David Letterman’s Sidekick Paul Shaffer, Claims He was Offered the Role of George! - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 06-13-2009, 10:00 PM

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/20...with_that.html

Marvo301 · 06-13-2009, 10:07 PM

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

catlover79 · 06-13-2009, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvo301

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!!

DavG · 06-30-2009, 01:11 PM

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.

gidgetgrape · 06-30-2009, 03:59 PM

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

Schmoopie · 07-01-2009, 04:45 AM

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

rusyd · 07-01-2009, 07:31 AM

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

Tweety · 07-20-2009, 02:54 AM

That's interesting.

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

06-13-2009, 10:00 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	David Letterman’s Sidekick Paul Shaffer, Claims He was Offered the Role of George! 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/20...with_that.html
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06-13-2009, 10:07 PM	#2
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	I enjoy Jason Alexander's take on the role so I'm glad Paul never called back.
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06-30-2009, 01:11 PM	#4
DavG Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jul 30, 2002 Location: San Francisco Posts: 17	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.
	__________________ Ad Astra Per Aspera

07-01-2009, 04:45 AM	#6
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	I don't think I would love the show as much as I do without Jason as George!!!
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06-30-2009, 03:59 PM	#5
gidgetgrape Forever Gidget Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 20, 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 3,505	The best man got the job for sure. I'm still trippin' that Valerie Bertinelli dated Paul and that he dumped her.

07-01-2009, 07:31 AM	#7
rusyd Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Mar 30, 2004 Posts: 13,505	Well he definitley looks like Larry David, but no one could be George except Jason Alexander

07-20-2009, 02:54 AM	#8
Tweety Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Jan 18, 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 6,804	That's interesting. Paul Shaffer (b.1949) is 5 years older than Jerry Seinfeld (1954). Alexander (b.1959) is 5 years younger than Seinfeld.