You might call Jason Alexander a modern-day Renaissance Man.
Whether it is television, the big screen, or the live stage, he has tackled it. In addition to acting, Alexander has also taught, produced, and directed. Oh, and along the years, he has managed to nab a Tony Award, as well as a handful of Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
Alexander is also one of the lucky, as well as gifted, actors to play a character so memorable, so outrageous, that viewers around the globe recognize him on a first-name basis - George. Few characters are as engrained in television comedy history as the neurotic, often nauseating but somehow still lovable, "Lord of the Idiots," George Costanza on "Seinfeld."
He spoke at the Jewish United Fund's Annual Standard Club Dinner on Wednesday, April 25.
JUF News recently conducted an email interview with the actor.
JUF News: You've been in movies, on television, and on Broadway. Are there any other professional pursuits you have wanted to explore?
I am very actively trying to develop two other aspects of my professional life—directing and teaching. I think they both appeal to me for the same reasons. They are both completely engaging when you are doing it. They are all-consuming. Stage acting comes closest, but film and TV acting has too many breaks, distractions, and middlemen between you and the audience.
Directing requires me to call upon all my training and experience to serve as dramaturg, designer, coach, cheerleader, and audience member. So much of directing for me is a knowledge of how I'd want the story told to me so being in the audience all these years is a big part of it. I know the pain and the ecstasy of that chair.
Teaching also requires me to call on all my experience and training. I have been able to develop a very teachable approach to artistry for actors as I've been doing master classes and extended teaching stints over the past 12 years. I have come to adore teaching.
That moment of epiphany in a student's mind when they suddenly are able to de-mystify their own process and understand how their imagination and emotions and intellect and artistry all come together—it is absolutely thrilling. It's as big a rush as performing.
Despite the variety of work that you have done, most people will always remember you as George Costanza on "Seinfeld." How do you feel about that? Has playing such a memorable character had any impact on your career post-"Seinfeld"?
Well, it is an indelible impression. George is on TVs all over the world, every minute of every day. So most of the world knows me primarily as that persona. Having made such a strong impression as an actor in a singular way can and has affected my industry's willingness to look and consider me for totally different types of roles. But that is not particular of me. That has been true for most actors who have a break out role.
Type casting is still a real thing and I try very hard not to allow myself to be cast as another variation of George. However, I love George and I love the ongoing impact that Seinfeld seems to have had in people's lives. Look, acting is a pretty useless profession. It serves the actor because it is our passion and joy. And it can provide great joy to the audience, as well.
But as professions go-it ain't rocket science, or any science. It does not truly affect people's lives. Or so I thought. But over the years, I have met or heard from people who have told me how my work has gotten them through terrible times and tremendous loss and how I seemed to be a near constant source of laughter or levity during their dark times. Or even how our show just made their day better. Or how now it has become like an old and reliable friend that they love to revisit.
It has opened doors for me in countries around the world. I am never treated as a stranger but rather as a welcome and treasured guest. I have had encounters and conversations with people who I would have never met without Seinfeld as the impetus. And I have to say that for an actor to have that kind of positive impact on peoples' lives, to be part of something they treasure—well, that is a very unusual and precious thing. And I count myself extremely lucky to have it.
How do you think your Jewish background and Judaism have inspired your work, if it all (whether it be in the characters you play or the projects you choose to participate in)?
First off, I don't do all that much choosing. It's not like every great project out there is being sailed past me first. Unfortunately most of what I am offered is unexciting to me personally. Hence, my relative obscurity as an actor these days.
I don't know that I can point to Judaism specifically as inspirational or directional to my work. I think much of my comedic instincts are informed by the urban and Jewish rhythms that I was surrounded with as a child. But they are also inspired by people like Bill Cosby and Paul Lynde and Bob Hope and others - who, as far as I know are not of the Jewish persuasion - with the possible exception of Cosby.
Jews come from pretty remarkable backgrounds and tend to be pretty colorful people and so I do believe that living and growing up in a largely Jewish community helped me create and appreciate the canvass of characters that I draw upon in my work. But Judaism specifically has not colored either my choices or performances terribly much.
What role does Judaism play in your personal life?
Again, I was raised as a fairly aware and committed, but only partially observant Jew. Culturally, I was an uber-Jew. As far as personalities and celebrations and stories and history go - I was immersed in my Judaism.
But from a very early age, I have never been satisfied with the notion of organized religion - not any of them. I think they are wonderful in as much as they form and connect communities but they also put barriers around communities. I think the teachings of Jewish history and Jewish texts are noble and are the basis for my entire morality and ethos but they cannot fully define my beliefs, either.
I love Jewish people and I am comfortable and cozy and warmed when I am surrounded by my people - the people that share my heritage and ancestry. I'm sure that is true for all people. But I also feel a bit alien because I am also an outsider to a true community that only defines itself as Jewish.
That said, I sent both my sons to Hebrew Sunday school. Both my sons were bar mitzvahed because I felt it was imperative that they have some understanding of their heritage and the beliefs of their ancestral heritage. And I did nothing to prevent them from becoming deeply involved with Judaism. However, their spirituality has turned out to be much like mine and my wife's. So, we are not observant Jews. We are educated Jews, knowledgeable about our history, writings, customs and holy days. We understand and support, but seldom participate. In short, it's complicated.
You recently traveled to Israel to promote peace in the region. Can you tell me about that experience, and what it meant for you?
I adore Israel and Israelis. And I have to say that I have also been honored to have been invited into many Arab homes and businesses in both Israel and Palestine…. I see so clearly that Israelis and Palestinians could actually be tremendous neighbors and partners. They are so similar in so many ways… People are people. They want normalcy. They want decency and respect. They want purpose. They want happiness and stability and the possibility that tomorrow will be better than today. Israel and Palestine could have this and they could be a beacon to the rest of the world. This trip and all my trips confirm that truth to me. It will take courage and conviction to achieve, but it is there.
