Career Timeline of Jerry Seinfeld: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Jerry Seinfeld made an impact.
Jerry Seinfeld is a highly successful American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer, renowned for his observational comedy. He achieved widespread fame as a semi-fictionalized version of himself in the iconic NBC sitcom "Seinfeld," which he co-created and co-wrote with Larry David. The show garnered critical acclaim and remains one of the most popular sitcoms ever made, earning Seinfeld a Golden Globe Award. Following "Seinfeld," he created and produced the reality series "The Marriage Ref" and the web series "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee," winning three Webby Awards for the latter. He also co-produced, co-wrote, and starred in the animated film "Bee Movie" and the comedy "Unfrosted."
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1976: Stand-up comedy at Budd Friedman's Improv Club
After graduating college in 1976, Seinfeld appeared on open-mic nights at Budd Friedman's Improv Club while attending Queens College.
1976: Graduation from Queens College
In 1976, Seinfeld graduated from Queens College of the City University of New York with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and theater.
1980: Role on Benson
In 1980, Seinfeld had a small recurring role on the sitcom Benson, playing Frankie, a mail-delivery boy who had comedy routines. He was later fired due to creative differences.
January 1981: Stand-up at An Evening at the Improv
In January 1981, Seinfeld performed stand-up on An Evening at the Improv.
September 5, 1987: Stand-Up Confidential aired
On September 5, 1987, Seinfeld's first one-hour special Stand-Up Confidential aired live on HBO.
1987: Stand-Up Confidential release
In 1987, Seinfeld released his first standup special, Stand-Up Confidential.
1988: The Seinfeld Chronicles created
In 1988, Seinfeld created The Seinfeld Chronicles with Larry David for NBC, later renamed to Seinfeld.
1989: Seinfeld sitcom debut
In 1989, Seinfeld co-created and starred in the NBC sitcom Seinfeld alongside Larry David. He played a semi-fictionalized version of himself in the show.
1993: Released SeinLanguage
In 1993, Jerry Seinfeld wrote the book "SeinLanguage", which was released as his television show began rising in popularity. It is primarily an adaptation of his stand-up material. The title comes from an article in Entertainment Weekly listing the numerous catchphrases for which the show was responsible.
1993: SeinLanguage release
In 1993, Seinfeld wrote SeinLanguage, which was the first of his books.
1998: I'm Telling You for the Last Time release
In 1998, Seinfeld released his standup special, I'm Telling You for the Last Time.
1998: Return to stand-up comedy
In 1998, after his sitcom ended, Seinfeld moved back to New York City and returned to stand-up comedy, touring and recording a comedy special titled I'm Telling You for the Last Time.
1998: The final episode of Seinfeld aired
In 1998, the final episode of Seinfeld aired, though the show has remained popular in syndication.
1998: Seinfeld sitcom ended
In 1998, the final episode of the sitcom Seinfeld aired, marking the end of its successful run.
1999: Auctioned Breitling Chronomat Watch
In 1999, Jerry Seinfeld auctioned a Breitling Chronomat watch for $11,000 as part of the "Famous Faces, Watch Auction For Charity" event in New York City.
2001: Created Good+Foundation
In 2001, Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld created the charitable organization Good+Foundation after their first child was born. Good+Foundation grants donations of products and services to programs that address family poverty in three focus areas: supporting new mothers, investing in early childhood, and engaging fathers.
2002: Wrote the children's book Halloween
In 2002, Jerry Seinfeld wrote the children's book "Halloween". The book was illustrated by James Bennett.
2002: Comedian documentary released
In 2002, a documentary titled Comedian was released, chronicling Seinfeld's process of developing and performing new material at clubs. The film also featured fellow comic Orny Adams.
February 2004: Reviewed Porsche Carrera GT
In February 2004, Jerry Seinfeld wrote an article for the issue of Automobile, reviewing the Porsche Carrera GT.
November 18, 2004: Donation to National Museum of American History
On November 18, 2004, Seinfeld donated the "puffy shirt" from the Seinfeld episode to the National Museum of American History.
2004: Earnings from Seinfeld
According to Forbes magazine, Jerry Seinfeld's cumulative earnings from "Seinfeld" as of 2004 was $267 million, placing him at the top of the celebrity earnings list that year. He earned $100 million from syndication deals and stand-up performances. He also turned down $5 million per episode to continue the show for a 10th season.
May 13, 2006: Cameo appearance on Saturday Night Live
On May 13, 2006, Seinfeld made a cameo appearance on Saturday Night Live as host Julia Louis-Dreyfus' assassin.
2006: Earned $60 million
In 2006, Jerry Seinfeld earned $60 million from syndication deals and stand-up performances.
