, it's the Sein. Take heed.

Richard Herd -- who played George Costanza's Yankees boss on "Seinfeld" -- has died.

The veteran actor -- who's possibly best remembered as Mr. Wilhelm on the hit sitcom -- passed away Tuesday at his home in L.A. due to complications from cancer.

Herd only appeared on 11 episodes of "Seinfeld," but his time was memorable (and hilarious). He portrayed a (fake) New York Yankees executive who supervised George when he was the assistant to the traveling secretary, and would often give GC complicated tasks he'd fumble his way through completing (or not completing, more often).

Mr. Wilhelm eventually stole George's dream gig of scouting for the Mets ... a great farewell to his character.

Richard had many, many roles besides "Seinfeld," though -- he acted in huge films like "All the President's Men," "Get Out," "The China Syndrome," and "Planes, Trains and Automobiles."

On TV, he also appeared on "Simon & Simon," "Murder, She Wrote," "Quantum Leap," "SeaQuest 2032," "Dallas" and "Hart to Hart."

He's survived by his wife, Patricia, and his three children.

Larry David went FULL Larry David on a gaggle of thirsty autograph hounds who really need to find a new gig, according to him -- and yet, in the end, he kinda encouraged them.

The "Seinfeld" co-creator and star of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" was leaving his season 10 premiere Monday night in L.A. ... and before he could get to his car, he was greeted by the John Hancock brigade. One of 'em told Larry he'd been waiting for 7 hours, and that set LD off on a 'Curb'-worthy rant.

Larry made it clear he didn't tell them to waste 7 hours ... and ripped the group, saying no celeb likes signing for these guys who follow them for signatures, which they turn around and sell.

Jason Alexander knows media companies are lining up to drop a gold mine for the rights to air "Seinfeld" reruns, but he's not too concerned about the final sale price ... for one very good reason.

We ran into George Costanza at LAX and asked him about the crazy bidding war that's supposed to be going down in 2020 after "Seinfeld" leaves Hulu and hits the open market. Estimates are the streaming rights will go for upwards of half a BILLION bucks!

Jason -- who played Costanza for nearly 10 years before the iconic sitcom went off the air in 1998 -- says he can't believe people are still watching their show about nothing in 2019. Still, he loves the fact folks are discovering it anew, and getting some (little) kicks out of it.

Our photog asks if Jason's gonna see any of that money when the new deal is finally done come next December. You gotta see his response, because he's clearly not the least bit concerned. But, is he disappointed? Just watch.

Jason, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Michael Richards famously did NOT get a cut of the syndication rights. It's one of the reasons the show came to an end. However, they did negotiate large lump sum payments, and of course, they get mailbox money (Screen Actors Guild royalties) as long as the show keeps airing.

As for where Jason would like to "Seinfeld" stream after a 5-year run on Hulu, he says he doesn't really care ... may the best conglomerate win. Classic apathetic George.

Michael Richards is one of the few people in the world who can relate to the criticism targeting the "Game of Thrones" cast as the show ends ... and he's offering them some sage advice.

We got Michael Wednesday at Sunset Plaza and asked what message he'd send to folks over at 'GoT' ... now that fans are bitching about an underwhelming final season ... and the "Seinfeld" star says it's all about perspective.

Michael lived through the same thing back in the day -- "Seinfeld" was hammered over the series finale -- and Kramer says the secret to dealing with the haters is appreciating what came before.

It's hard to find a "Seinfeld" fan who didn't hate the show's final episode ... and Michael explains how he's dealt with the backlash for all these years, and why 'GoT' stars would be wise to follow his lead.

As Sunday's finale nears, fans are fearful 'GoT' is heading down the same path as "Seinfeld" ... but Michael isn't buying the narrative that HBO's writers are rushing through the 8th and final season. Sorry, social media mob.

Check out our clip ... Michael says its extremely hard for any show to go out on top, and one bad game doesn't tarnish a career.