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September 16th, 2009
02:49 AM ET
The 'Seinfeld' non-reunion reunionAs you've no doubt heard by now, the "Seinfeld" gang is getting back together. Sort of. Call it the non-reunion reunion. Or the pseudo-reunion. Or something. Larry David, who co-created the classic sitcom with Jerry Seinfeld, is bringing the cast back for a fictitious "Seinfeld" reunion show on his own Emmy-winning comedy, "Curb Your Enthusiasm," this season (which premieres this Sunday). I caught up with David at the launch party for the upcoming season and asked him what inspired him to re-live the glory years with his fellow Seinfeldians. "I'd been asked for years about a Seinfeld reunion show and I knew I would never do one, but I began to think that doing one on 'Curb' might be a really good idea, to do as a season arc. It was a very ambitious idea. It was a lot to get together, to get the cast back together to do it, getting the set back, there was a lot to it. " And how was it working on the faux episode with Jerry? "We actually wrote together on the episode and it was great. We got into it without missing a beat, like it was yesterday." The fab four all returned: Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and, yes, Michael Richards, in his first gig since his infamous, racially-charged "comedy" routine. I asked David, is the Richards he encountered a changed man? "I think an experience like that would change anybody, but he's okay." And should he be given a second chance by Hollywood? "Absolutely." What do you think? Does Richards deserve a second chance? Can you watch him as Kramer now the same way? |
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i think MICHAEL RICHARDS is a very good actor anyone would have done the same thing as he did if they were in his shoes
what's the difference with michael saying the n-bomb and Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock and other black comedians saying the n-word....nothing it is wrong no matter who says it....as long as it is OK for some people to say then it's OK to say
Shae Shae: Would you like a "second chance" to not blame Jews for everything? You appear to be a racist moron.
Just saw Shae Shae's comment. Told you they weren't black!
I read the anti-semite quote and the first thing I thought was that Shae-Shae was probably an anti-dentite too. Great minds think alike Kenny Banya!
By the way, Shae Shae is not African-American...total smoke screen! I am African American and I think most of "us" would agree that usually, "Jewish hidden agenda" rants aren't from people with the name of Shae-Shae. So little snide, covert comments like "the pot calling the kettle... African American or black" (yeah I caught that) is what makes us want to go off. Not Richards' spew- We know where he stands or stood on that day.
I'm not an animal hater, victim of animal abuse or anything like that, but I still don't compare any of the their individual horrible choices.
When I saw that a Seinfeld reunion was in the works, I was excited because the show was hilarious! After seeing Mr. Richard's antics I was definitely disappointed and offended. My husband says he can't see him the same and hardly laughs at the "Are you still afraid of clowns?" line. Me? I still fall out because the show's writing was wonderful and his delivery was great. I dismiss his actions as ignorant and keep it moving.
Of course we can still watch him as Kramer, do you know how many Seinfeld reruns play on tv everyday? I'm talking a couple of hours on tbs, fox, the cw, etc...Seinfeld comes on about 5, 6 times a day on tv and I don't think Richard's crazy display is gonna change how fans feels about the Kramer character, which has been around for like 15 years....although I'm sure some respect for Richards as a person has been lost.
We all have had a moment where we might have lost our composure, but he said what was in his heart. His hate filled tirade did nothing but make people more aware how things may not have changed. Should he be able to earn a living? Yes. But I will not patornize anything he is a part of.
P.S. ShaeShae, what was your point we proved?
Hate what he said, love him! He apologized, lets move on
ShaeShae, sure. Oh yeah, we all believe you were actually trying to teach us about tolerance. Uh-huh. You'd have a better likelihood of getting a second chance if you took responsibility for the anti-Semitic remarks you made, admitted you were being a jerk, and realize you were totally inappropriate. At least Richards "thought" he was being edgy and funny. You're just ignorant and apparently surprised to find no one here shared your feelings about Jews.
Shae,
Are you trying to suggest ... that what you typed earlier ... was supposed to be a thought experiment ... ? And that ... everyone's reaction ... somehow validates ... what you wrote? ... And why ... are you typing ... your sentences ... like this ... ?
PrettyBlackGirl,
At least Dave didn't say nappy headed hos!
