He entered the cultural consciousness as Cosmo Kramer and quickly became one of the show’s most popular characters, winning three Emmys.
In his new book Entrances And Exits, Michael Richards, 74, tells all about being raised by a single mum and a schizophrenic grandmother, his secret cancer battle and the highs and lows of fame as Kramer.
Have any of your Seinfeld castmates read the book, and how did they react?
Yes. Jerry [Seinfeld], was the first to react. He loved it. He wanted to write the foreword. Jason [Alexander] read the book and wanted to interview me on his podcast. Julia [Louis-Dreyfus] is busy with her podcast but only interviews iconic older women. I didn’t make the grade.
How did you feel reading Jerry’s touching foreword?
It made me cry.
The book took you over three years to write – do you miss the writing process, or are you relieved it’s over?
I’m glad I got some of my life on paper. I had forgotten things until I dug into myself through writing. Also, I wanted to tell my story instead of letting what’s out there on the internet or shaped by others stand as the record. I’m already working on a second book!
Given you largely stay out of the public eye, do you feel nervous about having your story out in the world?
I fear being misunderstood and quoted out of context.
What was the hardest part of your life to write about?
Remembering the days of doing Seinfeld episodes, the ideas that defined Kramer’s development. I wanted to get that right. And I really opened up about the post-Seinfeld years and shared some of the hardest times of my life including the infamous night at the Laugh Factory [when he responded to hecklers with a racist tirade].
Has your son (Antonio, 12) read the book? What did he think?
When I was writing one day, Antonio read a few sentences and said, “Dad, just write like you’re talking to me.” This helped me write more clearly.
Do you think he will follow you into showbiz? Maybe another Kramer?
He’s certainly very funny, he makes his friends laugh all the time. He’s witty in ways I’m not. And he plays piano very well. He’s classically trained and into jazz improv now. He likes acting in school plays. It’s certainly a start.
What’s next for you? Would you ever do TV again?
I plan to do appearances and share some of my stories and do speaking engagements. A few are coming my way. I’m always open to acting again if I can make magic with the material. I have been very much into writing and I tend to be a recluse. I like to read a lot and spend time in nature.
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