Highlights
- Patrick Warburton, who played David Puddy on Seinfeld, was a fan of the show before he was asked to appear on it.
- Warburton had a specific condition that prevented him from returning to Seinfeld until the final season.
- Warburton enjoyed working with the cast of Seinfeld and wanted to make a good impression on Jerry Seinfeld.
Patrick Warburton appeared on Seinfeld in an earlier season, but had a specific reason why he couldn't return to the hit sitcom until Seinfeld's final season. Seinfeld was created by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, after comedian Jerry Seinfeld held a meeting with executives about creating a new show. Seinfeld became incredibly popular, featuring numerous established and up-and-coming celebrities.
Although not every celebrity liked working on the hit show, others enjoyed their appearances on Seinfeld. Even before appearing on the show, celebrity Patrick Warburton had been a fan, and had wanted to appear. Shortly after that, the actor was asked to audition. Although Warburton appeared in season six, he didn't appear on the show again until the last season. Patrick Warburton had a specific condition for why he couldn't return to Seinfeld until the final season.
Patrick Warburton Was A Fan Of 'Seinfeld' Before He Was Asked To Appear On The Show
Seinfeld is a sitcom that premiered in 1989, and lasted nine seasons, until 1998. The show became a huge success, and although it was still incredibly popular, the cast ultimately decided to go out on top and end the show. Co-creator and star Jerry Seinfeld even turned down an incredible $110 million to return for a tenth season.
Patrick Warburton appeared as a guest-star in season six as Elaine's boyfriend, David Puddy, (the two are constantly on and off), however didn't return until season nine. Before appearing on the hit series, Warburton and his wife were both huge fans of Seinfeld.
During an interview with news.com.au, actor Patrick Warburton shared some facts about playing David Puddy on Seinfeld, including why he'd avoided Jerry Seinfeld on the set!
Warburton discussed a conversation he'd had with his wife shortly before offered a guest-starring role. On Seinfeld, Warburton guest-starred as David Puddy, Elaine Benes' (Julia Louis-Dreyfus') on-again, off-again love interest.
Warburton said, "Two weeks before I actually got to do an episode, I remember looking at her and saying, 'God I wish I could be on this show', and then I got a chance to go in and audition and read for Jerry (Seinfeld) and Larry David."
Warburton also mentioned that before appearing on the show, he'd been a huge fan of Seinfeld. "I came on to do a guest spot during the sixth season so my wife and I watched it religiously, it was our favorite show."
The actor added that although he was originally meant to make one appearance as the character, the creators enjoyed Warburton's portrayal of David Puddy they decided to bring him back. "It was just for a single episode but they liked the character and brought him back."
Why Couldn't Warburton Appear On 'Seinfeld' Again Until The Final Season?
Some celebrities have had to turn down opportunities because of previous commitments. Jessica Chastain almost missed the chance to star in Zero Dark Thirty because she was set to appear in Oblivion, however her co-star, Tom Cruise, helped her get out of her contract.
Patrick Warburton, who'd been a big fan of Seinfeld when he joined the show as a guest-star, might have had the chance to be a recurring character. However, the actor already had a commitment to another show, which prevented him from more appearances on Seinfeld.
Warburton revealed, "I could have done a lot more but I was already signed on another show called Dave's World ...and so for two years I was getting calls every now and then about my availability for Seinfeld and I couldn't do it."
Warburton noted that once Dave's World had been canceled, an encounter with Jerry Seinfeld gave him another chance to appear on the hit show he loved.
"Then they canceled Dave's World and I crossed paths with Jerry (Seinfeld) and he said, 'Do you want to come back on the show during the ninth season?' That was a great opportunity."
What Has Warburton Said About Working With The Cast?
"Everybody in that cast, they were all so remarkably down to earth. I'm still friends with Jason Alexander to this day. I got to know Jerry (Seinfeld) better when I did Bee Movie because I didn't work with him that much on set."
Warburton also mentioned he'd "avoided" speaking to Jerry Seinfeld, worried about what he might say. "I actually tried to avoid him (Jerry) when we did Seinfeld. The reason being I just didn't want to stick my foot in my mouth or say something stupid."
He also added that he wanted to make a good impression, especially on the Seinfeld star and co-creator. "I wanted to hit my marks, I wanted to get the laughs and I wanted him to say, 'I like that Puddy character, let's bring him back'."
Warburton also commented that he didn't want to "bother" the comedian while he was busy working. "As social and as generous as he is and as good a guy as he is, I think he probably likes to not be bothered so I didn't want to ask him any dumb questions... I just wanted to stay out of his way. I haven't seen him in years but I miss him."
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