Jerry Seinfeld: What it takes to be a comedian

Web extra: Jerry Seinfeld, host of "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee," describes what comics have in common with one another and what sets them apart from other people. Anthony Mason reports.

[joefriedman]

I love how passionate Jerry is about comedy, even to a completely obsessive degree. He's made it very clear that it's really the only thing that truly matters to him in life.

[nexstory]

A comedian friend who visited my home some years back told me a story. Midway through, I started to burst at the seams with laughter. For him, that was his cue to go for the jugular, and he was "brutal", The harder I laughed, the faster the jokes came pouring in. At one point, I fell to the floor and started literally peeing in my pants (no shirt), and while gasping for air, I begged him to stop because I feared I might die from uncontrollable laughter. I am so grateful to this day that my friend had one tiny ounce of mercy in his bones. Otherwise, it would have been RIP for me. This is why I am starting a campaign to have comedians, just like mixed martial artists, register themselves as weapons with the law!

[Milestonemonger]

I use comedy as a weapon, a shield, a gateway, an icebreaker..it's a cure-all,
you know, like Windex.

[ChaplinCo]

What's so funny is jerry is being very serious here lol

[mrthomaslaux]

What i like about comedians is that they tell the truth without laughing and no one (really deeply) notices.

[ShartimusPrime]

Drummers. The brotherhood of comedians reminds me of drummers. I've been playing almost 20 years and meeting other drummers for the first time that have been playing for a while is like meeting a long lost friend. Also, the crowd cheering is like a laugh for him. I played a drum solo the other week that made people get off their seats in excitement! I can't compare the feeling to anything else.

[No_Inpa_Ticular]

Laughter is the greatest medication. It’s a give and take art. Feels good to make others laugh and in turn hear something hilarious from another comedian.

[jeanmarie]

He's fabulous!! The reruns of Seinfeld are still as funny as when new.

[josephkelley]

So admire the courage of a stand-up - love watching these guys - knowing the five times i TRIED (Improv/Comedy Store) it
was completely terrifying - couldn't go back. Only went on for the experience, see what it was like to hear you name called
on Open Mike night(s). I bombed everywhere - it was easy.

[DippyHippie]

As a former Hospice Nurse I’ll tell you, it’s much harder to make people laugh than to watch them cry!

[Saybleu]

Been a fan of Jerry since the 80s. He's not my favorite stand up but he's my favorite comic/writer. If that makes any sense.

[BentNeatly]

conan o brien would definitely say that being on stage is receiving instead of giving.

[saltedllama]

Professional wrestlers often relate to comedians. A very similar, brutal, unforgiving profession where you put on a show, have your inside lingo, struggle like no other to make it...

Steve Austin has had comedians on his podcasts where they talk about it.

[snoozyq]

I always hear comedians talk about the special connection between comedians. It sounds so nice.

[KimberlyisGold]

I am crying laughing at how uncomfortable the interviewer is when Jerry Seinfeld is telling it RAW and uncut. Comedy is ruthless. It takes a special kind of creature to get up on stage and do it. I am that creature.

[VenomStryker]

Even in 2021, Jerry could still do his show! Bring it back! lol

[claudes.whitacre]

It's the same with great salespeople. It takes a killer instinct...and it can't bother you if you get rejected. Humor is among the most advanced forms of thinking (edited for clarity). It's a purely intellectual exercise. Good comedians are nearly always the brightest person in the room...the fastest thinkers.

[XxSEETHRxX]

Jerry has a particular sense of humor that is unique. Defintley just this natural flowing kind of humor.

[davemiller]

Jerry had some guts to say that part about the bond/connection between comedians being stronger than family or friends.
It's true, and that's hard for some folks to understand or believe.

[aarionlynch]

Jerry can't stop creating jokes while talking.