February 25, 2007: 79th Academy Awards presenter
On February 25, 2007, Seinfeld presented the award for Best Documentary at the 79th Academy Awards, giving a monologue about unspoken agreements between movie theater owners and patrons.
October 4, 2007: Guest appearance on 30 Rock
On October 4, 2007, Seinfeld made a guest appearance as himself in the 30 Rock episode "SeinfeldVision."
2007: Bee Movie release
In 2007, Seinfeld co-produced, co-wrote, and starred in the DreamWorks animated film Bee Movie.
February 24, 2008: 80th Academy Awards presenter
On February 24, 2008, at the 80th Academy Awards, Seinfeld, as the voice of Barry from Bee Movie, presented the award for Best Animated Short Film.
June 2, 2008: Stand Up for a Cure performance
On June 2, 2008, Seinfeld performed in his hometown of New York City for a one-night-only show at the Hammerstein Ballroom to benefit Stand Up for a Cure, a charity aiding lung cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
June 2008: Highest-Paid Comedian
Between June 2008 and June 2009, Jerry Seinfeld earned $85 million, making him the world's highest-paid comedian.
August 2008: Microsoft pitchman for Windows Vista
In August 2008, it was reported that Jerry Seinfeld would be the pitchman for Windows Vista, as part of a $300-million advertising campaign by Microsoft.
September 2008: Windows Vista ads airing
In mid-September 2008, the ads featuring Seinfeld for Windows Vista began airing, but they were discontinued from television after three installments.
March 2009: Seinfeld cast reunion on Curb Your Enthusiasm
In March 2009, it was announced that Seinfeld and the entire cast of Seinfeld would appear for a reunion in Larry David's HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm.
June 2009: Highest-Paid Comedian
Between June 2008 and June 2009, Jerry Seinfeld earned $85 million, making him the world's highest-paid comedian.
September 14, 2009: First guest on The Jay Leno Show
On September 14, 2009, Seinfeld was the first guest on Jay Leno's talk show, The Jay Leno Show.
2009: David Lynch Foundation Benefit Appearance
In 2009, Jerry Seinfeld appeared at a David Lynch Foundation benefit for Transcendental Meditation, at which Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr appeared.
June 23, 2010: Called four innings of Mets game on SNY
On June 23, 2010, Jerry Seinfeld called four innings of a New York Mets game on SNY, reuniting with Keith Hernandez, who appeared in the Seinfeld episode "The Boyfriend."
August 30, 2010: Guest appearance on The Howard Stern Show
On August 30, 2010, Seinfeld made a surprise guest appearance on The Howard Stern Show, ending a feud between the two from the early 1990s.
2010: The Marriage Ref series creation
In 2010, Seinfeld created and produced the reality series The Marriage Ref.
July 2011: Surprise guest on The Daily Show
In July 2011, Seinfeld was a surprise guest on The Daily Show, assisting Jon Stewart in suppressing his urge to tell "cheap" jokes.
2011: The Marriage Ref series ended
In 2011, The Marriage Ref concluded after a two-year run.
December 2012: Transcendental Meditation Promotion
In December 2012, Jerry Seinfeld said that he had been practicing Transcendental Meditation for 40 years. He promoted the use of the technique in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder with Bob Roth of the David Lynch Foundation on Good Morning America.
2012: Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee debut
In 2012, Seinfeld created and hosted the web series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.
June 2013: Appeared on Wale's Album
In June 2013, Jerry Seinfeld appeared on rapper Wale's album, "The Gifted", on the song "Outro About Nothing."
2013: Annual Income Documented by Forbes
In 2013, Forbes documented Jerry Seinfeld's annual income as $32 million. Seinfeld disputed Forbes's claims regarding his income and net worth on The Howard Stern Show.
2014: Speech at the Clio Awards Ceremony
In 2014, Jerry Seinfeld received coverage for his speech at the Clio Awards ceremony, where he received an honorary award. Media reporters said that he "mocked" and "ripped apart" the advertising industry, with his statement that "I love advertising because I love lying" receiving particular attention. Seinfeld also hosted Don Rickles: One Night Only at the Apollo Theatre, which celebrated Don Rickles' career and served as a roast among friends, including Jon Stewart, David Letterman, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Nathan Lane, Regis Philbin, Robert De Niro, and Martin Scorsese.
2014: Invited Woody Allen to be on show
In 2014, Jerry Seinfeld revealed he invited Woody Allen to be on his show, but hadn't received a response. He also disclosed that Joan Rivers was slated to be a guest before her death due to a medical procedure.
