Jerry Seinfeld: The toughness of my orphaned parents

Actor and comedian Jerry Seinfeld opens up about his father and his connection to comedy, sharing how he learned everything from him and believes there was a genetic component. He also reflects on his parents’ tough upbringing and his own childhood, sharing how he craved challenge and difficulty. #interview #parents #childhood
Become a member to watch full episodes and get exclusive access to content: bit.ly/3q4TjAb
Subscribe to watch the latest interviews: bit.ly/1R1Fd6w
Episode debuted nationwide in 2024.
For episode guide and nationwide television listings, visit www.grahambensinger.com
Connect with Graham:
Facebook: / grahambensinger
Twitter: / grahambensinger
Instagram: / grahambensinger
TikTok: / grahambensinger

[@Ste.Germaine]

I like how he talks about his parents so respectfully and also discreetly. “Dad went through some bad stuff”

[@Suzette-gb7uj]

Interesting, I never knew Jerry Seinfeld’s parents were both orphaned. My dad was orphaned, and that definitely impacted his entire life. He was not a big man, but he was tough, really tough, but he had the sweetest heart. He was an amazing man. I’m very blessed; both my parents were wonderful human beings.

[@endorphinder]

"The difference between those two sounds is a lot of money." That's gold, Jerry, gold!

[@ge2623]

Not literally but that's like music also.

[@ruthdanielson919]

In the back of your mind must keep you focused.

[@foothillgirl7989]

Jerry, vulnerable, serious, I love him.

[@johnfury6481]

No bits or jokes. Refreshing.

[@KeithGreenan-d9e]

Rich man who never helps poor working people

[@PerryHowell-h9v]

​@@KeithGreenan-d9eoh you know what he does and doesn't do?? And how much does he owe the world still after giving us all that laughter? What have YOU done for poor people in your life? Gimme a break.

[@AmaliaMagenCohen]

Of course there is a genetic component to being a natural comedian- who btw are usually very bright . That was really inspiring interview. Thanks Jerry

[@TjasseMartins-qe8im]

Wisdom, strength, humility and understanding.. those two orphans raised up one mighty example of a human being. Wow

[@stanmanmedia]

Always thought Seinfeld was a great talent, but in recent years watching him interview I've come to love him as a no BS person. His postulations may or may not be correct or factual, but he makes the stand, shares his opinion, and stands by it. Seems like a super human being to me.

[@nozrep]

me too!

[@thisisobviouslynotmyrealname]

ive been watching Seinfeld interviews, and some other artists that i like ( Stewart Copeland last week), and its become obvious that people that achieve a high level of excellence in their fields are extremely intelligent. These people are not just ordinary people that put some extra effort in their work.

[@sacred1827]

Apart from supporting genocide he seems a good guy

[@kendallevans4079]

As someone Jerry's age, I can relate to so much of this, especially when Jerry says his Dad didn't express emotions. My Dad never said "I love you" directly......BUT before your burn him on the cross...I UNDERSTOOD, as he understood my love of him! It's very difficult to explain, so much was unspoken and different in those days.

[@sacred1827]

We shouldn't fear progress though. He mentioned the thing about how tough times make soft people and then soft people make tough times. It's nonsense. We can break the cycle of emotional blockage and still provide strong direction. Too often we try to cling to some wisdom or benefit. Let's just say we can take what our fathers did and improve it

[@kendallevans4079]

@@sacred1827 Then you get Gen zero kids. So emotionally fragile the second they hear a critical word they start crying. You see it everywhere, kids quit jobs on the spot when the boss corrects them. 50% of 16 year old do not have a drivers license, partly because they fear the DL test.......weak soft people!

[@emmylou-y4b]

I thought I knew everything about Seinfeld but I learned for the first time that both his parents were orphans. Fascinating.

[@cutehumor]

isn't America a great country? His parents were poor and orphans. Their son is worth a billion dollars.

[@CHDean]

Amd, perhaps, and explanation.

