Seinfeld: The Cast Ranked From Richest To Poorest

Highlights

• Jerry Seinfeld recently reached billionaire status, mostly thanks to his salary from
  Seinfeld
  and royalties.
• Larry David acquired his $400M net worth from the 15% stake he had in
  Seinfeld
  .
• Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ $250M net worth came mainly from
  Seinfeld
  and her show
  Veep
  salary negotiations.

The hit television show Seinfeld, which aired from 1989 to 1998, was a massively popular sitcom that centered around the fictionalized versions of its four main characters: Jerry Seinfeld (played by Jerry Seinfeld himself), George Costanza (played by Jason Alexander), Elaine Benes (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and Cosmo Kramer (played by Michael Richards).

Seinfeld is often regarded as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time and has had a significant impact on popular culture. The cast members have remained beloved characters, and the show’s legacy, and countless catchphrases and references, have become part of everyday conversation. Below, we take a look at what they are up to today, and how they rank financially after all this time.

Updated April 2024: According to sources, Jerry Seinfeld has finally reached billionaire status. Thanks to his salary on “Seinfeld” and the royalties received from the show, Seinfeld continued to increase his net worth since 2023 by tens of millions to be one of the richest people to have worked on a sitcom in the history of comedy-based television. Just how much higher Seinfeld’s fortune will grow remains to be seen.

9 Jerry Seinfeld

Net Worth: $1 Billion

• Character on Seinfeld: Jerry Seinfeld

We all know Jerry Seinfeld played Jerry Seinfeld on Seinfeld. His character was a stand-up comedian living in New York City, navigating through the ups and downs of everyday life with his eccentric group of friends. Jerry’s ability to find humor in commonplace situations struck a chord with viewers, turning Seinfeld into a timeless classic that audiences still enjoy. Jerry’s comedic genius and natural charisma made him the heart and soul of the show. But it was his negotiating ability that helped Jerry amass his fortune.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Jerry negotiated himself into a higher payday with each season of Seinfeld that was renewed.

Had Jerry agreed to do one more season of the show, he would have been making $5 million per episode. However, Jerry was done and refused.

Jerry also negotiated for a buy-in of Seinfeld. He purchased a 15% stake in the show and, per the publication, in the first year of syndication alone made $255 million.

Streaming platforms were next for Seinfeld. According to Parade, this meant more money for Jerry as well.

While this money does not go directly to Jerry, $80 million and $75 million of it did, respectively, which increased his net worth dramatically.

Netflix was interested in new material from Jerry as well. As such, they signed him to a contract for Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee and two stand-up specials to the tune of $100 million.

Jerry has also been an investor of real estate for years, owning over $70 million in properties. Those properties, according to Wealthry and Mansion Global, include:

Things are not slowing down for Seinfeld as he refuses to give up what made him a household name. As such, his stand-up comedy routines, continue to bring in money for Seinfeld as well.

Seinfeld’s net worth is estimated to now be $1 billion as of 2024.

8 Larry David

Net Worth: $400 Million

• Character on Seinfeld: George Steinbrenner

Larry David played the character of George Steinbrenner, the owner of the New York Yankees on Seinfeld. He was the perfect choice for the role, capturing the eccentricities and larger-than-life persona of the real-life New York Yankees owner. David’s portrayal of Steinbrenner added an extra layer of comedic genius to Seinfeld’s already stellar cast of characters.

Larry David has had a fabulous career beyond Seinfeld in things like writing and starring in the critically acclaimed HBO series, Curb Your Enthusiasm. Furthermore, he has also ventured into the world of film, with notable roles in movies such as Woody Allen’s Whatever Works and the Farrelly brothers’ Three Stooges reboot.

Most of Larry’s fortune, however, stems back from Seinfeld. Not as an actor but because he purchased a 15% percent stake in the show. When the show was sold to syndication, the first year, Larry made $255 million.

Later, Seinfeld was sold to streaming platforms. Again, according to Parade, Larry made money.

From these contracts, Larry made $80 million and $75 million, respectively.

As a result of his stake in Seinfeld, Larry makes $40 million or more yearly.

All in all, Larry David has accumulated a net worth of $400 million.

7 Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Net Worth: $250 Million

• Character on Seinfeld: Elaine Benes

Julia Louis-Dreyfus has a net worth of $250 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. She portrayed Elaine on Seinfeld, one of the four main cast members who brought the iconic sitcom to life. Her portrayal of Elaine Benes, a quirky and independent woman, quickly became a fan favorite. Julia’s impeccable comedic timing and delivery of Elaine’s hilarious one-liners made her an integral part of the show’s success.

Elaine’s presence on Seinfeld left a lasting impact on viewers.

It was because of the fanbase that Julia brought to Seinfeld that she was able to negotiate for a larger salary as the seasons of the show gained more popularity. The salaries that Julia negotiated for, according to Celebrity Net Worth, include:

Julia would go on to star in another successful show, post-Seinfeld. That show was Veep. Julia was paid handsomely for her acting skills and just like Seinfeld, Julia received more money the more successful the series became.

Julia is also projected to collect a large inheritance from her father’s estate in the future. This is because Julia’s father is a billionaire. Just how much she will be inheriting is unknown, but more likely than not, it will increase Julia’s net worth substantially.

6 Jason Alexander

Net Worth: $50 Million

• Character on Seinfeld: George Costanza

Jason Alexander has a net worth of $50 million. He was George Costanza on the sitcom Seinfeld. Jason’s character was a hilarious and easily agitated individual who often found himself in absurd situations. George’s neurotic personality and constant mishaps provided endless comedic moments throughout the show’s nine-season run.