February 15, 2015: Guest Appearance on Saturday Night Live
On February 15, 2015, Jerry Seinfeld made a guest appearance on the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special, where he hosted the "Questions from the Audience" segment. This segment included cameos from Michael Douglas, John Goodman, James Franco, Larry David, Ellen Cleghorne, Dakota Johnson, Tim Meadows, Bob Odenkirk, and Sarah Palin.
May 20, 2015: Guest Appearance on David Letterman's Final Late Show Episode
On May 20, 2015, Jerry Seinfeld made a guest appearance on David Letterman's final Late Show episode. He joined guests including Alec Baldwin, Barbara Walters, Steve Martin, Jim Carrey, Chris Rock, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Peyton Manning, Tina Fey, and Bill Murray who all participated in The Top Ten List segment, "Things I've Always Wanted to Say to Dave."
November 5, 2015: "Change Begins Within" Benefit Concert
On November 5, 2015, the David Lynch Foundation organized a benefit concert at New York City's Carnegie Hall called "Change Begins Within" to promote transcendental meditation for stress control. Jerry Seinfeld expressed his support for the technique.
2015: Ranked Highest-Paid Comedian by Forbes
In 2015, Forbes ranked Jerry Seinfeld the highest-paid comedian.
2015: Avoiding College Campuses
In 2015, Jerry Seinfeld stated that he avoids performing on college campuses because students have become too easily offended by his comedic routines.
June 2016: Ranked Second-Highest-Paid Comedian by Forbes
Between June 2016 and June 2017, Jerry Seinfeld's income was $69 million. He was ranked the second-highest-paid comedian by Forbes.
January 2017: Appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
In January 2017, Jerry Seinfeld appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, joining Dave Chappelle and Jimmy Fallon in honoring outgoing First Lady Michelle Obama. They also played a game of Catchphrase, which Obama and Fallon won.
January 2017: Netflix Deal
In January 2017, Jerry Seinfeld signed a deal with Netflix. This included putting "Seinfeld" and "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" on their streaming service, producing two new stand-up specials, and developing scripted and non-scripted comedy programming. All episodes of "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" were also made available on the streaming service, along with a new 24-episode season.
June 2017: Income of $69 Million
Between June 2016 and June 2017, Jerry Seinfeld's income was $69 million. He was ranked the second-highest-paid comedian by Forbes.
September 19, 2017: Netflix released "Jerry Before Seinfeld"
On September 19, 2017, Netflix released the stand-up comedy special "Jerry Before Seinfeld", which follows Jerry Seinfeld as he returns for a stand-up routine at the New York City comedy club, Comic Strip Live, where he started his career. It is intercut with documentary clips and his stand-up special.
2017: Jerry Before Seinfeld release
In 2017, Seinfeld released his standup special Jerry Before Seinfeld.
2019: Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee ended
In 2019, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee concluded its run.
October 2020: Joined Steve Martin at The New Yorker Festival
In October 2020, Jerry Seinfeld joined Steve Martin in a discussion about comedy at The New Yorker Festival. They discussed subjects ranging from the creative process, Netflix, and The Oscars, to their comedy backgrounds, and the future of comedy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
October 2020: Released "Is This Anything?"
In October 2020, Jerry Seinfeld released his new book "Is This Anything?", which chronicles his 45 years working in comedy and contains many of his best bits that span from various decades.
2020: 23 Hours to Kill release
In 2020, Seinfeld released his standup special 23 Hours to Kill.
2020: Is This Anything? release
In 2020, Seinfeld wrote the comedic compilation book Is This Anything?
2022: Appeared on variant cover of Batman/Superman: World's Finest
In 2022, Jerry Seinfeld appeared on a variant cover of Batman/Superman: World's Finest with the title characters.
June 2024: Started New Tour and Appeared on John Mulaney's Show
In June 2024, Jerry Seinfeld embarked on a new tour, starting with his first show in Singapore. He also appeared as a guest on John Mulaney Presents: Everybody's in LA, joking about its unusual format.
June 2024: Heckled at Comedy Show in Sydney, Australia
In June 2024, Jerry Seinfeld was heckled by protesters during a comedy show in Sydney, Australia. Seinfeld responded with a joke. A similar incident occurred at a later show in Melbourne.
2024: Declared a Billionaire
In 2024, Bloomberg declared Jerry Seinfeld a billionaire, with a net worth standing at more than US$1 billion, thanks to various syndication deals his sitcom signed, with $465 million coming from those deals, making him one of the richest celebrities.
2024: Comments on Political Correctness and Comedy
In a 2024 interview with The New Yorker, Jerry Seinfeld claimed political correctness was destroying comedy. Months later, he walked back those comments on the "Breaking Bread" podcast, stating he regrets his previous comments.
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