Everyone......I am not black...but I deliberately posted that ridiculous information to show you...that what I wrote was ignorant and stupid, and one Group was singled out.....No one did not like that, but it was okay for everyone to bash me.....Interesting that I was not given a second chance? Wow...thank you for proving my point.
That's ironic...SO..are we talking about giving Chris Brown a second chance? Michael Vick got one after prison time.
What about regular Joes? 2nd chances for them are few and far between.
Absolutely give him another chance. Everyone else has been given seocnd chances. I won't hold anything against him, he has apologized and that is it for me. I will be watching the non reunion show.
Right on Seth! And shame on me for even wasting time on this, but I really thought the point needed to be made. I am just amazed at those who feel they are "owed" or want the power to ostracize when someone in the public eye steps on their collective toes and then flip-flop to separate themselves from the group when convenient. Pretty hard to have empathy in that situation. (ie, Kanye West/Michael Vick)
Boy everyone is claiming that they are not racist....We all have issues.....Can't we just get along? Shae Shae I don't know you, but you are forgiven by me. In the Bible it saids we are all sinners...Instead of ganging up on someone we should band together, and stop all of this ignorance.
WHOEVER IT IS DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE....PERIOD
When does the non reunion reunion premier.
Hey ShaeShae, don't hae hae hate genius. Really> Dogs are equal to humans, so what Michael Vick did to the dogs was just as bad if he did it some white guys. Really ShaeShae, I know you remember we use to eat the rectangle pizzas together down at the tire shop on 15th st. Don't hate the Cosmo, hate the Monique.
ShaeShae, you're an idiot. Michael Vick tortured and killed, Kramer didn't kill anyone or anything. I don't believe Vick should be given a second chance, given that he killed and tortured living creatures. However, although I am not a fan of Seinfeld, Kramer didn't kill anyone. He made a poor choice of words.
You can apologize to someone for saying something stupid. But there's no coming back from death.
You're a moron. Go read a book and grow a brain.
Of course he should. Kramer is supremely invaluable to that reunion. Everyone makes mistakes and that one pales in comparison to some. Stop being petty. You shouldnt even be asking this question.
ShaeShae...First off, Michael Richards is NOT Jewish...Secondly, bashing Judaism and citing it as one of the reasons you feel he is a "racist pig" is literal blatant racism.
Sure, I think he deserves another shot. His outburst was an embarrassment, but I think it spawned more from his frustration with his career post-Seinfeld than with any REAL racism. The hecklers in his audience nailed it home for him that he wasn't respected anymore, and he lost it. He was frustrated and furious and wanted to serve something back to his hecklers that would be equally hurtful. Given that they were black, using the "n" word was the obvious reactionary for him. It was ugly and out of control, but I think he's a good person at his core.
Buckey, get a clue you hack. Clinton's issues were between himself, his wife, and an intern. It BECAME national when the Republican's forced it in their witch-hunt prosecution. At least Clintons personal issues never started a war, and this is not about politics.
Regarding Michael Richards, I don't think that the reason he has been avoided is due to his outburst, more that his post-Seinfeld career has failed. If they find the right vehicle, why not?
ShaeShae!
FYI Michael Richards is not Jewish. However, your comments make it clear that you are both uninformed and a racist. You are entitled to your opinion, but get your facts straight.
As for second chances, we all have gotten them in life, it is what you do with them that you should be judged.
For me the Seinfield show isn't any good without Kramer, he made the show! Big deal he used the "N" word, the world didn't end, no one died. He's not the first to do it and he probably won't be the last. If he was black he would have been funny.
As a jew, ShaeShae's comment cracked me up. You are forgiven for being racist. Who cares anymore, though, really? Why is everyone so sensitive? Sticks and stones...
And MsBenes, there is most definitely a double-standard. Blacks can refer to their own race as well as others in a derogatory manner (often, I might add), but god forbid a whitey picks on black folk without being labeled KKK. Get over yourselves people. Words are just words. Stop giving power to them.
And no, I'm not black, so yes, I don't understand. Again, get over it.
