Jerry Seinfeld Needs to Get Over His Self-Righteous Self

Jerry Seinfeld was the centerpiece of one of the great comedies in television history. But here are some of the things he has not done:

1. Cure Cancer; 2. Broker peace in the Middle East; 3. Airlift food and medicine to the starving children of Africa; 4. Become an icon of the Global Warming movement; 5. Help even a single old lady cross the street (that I'm aware of). Until Seinfeld has managed to pull off any of the above, he should do whatever is necessary to keep his world class arrogance in check. And it doesn't matter how much honey money his "Bee Movie" manufactured at the box office over the weekend.

In case you hadn't caught the viral video of Seinfeld's appearance on CNN's "Larry King Live" on Thursday night, you really ought to. It's a textbook example of what happens to a guy whose ego has veered into the stratosphere. I mean, what's the point of ripping a new one on poor, aging Larry King, as Seinfeld did in this near minute-long, oddly mean-spirited rant that was spurred by an entirely innocent (if admittedly uninformed) query? King offered with regard to "Seinfeld" and NBC, "You gave it up, right? They didn't cancel you, you canceled them." It was conversational, rhetorical, off-handed.

So Seinfeld immedately pounces as if hugely incensed -- unless it was a poorly executed bit. "You're not aware of this?" he inquires condescendingly. "Are you under the impression that I got canceled? I thought that was pretty well documented. Is this still CNN? I was the number one show on television, Larry...DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM? It's a big difference between being canceled and being number one. (He laughs incredulously, shaking his head.) Can we get a resume' in here for Larry to go over?" And then King cuts to a commercial.

It felt rather like a Pit Bull knocking around a French Poodle. King was never really an interviewer extraordinaire and has grown somewhat less conversant and plugged-in with age, but for Seinfeld to go off like a rocket in such pompous, bullying fashion was not only unbecoming but altogether offensive. Until the guy does something to legitimately better the human race, his high-horse routine doesn't fly. He should try to retain a tiny shred of humility no matter how difficult, if only to hoodwink us into believing he's a decent, stand-up guy rather than the snooty, belittling jerk he comes across as here.

Comments

[joe rhodes]

When did we lose our ability to see when comedians are doing a bit? Hello?

This has been part of Seinfeld's schtick for a while, pretending to be offended when people do not acknowledge his greatness. I'm sure his ego is substantial, but he was NOT ripping King. He was attempting to be funny.

[The Pump]

Ok, you provided the link to the viral video, but did you even watch it? Before you go spreading vitriol just because a person isn't Madre or Padre Teresa, take a moment to ponder what drives your actions. Watch the video, they're both laughing during the shtick, and plus, Larry King is a complete DUMBASS, so Jerry let him have it a little. WTG Seinfeld !!!

[JB]

I think you missed the boat on this one. You should have watched the whole interview. It was fascinating. Seinfeld was just having fun with King.