[@RickCT2000]

Jerry was so revealing in this discussion. No comedic distraction. Just intelligent introspection and psychological “red meat”. l Loved it.

[@HeadCoachKev]

Gratitude for Jerry's Genius + look how healthy he is at 70; that age just snuck up on us

[@deanpapadopoulos3314]

Jerry is such relatable and wise person. I like him as a person more than as an actor. He never fails to be real and honest. The takeaway from his fame is that the world gets to meet a brilliant and honest man.

[@faithclifford5893]

You could be overwhelmed with grief and someone in my husbands family would get the timing right, say something funny just at the right time and it would crack you up laughing. Their timing was always spot on. It was , I felt, in their genes. Their minds worked differently, really...

[@KristiParry-by1kw]

I like that Jerry doesn’t go around apologizing to everyone about his opinions. He just says what he believes and has the courage to say what he thinks. You don’t have to bend your will to please others all the time.

[@nickbarcheck1019]

He's so right. My wonderful mother was an orphan at 9. Tough asnails and smart and funny as hell. So blessed to have her in my life.

[@marcoaurelio8058]

I am an orphan and that is WHY I CAN UNDERSTAND what the Palestinians are going through. WAKE UP

[@kendallandrews8691]

Sad you didn't get to meet your grandparents

[@nickbarcheck1019]

@@kendallandrews8691 Thank you. I never met any of my grandparents. All four passed before I was born. Feel the worst for my mom of course. She's the greatest person on the planet. I guess everyone thinks that about their mom but mine really is the best lol.

[@PerryHowell-h9v]

​​@@marcoaurelio8058you're a typical Israel hater who will say anything and disrespect any cause or platform to spread your hate. You call it pro Palestine but there's no "pro" in it at all. Only "con"

[@jkingston5498]

My FIL grew up in an orphanage and nothing ever fazed him. He was just always grateful.

[@andrewcullen3235]

lol, youtube.

[@Gringa_L]

❤I relate to this. By my early 20's, both of my parents were gone. A couple different people over the years have told me that I express gratitude often. I'm guessing it's because when you lose a lot, you survive by appreciating what you have.

[@Mockduck2020]

I’ve found those who had the hardest childhoods, everything after just was easier.

[@Gringa_L]

@@Mockduck2020 This makes a lot of sense. In childhood you're at the mercy of the adults in your life, for better or worse, then you grow up and steer your own ship.

[@herbie0408]

Hands down one of the best Jerry Seinfeld interviews, some absolute pearls of wisdom & thought here, he is one very smart guy

[@cindydowning2141]

Older and wiser…

[@ge2623]

Yes, he is.

[@dale9724]

I love Seinfeld. Talent, brains, integrity and FUNNY!

[@janedougherty5109]

I'm glad he acknowledges his parents.

[@actownsend7288]

His dad was proud of him and how hard Jerry worked to become successful at his profession.

[@ritasnow8319]

Unlike Aniston who bitches about her childhood constantly.

[@suzeauster2223]

Great interview. My Mother was born in 1923 and an orphan. She lived in an orphanage in Bkkyn. N.Y. She was never loved, it was all about the money when She got fostered out. My Mom also didn't talk much about her life there. She was a great Mom, but not demonstrative at all. Successful business woman and always took care of others in need.

[@k.popper2620]

My German Grandfather was also an orphan in NYC in the late 1800's He died way before I was born, but I could see how his lack of being cared for and being loved had influenced my father to be a man who struggled to emotionally be there for his his wife and children. Very sad.

[@suzeauster2223]

@@k.popper2620 Sad 😞 Indeed !

[@ahill4642]

Hard to imagine adopting a child and not growing to care about them. 😞

[@ReclaimingMyChillTime]

"There is a range (of difficulties) that we all seek." This is the most accurate and insightful peek into the human mind I've ever connected with.

[@itsmeGeorgina]

You choose difficult circumstances... to grow as a human being, how true

[@laurenpomerantz6202]

I really admire Jerry Seinfeld. This is a wonderful relatable interview and he is my favorite.

