Michael Richards, Cosmo Kramer
Michael Richards' depiction of "Kramer" in the Castle Rock Entertainment/NBC comedy series "Seinfeld" has earned him cult status rarely bestowed upon an actor. Richards explains, "Kramer is a good natured guy who is friends with everybody. He lives across the hall from Jerry and takes to him like a roadie does to a musician--he's totally devoted."
In performing his role as "Kramer" he brings a physical agility that is rarely seen. Influenced by legendary comedians such as Charlie Chaplin and Jaques Tati, his specialty is using physical comedy. He also believes that "it is important for me to create a sense of depth by maintaining a certain tension in the character, while simultaneously producing laughter."
Richards grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles and obtained a degree in theater from the California Institute of the Arts. Upon graduating, he performed in several productions at the San Diego Repertory Company. He also starred in the production of "American Clock" and "Wild Oats" at the Mark Taper Forum.
With a life-long interest in comedy, Richards decided in 1979 to pursue stand-up comedy. He performed nightly for nine straight months at such places as The Comedy Store and The Improvisation until Billy Crystal gave him his first "real paying job" on the "Billy Crystal Special." From there he spent the next two-and-a-half years starring in the ABC comedy, "Fridays" where he became best know for creating "Battle Boy"--an impassioned male who took pleasure in blowing up miniature battle figures.
Richards has been seen in a cameo role in TriStar's "So I Married an Axe Murderer" starring Mike Myers. He also made an appearance in "Coneheads" with Dan Akroyd and fellow castmember Jason Alexander as well as the 20th Century Fox film "Airheads" starring Brendan Fraser. His other film credits include "Problem Child," UHF," "Whoops," "Apocalypse," "Transylvania 6-5000" and "Yound Doctors in Love."
Other television credits include a series regular in "Marblehead Manor," recurring roles in "St Elsewhere," "Miami Vice," "Hill Street Blues," "Cheers," "Night Court," "It's A Living," "Sidekicks," "What A Country," "The Scarecrow and Mrs. King," as well as appearances in the mini series "Fresno," "The Jonathan Winters Special," two movies-of-the-week and four pilots.