Absolutely!!! He deserves forgiveness... and who else could be "The" Kramer? he's unique.
it's so nice larry's giving michael some work! even before his "comedy" outburst it was clear he'd have no career after seinfeld. yes he was hilarious on the show, but that's it folks! a one-note actor!
Has anyone of any origin/background ever listened to Chris Rock's (one of many Black comedians, I might add) stand-up routines? He continuously refers to African Americans as the "N" word and refers to white people as "crackers" with glee. This is acceptable because he is Black? Double standard or are we in a contiuous loop of "freedom of speech"... for some?
And by the way ShaeShae; Lenny Bruce was "not afraid" during a very scary and tumultous time in Amercian history. He was a pioneer, among other outstanding attributes. Aside from your anti-Jewish nonsense, I find your reference between Bruce and Richards just as uninformed.
Why is every one trying to compare what Richards did with what Michael Vick did? Dogs and black people aren't the same you idiots. Black people are human beings, I know you racists have a tough time with coming to grips with that fact.
maybe because Vick hated dogs...kramer hates black people.....
.............................oh sorry maybe it is indeed better to hate black people rather than dogs! my bad!
If a Libyan murderer can be rleased from jail, Michael Richards can go back to tv.
Yes, of course Michael Richards deserves a second chance, deserves to work in his profession.
Yes, of course Michael Vick deserves a second chance. He paid the legal penalty and that is done. He also apologized. If we are going to end people's societal and civil rights after they break any law, why don't we just execute them and get it over with? No - our system is based on taking responsibility, paying the price as determined by law, and starting again.
Yes, of course Kanye West deserves a second chance (not that his career survival was ever in question). He did a very stupid and selfish, unthinking thing, like all young adults do. He hurt someone's feelings and offended our decorum. But he apologized and publicly took full responsibility, calling his own actions "rude" and "wrong." His example showing embarrassment and shame after the incident is EXACTLY what our society needs, if we really want to stop the breakdown of civility we are witnessing.
To the folks who see everything as "right" versus "wrong, 1 or 0, "with us" or "against us," good or evil, night or day - that is not the reality of human behavior, of biology, of our world, of the universe. Since when did you live your lives perfectly? Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone makes big mistakes. Most of us perhaps are lucky enough to realize our mistakes in privacy.
Shae Shae... wow! You must hate Hitler too, not because of the millions of people he killed, but for not letting you become a member of the Gestapo!?! -fishman, hilarious! "NO SOUP FOR YOU!!!" But in listening to your obviously ignorant rambling, you must not feel as though you should ever be forgiven for this racist rant either, huh? And as many have stated before, he's not even Jewish! So perhaps you should research your close-minded thoughts before putting them on the rest of us; also, learn English so that it will be clear – your "sentences" were not easily deciphered! I'm saddened by your ignorance, as you give our race this bad name, "shaeshae!"
Dave: Afro-Americans???? WOW you must be in your 50's or 60's haven't heard that term since the 70's.....Why do you you guys keep changing our name???? LOL LOL (Please people, it's a joke, know one go off on a racist tirad!)
I think it's hilarious, SHAE SHAE, how you call Michael Richards a racist but then display that same racism, (well, rather, anti-semitism as Jewish is not a race...) toward the wonderfuly hilarious Jewish persuasion. I'm not Jewish, but man, sometimes I wish I was. I bet I'd be more clever.
I'd say Shae Shae is the racist one...
In response to the comment made by ShaeShae. Who's the racist now??? Your anti-semetic rant makes you as bad (or worse) than Mr. Richards.
What Michael Richards did was indeed diplorable, but he has appologized, and admitted the error of his ways. Whether or not an individual can see past that is a personal matter.
Michael Richards deserves a second chance but Shae Shae doesn't!
I'm sorry, but did anyone else find ShaeShae's rant against Richards as a racist to be rife with thinly veiled anti-Semitic sentiment itself?
Michael Richards did all the right things to show remourse and reconcile with the black community so yes I would give him a second chance. I would even do the same for ShaeShae if he/she showed remourse after clearly demonstrating his/her anti-semetic tentencies.
Chris Brown beat the hell out of a little women. BEAT TO HELL.
Vick tortured and murdered puppies by electrocution and drowning. As well as forcing them onto RAPE-stands to be bread before they were murdered.... Kramer made a dumb racist COMMENT. Nothing but FEELINGS were hurt. These 3 people are NOT comparable.
