Newman unmasked: Secrets behind 'Seinfeld's sneakiest character
What's the story
Newman, the notorious postal worker from Seinfeld, is a character that haunts you forever. Played by Wayne Knight, Newman's character is famous for his scheming nature and funny rivalry with Jerry Seinfeld. The actor behind the iconic role drew inspiration from many things to create Newman. Here's a look at some secret inspirations and techniques that went into making one of TV's most memorable characters.
Real-life inspiration
Drawing from real-life experiences
Wayne Knight often drew from his own life while playing Newman. His theater and comedy background gave him a wealth of experience to draw from in creating Newman's idiosyncrasies. By observing people around him, Knight was able to bring authenticity to Newman's character, making him relatable yet undeniably funny.
Comedy legends
Influence of classic comedians
Knight also loved classic comedians like Jackie Gleason and Lou Costello, whose influence is apparent in Newman's comedic timing and delivery. These legends were known for their ability to combine humor with reality, something that Knight adopted for his portrayal of Newman. This way, he was able to create moments that were both funny and grounded in reality.
Cast dynamics
Collaboration with 'Seinfeld' cast
The chemistry between Wayne Knight and the rest of the Seinfeld cast was instrumental in developing Newman's character. The way Newman and Jerry Seinfeld interacted with each other made their rivalry much more interesting. With a bit of improvisation and joint work in rehearsals, Knight was able to develop Newman's character, making sure it resonates well with the audience.
Character depth
Embracing character flaws
One of the key things that made Newman unforgettable was his unabashed acceptance of flaws. Wayne Knight honed in on those imperfections instead of hiding them. This added depth to Newman's character. In doing so, he made a character who was equally charming and irritating. And that was enough to leave viewers hooked all through the series run.