[@eileenmacdougall8945]

Comedians, good ones, inevitably tell the truth.

[@anna-tn8mg]

Dogma, of course. I haven't seen his mea culpa yet for support for such charmers as Obama.

[@Robin-un8yf]

Jerry's right. He inherited his comedic brilliance from his father, maybe even a grandfather too. What he has cannot be taught.

[@lpri]

This interview is so refreshing and revealing. Jerry staying humble and relatable. There are a lot of life lessons here, and Jerry paying respects to his late mother and father. Thankyou Jerry.

[@polljones8921]

He also supports the killing of innocent children in Gaza, you forgot about that part of him #childkillers

[@susiesuh1418]

I thought so too. I found the interviewer to be somewhat pompous: his tone, his body language, his smirk. Don’t care for the guy but I’ve always admired Jerry.

[@amynaddra7230]

Seeing Seinfeld before he was famous was one of my first dates with my husband. The Punchline in Atlanta

[@JXS63J]

So how was he?

[@MjMurphy777]

How did he do that night?

[@sarahfaith6531]

It’s amazing to hear about his parents. I’m so sorry they experienced that.

[@bob007fl]

Man, the more I listen to Jerry more I like you when you said it’s all genetic so right on I’m 60 and I have these conversations with my 84-year-old dad and it’s so genetic

[@jchoosier15]

Not wanting to surpass your father is dead on, I felt that very deeply anytime I had an experience that seemed to surpass my fathers

[@pronemanoldbutyoung5548]

Seinfeld being a virtuous with words as always. The part where he explains that he seeked a tough life from the get go, is so well formulated. I myself and probably more than half the population of the world seeks the easiest way out in life, in 99% of all life situations. Jerry nailed it. Better than any modern life coach or ancient philosopher.

[@CHDean]

This is the sweetest part of the entire interview.

[@lookingupwithwonder]

This makes sense as to why he was willing to work so hard with his show.

[@lookingupwithwonder]

My dad was born in Ireland in 1942 to a single mum. She gave him up and he lived in 8 orphanages in the first 7 years of his life.

[@dayrich]

irving berlin did that also, left home to save the parents some money on kids to feed. so encouraging that you can make something of yourself regardless of how you are raised. ❤

[@egl3369]

I agree that we all crave different levels of difficulty. And in different areas of our life too. Spot on.

[@cosmicmauve]

I'd like to hear him speak more about the art of comedy, it's fascinating.

[@terriwerning3477]

He is one of a kind.

[@RandyLex-wu6jy]

Great to see a different side of jerry it’s actually great

[@imisstoronto3121]

Some people are naturally funny.

[@jackhudkins542]

Jerry is wise....thank you.

[@dropfry]

I know Jerry is doing the rounds to promote his movie. But this interview feels so valuable and condenced.

[@LoveMyCoffee10]

Fascinating interview! I always thought of Jerry as Brilliant…I always noticed he’s Left handed too,😂. His parents, though both orphaned have raised and been Blessed with such a Great and Beautiful son!!! You can’t help but admire and love Jerry Seinfeld. As a mom, his Character says it all …

[@tammiecanada5837]

I totally agree with Jerry about genetics!

[@jq8974]

100% - I completely agree in the "genetic" part of comedy. I work in entertainment and although we may strongly disagree sometimes, if my parents and I see a show together they will accurately dissect what worked and what didn't and we'll completely agree. Dad was an engineer but was a very popular wedding MC back in the day, and Mom's a master entertainer. It's in the genes 👖

[@frostpond]

Completely, completely genetic. I can’t believe the Interviewer acted to surprised. (There is also Jewish humor, Irish humor, etc etc… depending on how/where you grew up.)

[@MrRufusRToyota]

Lol that’s not genetic. That’s living together and being raised by them.