Bring Kramer back and lets get back to laughing at and with him...
Absolutely. I miss Kramer and the entire gang. in fact, I am going to have to find a friend who gets HBO and weasel an invitation to come over and watch the show. That is, unless Obama decides to give free cable to every American, and illegal immigrants, too.
What Kanye and Richards did was not illegal at all so they should be forgiven immediately after they apologize. Chris Brown and Mike Vick? I dunno that will take alot of work for the both of them to win over any group of people.
Richards should be forgiven and so should Mel Gibson for that matter. Words can affect people greatly, but we do have freedom of speech in the US the last time I checked. What Richards was hurtful to his fans and many others, but they are words and words can easily be retracted.
Ummm Shaeshae you sound like you have a not so hidden agenda against Jewish people. Pot kettle black...I mean pot kettle african-american (that better?)
What the hell does Micheal Vick have to do with anything. How can you compare the racist tirade that Richards did to Vick?? Richards was talking about lynching black people, Vick fought dogs. Contrary to what you may think there is a huge difference.
Of course he deserves another chance.I have seen Afro Americans say the same type of things about White people and never ever are condemmed for it.Give me a break, It's about time we all get over it
I didn't say I liked Kanye West I just said he should be forgiven if we are all in a forgiving mood. We are not talking about Pyschological help here we are talking about being forgiven. Maybe you need help since you witnessed domestic violence. The topic here is should people be forgiven. Yes. Do you have to watch them again, be friends with offenders again, eat lunch.... No. It's all a matter of personal lifestyle. Unforgiveness only hurts the unforgiver not the offender. Patricia in Houston.
Give me a break. We have killers being paroled, football players beating up on their women, not to mention killing dogs. Michael made a mistake, apologized and should not be blackballed. He has paid his dues. Can't wait to tsee the reunion.
Definitely...Michael Richards deserves a second chance! He did amazing things for the entertainment industry by perfecting the character of Kramer so well. Personally, and please do not start a huge debate about this, but how could he not address the hecklers in the audience? As witnessed in the Seinfeld episode on heckling, you know, it's incredibly rude for one to interrupt a professional entertainer whilst they're doing what they do best. And you paid to go see his act! We saw the backlash when the lowly Representative rudely interrupted President Obama last week...I don't understand how the hecklers got off so easily. Have some decency, people!
bunnyone: Are you serious??? this is not about that but since you brought it up.....
Chris Brown and Kanye West sure forgive them... but they both need some serious psychological help to deal with their obvious self hate issues. As a black woman who has witness domestic violence what Chris Brown he will do again unless he admits he needs help and Kanye...Should just go away his ego is so big he is repulsive. He needs help also I mean this guy really thinks he is the best and whatever he has to say goes...He is a rapper with a bad attitude dangerous combination...
The youth of today idolize these rappers and think it is okay to degrade women and do what ever they want. The two are not the same...I forgive them but hope go away...get help...REAL HELP!
Absolutely. After all we're all human being aren't we? we are not perfect. we can be unreasonable, and make mistakes. How do you feel if people hate you for rest of your life just because you make one mistake which you may not mean it ?
he had apologized for what he had done, so we should forgive him and move on.
Everyone deserves redemption. No one on this planet is perfect and we all say things from time to time that we regret. Chris Brown and Kanye West deserve second chances as well.
Honestly I don't know why everyone made a big deal of it in the first place...yes he did say the "N" word but now a days comics that do shock comedy are a huge hit..and plus those guys in the crowd made him angry and it probley was insensitive but this reverse racism crap has got to stop...we are so far from those days in the 50's and we have grown alot in this country and for people to get upset over a word is ridiculous..especially when they use the "n" word themselves on a daily basis. So if they can say it why is it bad.
If Michael Richards deserves a second chance, then I am sure all of you have no problem with giving Chris Brown and Kanye West a second chance. After all they said they were sorry........
I must admit after I saw his tirate I stopped watching the reruns of the show. My own personal boycott on racisim. I was a fan and I still remember laughing so hard at the episode about Elaine's dancing I still chuckle just thinking about it.
