Jerry Stiller Keeps Julia Louis-Dreyfus Cracking Up in This Iconic ‘Seinfeld’ Scene
Seinfeld fans and comedy enthusiasts are mourning the passing of legendary actor and comedian Jerry Stiller. Announcing the news on Twitter this morning, Stiller’s actor-director son Ben posted a pic of his dad along with his devotion to his father.
Many remember Stiller from the iconic NBC sitcom, where he joined the cast of Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards, and Jason Alexander in 1993 playing the father of George Costanza (portrayed by Alexander). The actor was notorious for cracking up his co-stars, where Louis-Dreyfus just shared a blooper from the show that will live in infamy.
Ben Stiller breaks the news
In a brief yet heartfelt Twitter post, Ben shared the news of his dad’s passing. “I’m sad to say that my father, Jerry Stiller, passed away from natural causes,” he tweeted on Monday morning. “He was a great dad and grandfather, and the most dedicated husband to Anne for about 62 years. He will be greatly missed. Love you Dad.”
Celebrities and former co-stars weighed in with tributes, including Alexander. “Such sad news that my beloved friend, Jerry Stiller, has passed. He was perhaps the kindest man I ever had the honor to work beside,” he posted on Twitter. “He made me laugh when I was a child and every day I was with him. A great actor, a great man, a lovely friend. #RIPJerryStiller I Love you.”
Stiller was also a main character on The King of Queens from 1998 to 2007, starring alongside Kevin James and Leah Remini. The actress shared her memories of the comedian on Instagram.
“I was lucky enough to work with Jerry Stiller, playing his daughter for 9 years on The King Of Queens, but even luckier to know him, the man, the husband, the father, the grandfather,” Remini wrote on Instagram alongside a pic of the two, including a shout out to Stiller’s wife Anne Meara who passed away in 2015. “I am only comforted knowing that Anne & Jerry, the great comedy duo of Stiller & Meara are back together. I will be forever grateful for the memories, the fatherly talks off screen and for the many years of laughter, the kindness he had shown to me and my family.”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus posts hilarious tribute
Known for her infectious laugh, Louis-Dreyfus often had a hard time keeping it together when she had scenes with Stiller on Seinfeld. One particular episode entitled “The Little Kicks” focused on Elaine’s less-than-stellar dance skills. The end of the episode takes place in a police station where George was arrested after trying to act like a ‘bad boy’ to impress a woman.
The Veep star posted the memorable scene on Twitter along with a confession that messing up her lines due to laughter was a frequent occurrence when she worked with Stiller.
“The truth is that this happened all the time with Jerry Stiller,” she tweeted along with the infamous clip. “He was so funny and such a dear human being. We loved him. RIP Jerry Stiller.”
‘Seinfeld’ alums reminisce on Insta Live
The exchange that ensued between Stiller and Louis-Dreyfus ended up being one of the most iconic segments in a Seinfeld blooper reel. The actress and Alexander recently spoke about the scene in a mini-reunion on Instagram Live last week to raise money for the nonprofit Direct Relief.
“Jerry Stiller always made us laugh. … He did that line in the first take, ‘You want a piece of me,’ and you did exactly what you’re doing now,” Alexander recalled as Louis-Dreyfus started cracking up. “And I have to tell you, when you go, very few people have the stamina to not go with you. There’s something about your laugh that is just really infectious.”
Alexander commented that Louis-Dreyfus’ laugh made him break up so much he fell off the bench he was on. “I think we spent 15 minutes just trying to get that little exchange,” Alexander said.
Needless to say, Stiller will remain in the hearts and memories of his family, friends, and many fans.