[@Gringa_L]

When he said that I thought of how other talents are passed genetically, like an exceptional singing voice or ability to master instruments, and definitely the extra type of intelligence needed to do difficult things - engineer, doctor, lawyer, CPA, scientist, etc.. Sometimes people apply that inherited intelligence to comedy instead. Like a Conan O'Brien or a John Mulaney, for example.

[@mariannebarlow8336]

I agree with you!!! 😊

[@jq8974]

@@MrRufusRToyota I think it can be "nurture", but my husband was adopted (he's a writer) and we got to meet his birth mom. It was interesting what traits had nothing to do with nurture and everything to do with genetics.

[@eugenejoseph7076]

I am growing in my admiration for this man. Stress in inevitable in life, so to live a 'real' anchored in reality, one must find the right balance between too much stress or not enough. Once you find it, you're experiencing the gift of life at its optimum! The down side is that most find it when they're too old to put their pants by themselves!!

[@zhannashpitalnik4327]

Mr Seinfeld is brilliant intelligent thoughtful A true star

[@vickileonard72]

My mother & aunt grew up in an orphanage boy were they tough they could take a punch as easy as throw one but i tell ya they were classy dames😁

[@gennadyrosin1177]

Jerry what a line at the end of the interview.

[@katelanxner6483]

Coming up with that line off the cuff and the timing of it illustrates his point!

[@CaesarDarias]

People who experienced the Great Depression (and World Wars) were so terrorized and traumatized by the experience that it’s hard for anyone to understand their emotions and perspective. Their parenting had to be seriously impacted. Perhaps that was reflected in Mr. Seinfeld’s folks. I have recently read a couple of books about the Depression. Let’s pray we never experience that again.

[@marcoaurelio8058]

Can we include the Palestinians on that PRAY OF YOURS? THEY ARE experiencing just that and THIS MAN went to A RESTAURANT with his family TO SUPPORT israel while MINUTES AWAY palestinians were being STARVED TO DEATH. This is a surreal world

[@Bonzi_Buddy]

Palestinians put terrorists in charge of their government. They made the bed they now must lay in.

[@sevenisago]

@@marcoaurelio8058he can support whoever he wants. You don’t need to watch this interview. Go find another hobbie

[@hensonlaura]

​@@marcoaurelio8058 Go away. Your BS propaganda against a peaceful democratic state that was willfully attacked by a brutal medieval riffraff isn't welcome.

[@dopy8418]

Man this is rare to see Jerry talk about this.

[@marcoaurelio8058]

it is rare because he has an agenda. the israeli agenda. go study what gives pleasures to pychopaths and malignant narcissists people. it is HINTING at the things they are DOING TO OTHERS and ENJOY THE ANGER AND SADNESS that evokes on people

[@actownsend7288]

Yeah same when he talks about his awesome wife Jessica and their three children.

[@elainewascher6338]

Love and admire that guy!

[@gulliver7419]

Comedic timing and awareness of nuance. My nephew has it. Jason Alexander has it too.

[@aja3longhorn375]

He's right about the genetic component. It's an anecdote but I definitely see a lot of peoples personalities and traits in their parents, even if they are microscopic little quirks.

[@MrRufusRToyota]

lol that not genetics necessarily. That’s being raised by people lol

[@RenfreaKB]

​@@MrRufusRToyotaNot really. My dad never raised us but my brother who never saw him neither listened to him, has his exact sense of humor. They never spent time together but they share the dark comedy in their personalities which is very rare for us because we don't have that kind of humor in the house.

[@swampdaddy87]

Genes indeed! I met my bio-father when I was aged 44. I have the same timing and mannerisms and sense of humor. My adopted dad (my Dad) was a very reserved engineer. He'd laugh at my humorous tendencies, but we were very different personality wise. It's in how the brain is hard-wired. Nature certainly contributes, but it's how one processes stimuli and uses it constructively that is biologically pre-determined in many ways.

[@ReclaimingMyChillTime]

Imagine being nurtured by the same timing and funny genes. Jerry nailed it. What's weird is he was questioned on it, though he did help clarify.