But as a black woman it did leave a bad taste in my mouth after shocking exhibit my Michael Richards...But alas I am also know that it is right to forgive. To hold on to resentment only hurts me....
I wish them well and yes mr. Richards also. Who knows I may even watch a few reruns...God knows the junk on TV now is all about sex and little model teeny boppers...no real acting talent. Two Men and Half...brilliant show, the only one I watch on prime time...
Sure, he deserves a second chance, but I won't be watching, haven't watched a Seinfeld episode since and never will again.
I guess some are trying to be "racial" and drag out M. Vick – apples to oranges. For the record: M. Vick payed his debt to society in the eyes of the law and also deserves a second chance. I also won't be watching him.
Second chances and perception are two different things. I perceive them both differently now, for certain. What both of them did offended and affected me personally and I took it personally. I was an avid Richards/Seinfeld fan before – – was never a Vick/football fan, but I will never watch or support either going forward. One mistake should not destroy a person forever – we all receive grace for our mistakes. God's grace is sufficient and that's good enough for me.
John Elton, well put. Shae Shae must not have many friends if he really doesn't understand how well liked the show was.
ShaeShae:
Wow that was beyond words. So you address why you think Richards should never be forgiven by going on your own racist rant? Your an idiot, and evidently worse than Richards at least he is apologetic about it.
I think both Seinfeld and "Curb" are brilliant and uniquely funny television shows. To attempt a reunion of any kind without the Kramer character would be a mistake. Yeah, what Richards said at the comedy club was disgraceful and hugely offensive, but he deserves the same chance for forgiveness and redemption that I would want in a similar situation. I hope this "second chance" turns things around for him and reminds people what a talented entertainer he is. This all from an African American man who appreciates good comedy and believes in second chances.
Eric, Are you really Uncle Leo in disguise, LOL,JK!
I betcha ShaeShae is a rabid anti-dentite.
Doesn't bother me he is back..he is no more racist that the blacks who put down whites in comedy routines.
Oh i'm sure they have someting worked up where Leon lets Kramer have it. I can't wait!
ShaeShae, not that this is relevant in anyway to what occured but Michael Richards is actually not Jewish. He's said so himself.
If you think a Jewish conspiracy is what made Seinfeld successful you need to really think about how illogical that sounds. Hundreds of millions of people the world over watched the show and/or bought the DVD's -collectively most of America think the show was funny. You may disagree but you're not speaking for MOST PEOPLE so you can't claim to be 'right', you can only claim to have an opinion.
Jerry Seinfeld continues to sell-out arenas and stadiums all over the world and his audiences are invariably a cross-section of America: all genders, races and religions.
If you disliked the show just because of the number of Jewish people who worked on it, you're the one with the problem. And your comment comparing Michael Richards to Michael Vick (Dismissing Vick's crimes as less serious because they were "only animals") speaks volumes about you as a person. I think you need help/
Absolutely!.. Michael Richards is a very funny man! The whole "Seinfeld" cast worked very well together. Michael deserves a second chance..without him it would seem like a family member was missing.
BAC
Michael Richards isn't a jew but thanks for playing!
it’s okay that a person whom is of Jewish background feels he is invincible, and believes his race makes him superior!!!"
Richards PLAYED a Jew on TV. He's not Jewish.
"Michael Vick….you compare him to Michael Vick what he did was to animals which was disgusting, but not humans."
Well, except the gogs actually died, while the people just got called an offensive name.
Shae Shae.... NO SOUP FOR YOU!!!
Shae Shae, your bigotry towards Jewish people is quite profound! I agree with most of the folks posting here, if Michael Vick deserves a second chance than so does Michael Richards. And to say that brutally killing dogs is less offensive than a racist remark is downright pathetic. Yes, his angry outburst at a heckler was shameful, but so is your anti-semitic tirade in your post. Perhaps you should examine your own bigotry before you condemn others for theirs.
We've all said things we regret at one time or another in our lives. I forgave him when he apologized.
