When it comes to creating memorable characters, the sum of "Seinfeld"'s parts is more than its whole. In fact, the following "Seinfeld" characters have become so familiar to television audiences that the mere mention of their names evokes a smile and a knowing nod.   FREQUENT FAVORITES

 

Morty Seinfeld   Barney Martin plays the anxious father of Jerry Seinfeld’s fictitious alter ego. Martin made his first appearance in the series’ second episode when he was originally played by Phil Bruns, who was replaced later with Barney Martin (Arthur). Morty is the proud inventor of the beltless trench coat and had a long career in the garment industry before retiring to a condo in Florida. While in the Sunshine State, he is involved with the housing board of his condo complex, enjoys early-bird dinners and has a difficult time accepting gifts from his somewhat successful son, especially cars (as in "The Cadillac") and electronic gizmos (as in "The Wizard").   Helen Seinfeld  Helen, played by Liz Sheridan (ALF, Legal Eagles), may be retired, but she still worries about her only son. Concerned that he has chosen an unconventional profession, she wishes he would pursue a more stable career. She and Morty regularly visit Jerry in the big city since his busy life doesn’t allow him to make it to the Sunshine State as much as they would like.   Frank Costanza   Jerry Stiller (half of the comedy team of Stiller & Meara) plays the easily-excitable father of George Costanza. Retired, he still lives in the family home in Queens. Throughout the nine seasons of Seinfeld, viewers have learned many surprising facts about Frank, including the following: He can speak fluent Korean; he created his own winter holiday called "Festivus"; he co-created "The Bro," an undergarment for men; and he collects issues of TV Guide. He often gets annoyed with his hard-luck son and wishes George had grown up to be more like his childhood friend, Lloyd Braun (Matt McCoy). Stiller earned an Emmy Award nomination and an American Comedy Award for the role.   Estelle Costanza   Best-known to Seinfeld fans by her grating shriek, George’s mom is played by Estelle Harris (Night Court), who made her first appearance in the classic, Emmy Award-winning episode "The Contest." Estelle can’t understand George and why he has such a difficult time holding down a job and finding a girlfriend -- although she is relieved to finally have him out of the house. Although she and Frank have weathered some turbulent times in their marriage, they recently reignited their love for each other. Newman  Jerry Seinfeld’s Number-One enemy is Newman (Wayne Knigh), whom the comedian once described as being to him what Lex Luthor was to Superman. The rotund postal worker is well-known by Jerry’s signature greeting to him, "Hello, Newman." Although an archnemesis of Jerry’s, he is a good friend to Kramer and has a bit of a crush on Elaine. He has been spit on by New York Met Keith Hernandez, helped kidnap a noisy dog at Elaine’s request and has already planned his New Year’s Eve party for the millennium.

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