[@davidusa47]

How somebody physically looks and sounds also plays a role. Facial expressions too. All genetic. Jerry is too real for this guy.

[@ReclaimingMyChillTime]

@@davidusa47 You nailed it.

[@RenfreaKB]

So true. My dad never raised us nor lived with us, but my little brother who never spent time with him has the exact sense of humor, dark, sardonic humor and none of us in the house is that way. They even have the same eyebrow movements when they say something funny. It's genetics.

[@marthawhite3353]

I love to see Jerry's face as he ages, he looks so gorgeous with his lines and softening features. I am a little younger than him and as I age, I find people the same age to be beautiful. Our younger, smooth faces don't hold the same appeal because today we have earned the faces we have through life's challenges and growth, and those experiences are priceless.

[@deb6828]

The interviewer is clueless. Jerry is spot on about a genetic component to his humor. Nature is stronger than nurture.

[@colleenparker9695]

Agree!

[@Tatianaarc]

Interviewer is a douche

[@Sad_Bumper_Sticker]

Integenerational trauma is also passed on through genes, and humor has a culturally important role in Judaism and Psychology recognizes the complex function of humor in disfunctional family relations.

[@briandeschene8424]

You may be correct about the interviewer. However, some interviewers also challenge statements made by the one they are interviewing to have them expand upon a statement by “acting dumb” instead of the more obvious (and usually less effective) “What do you mean by that?” or “Why do you think that is?” expository attempt. I think you have to admit that I found Jerry opened up more for this interviewer than what is normally seen?

[@nozrep]

Seinfeld was much more gregarious and forthcoming in this interview than with many other interviewers. He liked Bensinger. Even if Bensinger was clueless, he was not in any way disrespectful. He asked the questions and let Seinfeld speak.

[@joeyfitz9]

"The calculations of comedy are minute and precise." -Jerry Seinfeld

[@IPlayOneOnT.V.]

For years I've wanted to see pictures of Seinfeld's mom and dad. Good looking family. Thanks.

[@marcoaurelio8058]

yes. too bad there are over FIFTY THOUSAND PALESTINIAN CHILDREN who will never have these pictures. I AM IN SHOCK OF HOW MONSTROUS EVERYONE IS

[@enricovonwalterskirchen5596]

Mister Brensinger makes Mister Seinfeld to talk very rewarding for me the viewer/listener. Compliments to both of them.

[@spiritcreek9813]

Very insightful, brilliant mind and work ethic.

[@StephenGrew]

He's great is Jerry Seinfeld! And I truly believe that you inherit some stuff.

[@RabbiTuviaBolton]

Very enlightening!!! Human, insightful and perceptive

[@kevinc2821]

I could watch this all day

[@Melons-vg8dq]

I'm glad he made it big

[@Nurturing2]

5:08 AMAZING interview❣️ WOW!!! Sending love & light to the Seinfeld family!!!! 🙏😇💫

[@CathieWhitlock]

Funny people were much admired in my Dad’s family. They were a family of 10 boys and their Dad abandoned them. They used comedy to survive in 1905. Most of us are funny as hell.

[@Belevaqua]

I LOVE IT!!🎉🎉🎉

[@Justin-tu4fk]

Jerry was always a serious player, even back then before all this happened fr him. We marveled, at him. M.C. Comedy Caravan.

[@drsvs]

This amazing man always impresses me. Then he tops himself.

[@ahill4642]

same

[@AngelaGrace2]

Wow. I'm hanging on every word in this interview. Graham gets the best out of the best. Thanks!

[@donnajarvis9542]

I just love Jerry Seinfeld. What a story about his parents!

[@גרשוןפרלמן]

Jerry, I remember your dad. He used to bring that red motorized buggy down to the beach club-I was too shy to ask for a ride. Glenn P. from Shelly Drive.

[@loudloveen]

Comedy comes so naturally l to him he credits it to genetics, which is a recognition of his dad's talent as a comedian.

[@biegebythesea6775]

wow that's actually amazing the story of his parents and his father. seems like those kids were in an abusive home (which should have been shut down!) and that's why they ran away. I can see why he's tough now.