But how many people in the public eye will not learn from his and others mistakes? Just this week we have 2 others (I don't count Ms. Williams) who have been extremely rude with their words and actions.
this is for ShaeShae:
you are actually trying to say that what Michael richards did was worse than what Michael Vick did?? Michael Vick tortured and killed other living beings (animals) for his own amusement, and Michael Richards lost his temper after being heckled. Although I don't condone racists remarks, let's at least compare apples to apples.
Agreed about ShaeShae – pot meet kettle.
Shae Shae – hey, burn any crosses lately? Did "Inglorious Basterds" bother you because "the Jews" ravaged the Nazis? Easy with the-not-so-veiled Antisemitism.
I think you mean "heckled," not "hackled."
Michael Richards played a big role on "Sinfield" but I dont think that it would hur the show if he wasnt there. When I see the re-runs i remember and i usually flip the channel. His role should be short.
Kramer is Kramer, and Richards is Richards...
ShaeShae... judging by your tone, you are an anti-semite...
It's all about learning from the mistakes we make and looking to imrpove ourselfs through both good and bad times. He should be given a second chance. G–I–G–A–T–I–T–T–Y........
Michael Richards seemed to me to be sincerely repentant. Therefore, I do believe in showing him some grace. I really don't think that he will make the same mistake twice. He was a great asset to Seinfeld and I think it would not be the same without him.
I do think, however, that when people say things such as he did that he must feel that way to a certain extent otherwise it would never have been in his head to say something like that. I hope he has looked into himself and changed how he views people of all races.
It is fascinating to me that people in the limelight seem to think they can say whatever they want. If I were to do that I would be crucified. But then again, I would never ever say anything like that. I have been taught better than that.
I do. I think part of the problem is Richards is not really a standup act. He was trying to be spontaneous and got carried away. It was as if he thought he was channeling Don Rickles for a minute. But you could see that right away he was desperately trying to dig his way out of the deep hole that opened up on him. We've all said things that we immediately wished we hadn't. But they were not broadcast on YouTube. And for that I am personally grateful!
Michael Richards totally deserves a second chance. He was heckled, lost his temper and probably thought he was being "edgy" vs. the way it came out. A lot of these hollyweird celebs get second chances so should he.
When I first watched Seinfeld re-runs after the incident it was odd seeing Kramer in that new light but now it's forgotten because his performance is so good.
Yes, he should be given a second chance. (after all... everyone else in the entertainment business gets one, don't they?) I was always a huge fan, but admit I was quite disappointed when I saw his racial rant. Still, I personally can't wait to see the reunion !
I was taken aback by what he said but I love him and all the other characters and am looking foward to the reunion. Forgivness is key. Oh yeah and I am black female.
This kills me. Kramer was an idiot and still is. That whole show was ridiculous, and not funny. However, here is another example of how it's okay that a person whom is of Jewish background feels he is invincible, and believes his race makes him superior!!!..Michael Vick....you compare him to Michael Vick what he did was to animals which was disgusting, but not humans. Kramer (I know his real name don't care to use it) was a racist pig because he was hackled. He is not a comedian and he is not Lenny Bruce. That whole cast is full of no talent people but because it is of Jewish background it's brilliant, please give me a break!!!
No one's livlihood should be taken away as retribution for personal errors. No one took Bill Clinton's livelihood away, and now look–he's making millions and getting a free ride on the taxpayer's dime!
Yes. We all get second chances in life, sometimes third and fourth chances!! It will be fun to watch.
Of course we can watch Michael Richards! Yes, what he did at the laugh factory was vulgar, rude, and totally outrageous, but isn't that what entertainers do? They walk the fine line every time they do stand up comedy. This time the line was crossed, but how many comediens do that? There are many.
Either way, it will be fun to see the gang back together.
He deserves a chance like any other celebrity that makes a mistake.
There is no difference between him and anybody else in Hollywood.
Yes, we all make mtakes in the moment, I am Afro-American and a fan of the show. Micheal Richards, said some pretty unwarranted things, but he was also hackle while performing his act and doing his job. So, I do feel that placing him on the show, along with the Black Family in a situaton would help ease any further tensions. I think if he and the brother from the Black Family, was put together in a comedy situation on the show, would make for a funny situation and break the ice all around.
To err is human and to forgive is divine. He should be given a second chance.
If Michael Vick gets a chance why not Kramer?