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Cast of ‘Seinfeld’ Finds “Serenity Now” After Taking on Roles With Disney

Posted by: Becky Burkett July 16, 2024 Comments Off on Cast of ‘Seinfeld’ Finds “Serenity Now” After Taking on Roles With Disney

A colorful collage featuring a mix of animated and live-action characters against an orange background. The characters include four cheerful live-action individuals and a couple of animated figures. The group appears to be posing happily and energetically.
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The iconic sitcom Seinfeld, which ran for nine seasons on NBC from 1989 to 1998, not only left an indelible mark on television history but also served as a launching pad for several actors who went on to lend their talents to Disney.

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Credit: NBCUniversal

From animated classics to theme park attractions, these actors brought their unique styles to a range of Disney projects, enchanting audiences all over again. Here’s a look at some of the Seinfeld stars who found a second home with Disney.

Patrick Warburton: From David Puddy to Disney Staple

Patrick Warburton, known for his role as the deadpan David Puddy on Seinfeld, has become a beloved figure in the Disney universe. Warburton’s post-Seinfeld career includes a variety of roles that showcase his distinctively deep voice and comedic timing.

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Credit: Disney Wiki

Warburton lent his voice to Kronk, the somewhat dim-witted but lovable henchman in The Emperor’s New Groove. He reprised this role in the sequel, Kronk’s New Groove, and the television series The Emperor’s New School, further cementing his place in Disney lore.

A scene from "The Emperor's New Groove" showing Kuzco, Kronk, and Yzma at a dining table. Kuzco looks up at Kronk, who is holding a tray with three golden goblets. Yzma stands to the right, grinning mischievously. The background is dimly lit.

Credit: Walt Disney Animation

Warburton’s association with Disney extends to the theme parks as well. He is the voice behind the safety briefing on the popular attraction Soarin’ attraction, during which his humorous and engaging delivery helps set the stage for the thrilling experience. This role has made him a familiar and beloved presence among Disney park-goers.

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George Costanza Makes a Great Disney Villain

Jason Alexander, who played the neurotic and perpetually unlucky George Costanza on Seinfeld, has also contributed his talents to The Walt Disney Company.

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Credit: NBCUniversal

He lent his voice to Hugo, one of the gargoyles in Disney’s animated film The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Hugo’s character provided comic relief in the film, and Alexander’s energetic performance added a layer of charm to the animated feature. But Alexander’s Disney contributions didn’t stop there.

An animated stone gargoyle with short horns and small wings is eating cheese and crackers. He is framed against an orange-brown background. A nearby table holds a bottle, a glass, a slice of cheese, and a piece of meat. Crumbs are on the gargoyle’s chest.

Credit: Walt Disney Animation

He also voiced Abis Mal in the direct-to-video sequel The Return of Jafar and its subsequent TV series Aladdin. Abis Mal, a bumbling thief, allowed Alexander to showcase his comedic prowess, making the character a memorable part of the Aladdin franchise.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus: Elaine Benes Becomes a Marvel Actress and Is Counted Among Disney Royalty

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who portrayed the self-assured and witty Elaine Benes on Seinfeld, has also enjoyed a successful collaboration with Disney.

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Credit: NBCUniversal

She voiced Princess Atta in Pixar’s 1998 A Bug’s Life, bringing warmth and strength to the character. This role afforded Louis-Dreyfus a new kind of opportunity to showcase her versatility as an actress as she seamlessly transitioned from live-action comedy to animated film.

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She also voiced Rochelle, El Chupacabra’s love interest, in the 2013 Pixar film Planes and lent her voice to Laurel Lightfoot in the 2020 Disney/Pixar film Onward.

More recently, Louis-Dreyfus joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe, playing the enigmatic character Valentina Allegra de Fontaine in the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and Black Widow. 

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She is said to be reprising the role in the 2025 film Thunderbolts.

Seinfeld’s Annoying Neighbor Takes On New Animated Roles

Wayne Knight, who famously played the scheming mailman Newman on Seinfeld, has also made notable contributions to Disney projects. He lent his voice to Tantor, the neurotic elephant in Disney’s animated film Tarzan.

An animated baby elephant stands on a rock surrounded by lush green foliage. It has large ears, an open mouth, and is looking at a small white object in the water below. The background features dense jungle vegetation, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

Credit: Walt Disney Animation

In the role, Knight’s talents in comedic timing and his distinctive voice combined to bring Tantor to life and ultimately made him one of the most memorable characters in the film.

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Knight also voiced Al McWhiggin, the deceptive and greedy toy collector in Pixar’s Toy Story 2 who steals Woody from Andy’s house during an impromptu garage sale and attempts to sell him to another collector overseas.

The ‘Seinfeld’ Legacy in Disney

The actors of Seinfeld have left a lasting impact not only through their iconic roles on the sitcom but also through their diverse and memorable contributions to Disney.

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Whether through animated classics, direct-to-video sequels, or theme park attractions, these talented actors have continued to entertain and delight audiences of all ages, and their seamless transition from the streets of New York City to the magical worlds of Disney is a testament to their versatility and long-standing fan following.

About Becky Burkett

Becky's from the Lone Star State and has been writing since she was 10 and encountered her first Disney Park when she was 11. It was love at first Main Street Electrical Parade. Joy is blank lined journals, 0.7 mm pens, and all things Walt, Woody and Buzz, PIXAR, Imagineering, Sleeping Beauty (make it blue!), Disney Parks history and EPCOT. At Disney World, you'll find her croonin' with the birdies at the Enchanted Tiki Room or hangin' with Woody and the gang at Toy Story Land. If you can dream, you really can do it!

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