Jason Alexander Shares How Women Hated Him Because Of A Role

In the world of Hollywood, there's a special place for villains. They are the characters who make you cringe, who you love to hate. But what happens when a villain becomes so convincingly sinister that people start recognizing you on the streets? I found myself in that peculiar situation, just before the Seinfeld era. The role in question was none other than the douchey character in "Pretty Woman."

I must say, my transformation into the "evil" guy was quite remarkable. Women would spot me from a block away in the bustling streets of New York, but I wasn't Satan; I was simply the embodiment of a douchey character from the silver screen. It was as though I'd become the poster boy for unlikable characters. And it's all thanks to the brilliant mind of Gary Marshall, the director of "Pretty Woman."

The Marvel of 'Pretty Woman'

Now, you might wonder how a character could be responsible for my newfound notoriety. Well, "Pretty Woman" was a movie in flux. There was a script, but it had a much darker tone. That's when Gary Marshall, the visionary director, stepped in. He had a vision for the movie, one that was far from dark. He decided to turn things around and create the romantic comedy we all adore today.

However, this transformation wasn't a straightforward process. As we shot the film, we found ourselves improvising, throwing out scripted lines, and experimenting with different approaches to scenes. It was a creative playground. And that iconic scene where my character attacks Julia Roberts' character, only to be thwarted by Richard Gere? Well, it had several renditions.

The version that made the cut, the one we remember, was Gary Marshall's cobbled creation. But it's worth mentioning that there was a version where Julia Roberts had her chance to pummel my character into submission. We played around with humor, slime, and various gradations of wickedness. It was all part of the creative process. However, some scenes were left on the cutting room floor, including the one where Julia Roberts beat me up. Why, you ask? Well, it turns out that my character had a bit of an embarrassing issue during that scene – a persistent boner.

The Journey to Seinfeld

Now, let's shift our focus to the iconic series "Seinfeld." You might wonder how I landed a role in this legendary sitcom. It wasn't a straightforward path. The casting process for "Seinfeld" was quite the journey.

Rumors have it that the show's creators had their eyes on several other talented individuals before they reached out to me. Names like Chris Rock, Danny DeVito, Paul Schaefer, and Larry Miller were in the mix. Larry Miller and I even went to the network on the same day, and if you remember him from "Pretty Woman," you'd agree that he was indeed more likable and funnier in that film.

So, how did I secure the role in "Seinfeld"? It all began with a straightforward audition process. While some other outstanding actors were considered, I managed to convince the creators that I was the right fit for the character. The rest, as they say, is history.

The Art of Transformation

In the world of acting, it's fascinating how a character can transcend the screen and affect your daily life. From being recognized on the streets of New York for my villainous role in "Pretty Woman" to landing a role in the iconic "Seinfeld," the journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride.

Acting is about transformation, about becoming someone you're not. And it's the genius of directors like Gary Marshall and the creators of "Seinfeld" that can turn an actor's portrayal into a memorable and transformative experience. It's a journey that has allowed me to explore the boundaries of humor, darkness, and, of course, boner-free scenes.

In the ever-evolving world of Hollywood, the line between hero and villain can be thin, and the impact of a role can linger in the most unexpected ways. So, the next time you see an actor portraying an antagonist on screen, remember that their life beyond the set might be filled with amusing tales and unexpected encounters, just like mine.