Frank Costanza returns home! Jerry Stiller pays visit to Astoria home used in show - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

catlover79 · 08-26-2010, 02:20 AM

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/...going_hom.html

BY Nicholas Hirshon and Helen Kennedy
DAILY NEWS WRITERS

Monday, August 23rd 2010, 4:00 AM

Frank Costanza, meet the current masters of your domain.

Jerry Stiller, who played George Costanza's irascible dad on "Seinfeld," made a surprise visit last week to the couple who live in the Astoria, Queens, house that doubled as the Costanza abode.

He made their day.

"Hey, Costanza's father!" said Jack Lopipero, 84, who answered the door in an undershirt and shorts.

His flabbergasted wife, Bessie, also 84, stood on the steps behind him in a blouse and pajama bottoms.

"I can't believe this!" she exclaimed.

The Lopiperos have long lived in the two-story brick house on 37th St. whose exterior was used as the home of George Costanza's bickering parents, Frank and Estelle, played by Stiller and Estelle Harris.

The surprise visit took place when the Daily News took Stiller to Astoria Thursday to pose by the house as part of a series on historic places in Queens.

The Broadway veteran decided on the spur of the moment to knock on the door.

"What the hell, let's give it a shot," he declared before walking toward the tidy attached home.

The delighted Lopiperos invited the actor in, and within minutes, they were reminiscing like old pals.

Stiller relaxed with Bessie on a love seat, sipping a Coke while chatting about the sitcom.

Bessie told him she never missed an episode of "Seinfeld."

"Yes, I watched it every single day, hoping that I could see my house," she said with a smile.

Conversation inevitably led to comparisons between the home's fictional and real occupants.

"Estelle was a great cook," Stiller said, referring to Costanza's wife. "Her best dish was paella."

"I very rarely saw you be nice to her," Bessie cracked.

Stiller suggested the Lopiperos pitch a reality TV series. "'The Real Costanzas,' we'll call it," he said.

An hour passed as Stiller admired the Lopiperos' family photos and posed for snapshots.

"It's the first time we ever had a celebrity in here," Jack gushed.

"This is the happiest day of my life. You really made my day," Bessie said.

On his way back to Manhattan, Stiller seemed just as thrilled by the experience.

"This is probably the best thing I ever did in my life," he said.

Marvo301 · 08-26-2010, 02:24 AM

I wonder if they invited him back for Festivus?

Brian Damage · 08-26-2010, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvo301

I wonder if they invited him back for Festivus?

Seinatra · 09-08-2010, 03:29 PM

Now that is one darn good story!

catlover79 · 09-08-2010, 03:33 PM

I love this story!! Jerry Stiller is one classy guy. It sounds like he really made this couple's day.

Seinatra · 09-09-2010, 09:11 AM

If you click on the story there is actually a video of the encounter you can watch.

catlover79 · 09-09-2010, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seinatra

If you click on the story there is actually a video of the encounter you can watch.

Cool, huh?

08-26-2010, 02:20 AM	#1
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	Frank Costanza returns home! Jerry Stiller pays visit to Astoria home used in show http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/...going_hom.html BY Nicholas Hirshon and Helen Kennedy DAILY NEWS WRITERS Monday, August 23rd 2010, 4:00 AM Frank Costanza, meet the current masters of your domain. Jerry Stiller, who played George Costanza's irascible dad on "Seinfeld," made a surprise visit last week to the couple who live in the Astoria, Queens, house that doubled as the Costanza abode. He made their day. "Hey, Costanza's father!" said Jack Lopipero, 84, who answered the door in an undershirt and shorts. His flabbergasted wife, Bessie, also 84, stood on the steps behind him in a blouse and pajama bottoms. "I can't believe this!" she exclaimed. The Lopiperos have long lived in the two-story brick house on 37th St. whose exterior was used as the home of George Costanza's bickering parents, Frank and Estelle, played by Stiller and Estelle Harris. The surprise visit took place when the Daily News took Stiller to Astoria Thursday to pose by the house as part of a series on historic places in Queens. The Broadway veteran decided on the spur of the moment to knock on the door. "What the hell, let's give it a shot," he declared before walking toward the tidy attached home. The delighted Lopiperos invited the actor in, and within minutes, they were reminiscing like old pals. Stiller relaxed with Bessie on a love seat, sipping a Coke while chatting about the sitcom. Bessie told him she never missed an episode of "Seinfeld." "Yes, I watched it every single day, hoping that I could see my house," she said with a smile. Conversation inevitably led to comparisons between the home's fictional and real occupants. "Estelle was a great cook," Stiller said, referring to Costanza's wife. "Her best dish was paella." "I very rarely saw you be nice to her," Bessie cracked. Stiller suggested the Lopiperos pitch a reality TV series. "'The Real Costanzas,' we'll call it," he said. An hour passed as Stiller admired the Lopiperos' family photos and posed for snapshots. "It's the first time we ever had a celebrity in here," Jack gushed. "This is the happiest day of my life. You really made my day," Bessie said. On his way back to Manhattan, Stiller seemed just as thrilled by the experience. "This is probably the best thing I ever did in my life," he said. Attached Images
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

08-26-2010, 02:24 AM	#2
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,456	I wonder if they invited him back for Festivus?
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

09-08-2010, 03:29 PM	#4
Seinatra Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 29, 2004 Location: Gran Chaco Posts: 1,840	Now that is one darn good story!

09-08-2010, 03:33 PM	#5
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	I love this story!! Jerry Stiller is one classy guy. It sounds like he really made this couple's day.

09-09-2010, 09:11 AM	#6
Seinatra Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 29, 2004 Location: Gran Chaco Posts: 1,840	If you click on the story there is actually a video of the encounter you can watch.