During his nine-season run, Jason substantially increased his per-episode earnings, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Those earnings include:

Since Seinfeld ended, Jason has been busy as an actor, voice actor, producer, and writer. All of which have added to Jason’s net worth.

Jason also likes to purchase stocks to help bulk up his net worth. Some of the stocks that Jason owns include:

These stocks, in addition to some other heavy-hitters, have earned Jason $10 million.

In addition, in October 2023, Jason has recently partnered with Verizon to be the face of Visible, the company’s all-digital wireless carrier. What the partnership deal is worth has not been disclosed. However, it is anticipated to be lucrative for both Jason and Verizon.

5 Michael Richards

Net Worth: $30 Million

• Character on Seinfeld: Cosmo Kramer

Michael Richards made a lot of money with Seinfeld, however, today he has a net worth of $30 million, according to Forbes.

As Kramer, he was the quirky and eccentric neighbor of Jerry Seinfeld, often providing comedic relief with his wild entrances and unique mannerisms. Michael’s portrayal of Kramer earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase, solidifying his place as one of the most memorable characters in television history.

During his time on Seinfeld, he negotiated for a higher salary, according to Celebrity Net Worth, so that by the last season he was making $600,000 per episode. The salaries that Michael earned while on the show include:

However, despite his success on the small screen, Michael faced a major controversy that would forever impact his career.

In 2006, Michael was caught on camera using racial slurs during a stand-up comedy routine, causing a public outcry and immense backlash. The incident not only tarnished his reputation but also led to a significant decline in his career opportunities. Michael issued a public apology and sought to make amends, but the damage had already been done. His once lucrative standup career, which made him $15 million, was gone in an instant.

However, in November 2023, it was announced that Michael had written a memoir of his life. It is to be released in 2024. Depending on how popular the publisher believes the book will be, it could have meant a lucrative deal for Michael that will help increase his net worth.

4 Patrick Warburton

Net Worth: $20 Million

• Character on Seinfeld: David Puddy

Patrick Warburton has a net worth of $20 million. He is one of the most iconic voice actors of his time, but he is also fondly remembered for the role of Elaine’s boyfriend, ‘Puddy’ on Seinfeld. The character of David Puddy was known for his unique personality and memorable catchphrases, such as “high five” and “gotta support the team.”

Patrick was on Seinfeld for three seasons with a total of 10 episodes. As such, while he made a decent salary for those appearances, the sitcom is not how Patrick made his fortune. Instead, it was voice acting that earned Patrick his net worth.

Some of the notable animated roles that Patrick has voiced, according to IMDb include:

In addition, Patrick has starred in several successful television series since Seinfeld ended. Per the publication, they include:

Patrick has also gained success through endorsements. He has led campaigns over the years for Honda, National Car Rental, Carrier Corporation, American Express, and more. With all of the diversity in Patrick’s acting career, it is no surprise that he has amassed his $20 million net worth.

3 John O’Hurley

Net Worth: $12 Million

• Character on Seinfeld: J. Peterman

In the sitcom, J. Peterman was portrayed as an eccentric and larger-than-life character, known for his extravagant stories and his unique sense of style. O’Hurley’s portrayal of J. Peterman brought a delightful comedic flair to the show, adding an extra layer of hilarity to the already iconic series.

John O’Hurley’s career extends far beyond his time on Seinfeld, showcasing his abilities and talent in various other endeavors and earning him a net worth of $12 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Some of those endeavors include hosting game shows, including:

After his appearance on Seinfeld, John became co-owner of The J. Peterman Company. The company sells apparel, accessories, and luggage. It also helps to add to John’s yearly net worth.

Most recently, John has invested in the tech company, Q5id, which uses biometrics to ensure identities are not stolen. Given that the fraud prevention industry is a billion-dollar one, John is projected to make a great deal of money to add to his net worth over the upcoming years.

2 Wayne Knight

Net Worth: $10 Million

• Character on Seinfeld: Newman

One of the most iconic characters on Seinfeld was, by far, Newman. Wayne Knight played the role of Newman, who added a lot of laughs to the show. The relationship between him and Jerry was always filled with tension and humor.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Wayne Knight has a net worth $10 million today.

That net worth has to do with the fact that Wayne has had a successful acting career both in front of the camera and as a voice actor in the years since Seinfeld ended. Some of those projects that Wayne has been involved in, according to IMDb include:

Additionally, Wayne is a real estate investor as well. Because of this, Wayne has acquired several properties across the US.

Given his successful acting career and smart real estate purchases, Wayne Knight has amassed a tidy fortune, indeed.

1 Estelle Harris

Net Worth: $5 Million At Death

• Character on Seinfeld: Estelle Costanza

It’s doubtful that anyone else could have portrayed Estelle Costanza better than Estelle Harris. As George’s mother, Estelle Harris brought an unparalleled level of comedic brilliance to the character. Her portrayal of Estelle Costanza was nothing short of iconic, capturing the essence of a nagging, overbearing mother with remarkable precision.

While Estelle was only in 27 episodes of Seinfeld, the tv series is what really kickstarted her career. This is because after Seinfeld, Estelle still made guest starring appearances on hit tv shows, it was her voice acting that made her her fortune.

Some of the notable projects that Estelle worked on after Seinfeld, according to IMDb include:

Toy Story 4 would be the last project that Estelle would work on. This is because in 2022, she passed away. At that time, Estelle had a net worth of $5 million.

Source: Celebrity Net Worth, Forbes, Mansion Global, Wealthry, Parade, IMDb

Source: NewsFinale