SHAFFER’S SEINFELD LINK: David Letterman’s right-hand man, Paul Shaffer, was *nearly the sidekick of another funnyman: Jerry Seinfeld.

In his new book, “We’ll Be Here for the Rest of Our Lives” (out in October), the “Late Night” bandleader reveals he was offered the role of George Costanza before it went to Jason Alexander. Seinfeld handpicked Shaffer for the role and told him, “There’s no audition ... You’ve got the part. Just call us back!”

Shaffer never responded — the music man says he was too busy to accept the role.


http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/06/12/2009-06-12_paul_shaffer_as_seinfeld_sidekick_not_theres_anything_wrong_with_that.html

I enjoy Jason Alexander's take on the role so I'm glad Paul never called back.

I enjoy Jason Alexander's take on the role so I'm glad Paul never called back.
Me, too. I can't even picture anyone else as George!!

If that is true (if because actors sometimes exaggerate their laurels), it would make sense. Schaffer looks enough like Larry David to pass for a relative, and possesses the right kind of dry wit.

Because of course, originally George was going to also be a comedian, and his personality and actions were based on Larry David.

The best man got the job for sure. I'm still trippin' that Valerie Bertinelli dated Paul and that he dumped her.

I don't think I would love the show as much as I do without Jason as George!!!

Well he definitley looks like Larry David, but no one could be George except Jason Alexander

That's interesting.

Paul Shaffer (b.1949) is 5 years older than Jerry Seinfeld (1954). Alexander (b.1959) is 5 years younger than Seinfeld.