Jason Alexander is more than just George Costanza from Seinfeld. The show may be his best and most credited work but that’s not to say sitcoms are the only genre Alexander has been a part of. He’s played minor roles in films such as Pretty Woman, and Canadian animated TV comedies. He also appeared as a guest star in Friends.
Presently, he is associated with the Broadway adaptation of The War of the Roses and we thought it’d be a good moment in time to take a look at Jason Alexander’s top roles, according to IMDb.
Dunston Checks In: 5.3 (1996)
Jason Alexander plays Robert Grant in the 1996 film Dunston Checks In. It’s a hilarious tale of an orangutan named Dunston who checks-in at a 5-star hotel. He’s befriended by the manager’s ten year-old-son, Kyle.
Jason Alexander plays the manager of the hotel and Kyle’s widowed father. In a twist of events, a delightful and hilarious comedy ensues. It is a treat to watch Jason play a hero to his two sons Kyle and Brian, at the same time battling his job at the luxe hotel.
Hercules: 6.6 (1998)
The 1998 animated sitcom Hercules showcases the adolescent years of Hercules’ life. He goes to the Prometheus Academy school, along with his best friends Icarus and Cassandra. Hercules is also involved in a tiff with his evil uncle Hades.
Hercules may not bring a starring role Jason Alexander, but it is one of the loved animated series from the 90s. Jason Alexander voiced Poseidon in the series, whereas the titular character was voiced by Tate Donovan.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame: 6.9 (1996)
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is Disney’s iteration of Victor Hugo’s novel of the same name. Critics of the movie will say it is not meant for children. It indeed is a dark and horrific adaptation of Hugo’s gothic novel. Jason Alexander voices Hugo, an anthropomorphic gargoyle. Along with Victor and Laverne, the three form a wisecracking trio.
The trio act as protagonist Quasimodo’s guardians ever since he arrived at the bell tower. The story is Disney’s darkest, but it makes for a compelling watch.
Pretty Woman: 7 (1990)
Jason Alexander plays a nefarious, regressive character in the classic romantic comedy, Pretty Woman. It is the story of a billionaire, Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) who falls in love with sex-worker Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts). Alexander played Philip Stuckey, Edward’s business partner and attorney.
This man has thrived on Edward’s genius for years. But ever since Vivian’s arrival, Edward seems to have taken a softer approach in business. Philip doesn’t quite approve the change of events. He mistakes Julia for a spy until Edward tells him her actual job. This is followed by an assault attempt on Vivian.
Duckman: 7.7 (1994-1997)
Jason Alexander’s performance as Eric Duckman in the adult-animated series is one to remember. He voiced the crude Duckman, known for a great deal of bad language. The show narrated the life and times of a private investigator Eric Tiberius Duckman.
It aired before adult-animation went mainstream, and was way ahead of its time. Alexander’s comic rants are difficult to separate from George Costanza’s, albeit with offensive humor.
Duckman was created by Everett Peck, it aired on the USA Network. The hurtful humorous show paved way for Family Guy and American Dad.
Hachi: A Dog’s Tale: 8.1 (2009)
Hachi: A Dog’s Tale may not be Jason Alexander’s movie, per se. But he’s done justice to his role as the warmhearted Carl in the movie. The movie marks Jason’s second collaboration between Gere and Alexander.
Hachi is an adaptation of love between a man and his dog. It begins with professor Parker Wilson (Richard Gere) adapting a stranded little Akita pup at the local train station. Jason Alexander plays the train station master, a witness to the growing bond between Parker and Akita. Hachi keeps waiting for Parker every day even after his death.
Harley Quinn (TV series): 8.4 (2019)
Jason Alexander’s latest roles include Harley Quinn - the animated TV series. The DC Universe series stars Kaley Cuoco as Harley and Jason Alexander portrays Sy Borgman, the geriatric spy.
The 13 part series is an adult aimed animation no doubt hoping to achieve success off the back of the popular Birds of Prey movie, which also stars Harley Quinn, albeit played by Margot Robbie.
Friends: 8.9 (1994-2004)
Jason Alexander played a suicidal supply and office manager named Earl in “The One Where Rosita Dies.” Phoebe decides to take up a new job of telemarketing to make some extra bucks. She happens to speak to Earl over the phone. He tells her he doesn’t need any toner because he’s going to end his life. Phoebe rushes to Earl’s office to stop him.
Alexander’s iteration of Earl is well remembered to this day and was thoughtfully played. Although audiences hoped to see more of him besides that one brief appearance, it is a treat to watch.
Curb Your Enthusiasm: 8.7 (2000)
It should be fairly easy to guess Jason Alexander has appeared with Larry David in a bunch of episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm. The show is a comedy series that ran on HBO. Curb Your Enthusiasm is helmed by Seinfeld creator Larry David as a fictionalized version of himself. Cast members from Seinfeld appeared on the show, including Jason Alexander himself.
Alexander appeared in episodes such as “Thor”, “The Shrimp Incident”, “The Bare Midriff”. Seinfeld is mentioned frequently in Curb Your Enthusiasm and so are its stars.
Seinfeld: 8.8 (1989-1998)
Jason, like three other stars from the show, will never be able to break the ‘Seinfeld curse’ come what may. He may have done a variety of shows, but to us, he will be best known as the unlucky George Costanza. George reins successfully in his loserdom. He faces unemployment, living with his parents. He is unlucky in love and everything else. His day-to-day adventures are too marred with bad luck.
Nevertheless, audiences agree most with Costanza - Lord of the idiots. His experiences on the show aren’t misplaced at all. His appeal lies in hating his neurotic ways. He emerged as the most popular cultural icon from the show.