Comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld has continued to draw laughter from audiences with his latest Netflix feature Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story. This light-hearted movie pokes fun at the creation of the toaster pastry against a mockumentary backdrop. In this week’s cover story with Parade, Seinfeld reflects on his comedic journey, the enduring magic of stand-up, and his reasons for steering clear of childhood trauma in his jokes.
Creating Unfrosted was a welcome comedic release during the pandemic lockdown, a period that Seinfeld navigated with his unwavering “the show must go on” attitude. With fellow funnymen like Jim Gaffigan and stars including Melissa McCarthy and Amy Schumer, Seinfeld struck a balance of fun and hard work both on set and during online writing sessions.
At 70, Seinfeld, the sitcom icon and master of stand-up, hasn’t lost his zeal for making people laugh. In the candid Parade interview, he discusses his love for comedy, his pursuit of fresh, timely material, and his uncanny ability to find humor in everyday irritations. But one thing he’s particularly clear about: his aversion to jokes about personal trauma, which he dismisses in favor of the lighter side of life.
Seinfeld also covers a range of other topics from AI in comedy to attending baseball games, passing wisdom to his children and the lasting legacy of Seinfeld. His key to a good life? Enjoying the present moment.
FAQ About Jerry Seinfeld and His Humor
- Why does Jerry Seinfeld not joke about childhood trauma?
- Seinfeld expresses that personal trauma is not something he capitalizes on for his humor. For him, funniness doesn’t rely on unpacking emotional baggage; it’s found in the levity of everyday life.
- What is Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story about?
- Unfrosted is a humorous take on the invention of Pop-Tarts, conveyed through a whimsical, mockumentary style film.
- How did Seinfeld handle writing and working during the pandemic?
- Seinfeld embraced the lockdown as a time for creativity and virtual collaboration, culminating in the 200-page script for Unfrosted.
- Is stand-up comedy still Jerry Seinfeld’s passion?
- Absolutely. Seinfeld reiterates his love for stand-up and how the pandemic has only deepened his appreciation for performing live.
- Does Jerry Seinfeld use his platform to touch on current events?
- Seinfeld does incorporate contemporary topics into his sets, like jokes about artificial intelligence, showcasing his talent for relevant humor.
Conclusion
Jerry Seinfeld remains a treasured comedian who sticks to his principles, delighting audiences with his timeless humor. Rejecting the trend of mining childhood trauma for laughs, he instead focuses on the more light-hearted and absurd aspects of daily existence. With his ongoing stand-up career and ventures like Unfrosted, Seinfeld proves that laughter often lies in the mundane and that a positive attitude is integral to longevity in comedy. His dedication to his craft and his continued enthusiasm for making people smile resonate as strongly now as they did during the height of Seinfeld.