[@gadimalish6846]

Thank you Jerry for beeing who you are❤❤

[@arianemontemuro7901]

Jerry Seinfeld is a comedic genius!

[@dianeharmon5536]

I never heard it either....but there was never any doubt that I was loved.

[@maureenfinnegan5543]

Jerry is great!!

[@mercywilliams2698]

Awesome Jerry! 🎯🛣️💕✅ Emotional intelligence is an under the radar screen component of life. Jerry has this component and has gifted and shared this. He accepted the lack of emotional effusive ness in his parents because he could. Fantastic! I am a disabled individual since my early childhood in a large family with low emotional IQ’s..high intellect and lots of good energies. I go it alone to thrive knowing family members just can’t nuance my situation. They are the greatest challenge as I have entered into my senior years.

[@DanFedMusic]

He's so right, I've been saying this for years, we throw the word genius around but it has the least to do with us and mostly to do with genetics, circumstances, opportunities, etc.… And we might say yeah but I worked really hard at it, but where did you get that work ethic? Everything came from somewhere that had very little to do with us.

[@BowmanMoran]

Brilliant, incredibly smart man.

[@deannamadrigal7503]

I love it... " The difference between those two sounds is a lot of money "

[@elizabethr4107]

Amen

[@cjp592]

Now I know why I like jerrry. I didn’t know Jerry was orphaned or tough times. My most favorite person went to an all boys home because his parents were not there. You go Jerry. I’m glad he became rich. 🖖💯🥰

[@joederocco9321]

my mother grew up poor my father did not yet she was more of a parent in every way. also good to see jerry serious

[@kathrynmcfarlane1243]

Amazing stories.

[@sharpear1031]

Jerry understands how it all works. I agree with all these perceptions as to genetics. If his Dad was hustling on the street when young, he could talk to people. He probably made comments about people on the street and the basic things they wanted and didn't want; hence Jerry Seinfeld, the son. I think unconsciously I develop my manner to follow my father, then develop my humor and the punch line sits right in to that personality and way of being that I developed but I am using the parent as the backdrop; I am creating him to be my judge and teacher, what to do, what not to do.

[@t-mac1236]

These interview clips gave me a whole new found respect for Jerry. I didn’t know he had so much wisdom. Just thought he was clown tbh.

[@victorblock3421]

No one would ever call me a comedian, but I have my moments and I'll just say something unusual but it's funny and gets people. My father was also serious but he had that sense humor that would just pop out of nowhere. He was well liked and respected but not known as funny. I don't know if it's genetic, learned or I just try to be like was. Maybe a little of all three.

[@AmaliaMagenCohen]

I love this man !

[@TheRubberStudiosASMR]

Incredible interview ❤

[@lisaengel89]

Great interview.

[@Joanne-i7q]

Glad he honors his mom and dad. If you have a chance, read his book (" Is This Anything", 2020).

[@gailfg2211]

Great interview, I must say, hands down, I respect and admire Jerry Seinfeld, what a human being! Thank you Jerry, keep on, keeping on!🙏

[@robfromvan]

I saw him in Vancouver recently. He was very funny!!

[@JohannaVanWinkle]

Jerry, you're the best!

[@ebogar42]

I never thought Jerry's stand up was funny at all, but I liked his show. It was funny.

[@BowmanMoran]

Studies have shown that children who experience adversity are better at solving problems in life. Privileged children have a harder time solving problems because their problems in childhood were solved for them.

[@Danontime]

I have people I went to high school with, and some of them look the same age as Jerry. I turned 40 and they look like 50-55 😮. Key to youth (except exercise and olive oil) = Focus on comedy and not problems

[@bnegs521]

And a hair transplant

[@hensonlaura]

Jerry is 70!

[@ladykfirst]

I get it! Love you Jerry!

[@msegura6372]

My favorite 4ever.

[@Neb.333]

Yeah there are artistic genes that run in families