The untold evolution of Elaine Benes in 'Seinfeld'
What's the story
Elaine Benes, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, is one of the most loved characters from the iconic sitcom Seinfeld. With her wit and quirky personality, Elaine has managed to win over fans for a long time. But even the most hardcore fans might have missed out on some interesting trivia about her character. Here, we take a look at the lesser-known facts about Elaine Benes.
Dance moves
Elaine's dance moves originate
Elaine's infamous dance moves are one of her most memorable traits. Surprisingly, these awkward moves were inspired by Louis-Dreyfus herself. She once mentioned she based them on real-life experiences at parties where she felt out of place. This personal touch added authenticity to Elaine's character, making those scenes even more relatable and humorous.
Fashion sense
Her unique fashion sense
Elaine's eccentric fashion choices were very much her own. The show's costume designer wanted to give her a wardrobe that was practical yet fashionable for a working woman living in New York City in the 1990s. Her outfits often featured floral prints, oversized blazers, and chunky shoes, which became an iconic part of her style.
Hairstyle evolution
The evolution of her hairstyle
Throughout Seinfeld, Elaine's hair has undergone a lot of change. From voluminous curls at the start, her hair became sleeker as the series went on. The transformations were reflective of not just fashion trends but also the various phases in Elaine's life and career in the show.
Feminist role
Her role in feminist conversations
Elaine Benes was one of the very few female characters who got screen time in Seinfeld. Her presence added to feminist discussions during her airing period as she portrayed an independent woman managing friendships and work life without falling back on gender roles or stereotypes, which were common back then.
Get out!
The inspiration behind 'Get Out!'
Elaine Benes's Get out! with a playful push is an iconic part of her character. This phrase and action came from Louis-Dreyfus's real-life reactions of disbelief/excitement among friends. It was a true surprise or happiness she would bring, and that's why this part of Elaine's character resonates with everyone and is a favorite quote among fans.