As a major network, NBC has had a wealth of great shows, and this was especially true during the '90s. NBC boasted Seinfeld and Friends at the same time, leaving other networks to play catch-up all decade long. Sure, the network had some problems with Seinfeld, but they leaned on the show throughout the '90s, and for good reason.
Jason Alexander, one of Seinfeld's biggest stars, was instrumental in the show's success. During the same year the show debuted, he took home a Tony Award, but he nearly missed out on the big win after a minor blunder. We have all the details on this below!
'Seinfeld' Thrived During The '90s
During the 1990s, NBC was on top of the world thanks to multiple hit shows, including Seinfeld. The show was a force on the small screen throughout the decade, and by the end of its run in 1998, it had cemented its place as perhaps the greatest sitcom of all time.
Created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, the show focused on the lives of four friends in New York, and really, it wasn't about anything in particular. Despite the drastic shift for viewers, they could not help but turn in and watched these hilarious characters encounter the most random of every day situations.
The show nailed its most crucial elements, including its casting choices. From its lead performers to its guest stars, Seinfeld consistently managed to get the right people in the right roles, which undoubtedly helped propel the series to success.
Each performer was fantastic in their own right, including Jason Alexander, who was brilliant as George Costanza on the show.
Jason Alexander Was Dynamic As George Costanza
From start to finish, Jason Alexander consistently turned in outstanding work on Seinfeld, which helped his character become a legendary part of TV history.
Prior to Alexander getting the gig, multiple actors turned it down, including Danny DeVito and Chris Rock. This cleared the way for others to audition.
Alexander opened up about his audition for the role, which included his best Woody Allen impression.
"I not only did a thick New York accent, I literally was doing Woody Allen, like you know, the gestures and that voice. …and a couple days later got a call I think from Larry [David]. He said I love everything you’re doing. You know come out, we want to have you meet Jerry. You’ll read for the network and I flew out and they said don’t change a thing except don’t do the Woody Allen voice," Alexander said.
Alexander landed the role, and eventually became an iconic part of TV history.
Now, Jason Alexander might be best known for his work on Seinfeld, but the truth is that he is an accomplished actor who has earned some of the most impressive awards in acting.
Jason Alexander Almost Lost Out On Winning A Tony Award
Back in 1989, the same year that Seinfeld debuted, Jason Alexander took home a Tony Award for his performance in Jerome Robbins' Broadway. Had things shook out differently, however, Alexander would have missed out on the award entirely.
In an interview, Alexander opened up about not getting his flu vaccine, which caused him some unforeseen problems.
"Into my 20s, I was both unaware of it and probably feeling as you do in your 20s: that you're kind of invulnerable and, you know, had that idea that nothing was," he said.
"It was potentially disastrous. I was doing a show in New York called 'Jerome Robbins' Broadway,' which was sort of the hit of the Broadway season. Though it was a very, very large ensemble cast, it was arguable that I was somewhat the linchpin of it. It was Tony voting season, so all the Tony voters were coming to the show, and I suddenly got the flu," he continued.
Bronchitis developed, and in a flash, his place in the play was in jeopardy.
According to Insider, Alexander fought through his illness, delivered outstanding performances each night, and went on to secure his Tony Award.
As you would imagine, Jason Alexander does not skip out on his flu shot these days. In fact, the actor says that he hasn't gotten the flu since that fateful encounter with it back in the late 1980s.
