Why Jerry Seinfeld is driven

Jerry Seinfeld is obsessed with cars, and was inspired to produce an Internet series featuring comedians in cars talking about comedy. But finding a platform for his "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" was a hard sell. He talks with correspondent Anthony Mason about the nuts and bolts of comedy, and about the series which has proven to be a mega-hit. Originally broadcast on May 31, 2015.

[@hardingirls12]

No matter what people say or think about Jerry, he is doing what he dreams of doing right now in his life. So kudos to him.

[@braziliantexatlantis9512]

I'm happy for him he met Larry David and Jason Alexander and Art Carney.

[@AtrEdits]

what ya mean?

[@MaxyBoy-x9u]

@@braziliantexatlantis9512 Jerry will be the first to tell you, and I've heard him say it, that his companions and colleagues on the show were of incredible value. There's a reason why he didn't make the show all about him and let the other stars shine so brightly. Also his reputation on the set was that of a good man.

[@matmcd]

@@MaxyBoy-x9u yes! If he wasnt Jerry Seinfeld, he would have never gathered such people around him. Success like he has, is NEVER lucky.

[@MaxyBoy-x9u]

@@matmcd Did not imply he was lucky. I saw him do standup a few years before the show. $12 and thought he was hilarious without even telling a dirty joke. But the show was rich and full because of his three co-stars. He and Larry David were smart enough to understand how valuable they were to the show.

[@dj_6ix20two6]

“Even when you meditate your like, REALLY?” That’s funny

[@TheKopakah]

nah, pretty cheap

[@jsmall10671]

"The griminess is what made me good". He hit that exactly on the head. So many artists fed off their angst and struggles when starting out, then hit it big and have no more impetus for creativity.

[@joshmedici]

This was a really well-done interview.

[@mcdlb181]

Oh keep watching , I haven’t seen a bad one

[@bmullerpereira]

The video title made me think this was a video on why jerry has a chauffeur 😂

[@brohemian]

(that's the joke)

[@DanielWilliamIronside]

I was kinda hoping for a compilation of Jerry crashing cars 😂

[@ashish00007]

I thought his car was on a trailer when doing interviews like James Corden

[@micsierra806]

The thumbnail has Jerry behind the wheel. Did you reconcile the title with the thumbnail before or after you had your chauffeur thought? That would reveal a lot to me about you.

[@snoozyq9576]

Hahah

[@williamhenderson8371]

No matter what you think about Jerry Seinfeld, it’s hard to walk away from this interview and not respect the guy.

[@charlesbronson2926]

William Henderson then I must be really impressive.

[@Bunny_Gee]

Why would anyone have a problem with him?

[@m.j.8226]

@@Bunny_Gee Don't get me wrong, I love Seinfeld but in a lot of interviews, he comes off as a bit arrogant. Also, the whole recycled jokes controversy from 2017 upset a lot of fans.

[@mamouilletten1562]

@@m.j.8226 Thank you ! He did a lot in his career i agree, but his ego is so huge.. He's arrogant when he should stay humble, i just dislike this guy

[@gst013]

Hard to imagine anyone disliking Seinfeld...everyone who worked on or around the Seinfeld show talked about how he was a rare showrunner/star who had no ego. Didn't matter who got the best jokes or the biggest laughs...he just wanted it to be as funny as possible.

[@dornelli1]

He has the most underrated quality of a genius...he does not take himself seriously and is not above other comedians, and is always dead on accurate on human behavior

[@buckylove6918]

so wrong

[@marcosveron5881]

Watch a video called jerry senfield on his fans. And any other interview of him.

[@hamidshehzad3788]

He is no more funny, just repeating his old material non-stop

[@02nf2i]

alex dornelli are you kidding? He is one of the most egotistical and self-important comedians out there. Just look up for example him yelling at Larry King.

[@MrMonkeyInk]

I love Jerry Seinfeld and I love Seinfeld but I believe he takes himself very seriously indeed. He is probably a bit of an ashole but I'll allow it.

[@JDNicoll]

Got a little teary when Jerry said he loves the grime. Real humanity there. Something beautiful and real about his attitude. And the statement that the only way to top his success with seinfeld was to remain an artist. So basically he’s saying that being an artist is ultimately more important to satisfaction than making $800,000,000.

[@burntchickennugget3519]

Clicked on this for Rickles

[@MsPrecious61]

Very interesting interview. I believe the "art of comedy" is what Jerry loves and is most important to him in his heart and soul and that is he is what he is doing with his life. To me, that is a true artist. It is like Beethoven continuing to compose after composing a great masterpiece. I think that his comedy now keeps life fresh and new and on the edge. Who cares if people like it. He is doing what he loves.

[@rockgin]

If you love cars (not necessarily being a gear-head) and love comedy/comics (especially Seinfeldian humor), then you'll absolutely love his show and all his guests. My impression is that JS has worked incredibly hard his entire life (since he was a little kid) and he deserves all that he as and that's coming to him. Nice work.

[@Doofy4]

Jerry looks damn good for being 61

[@ivandaniel08]

alfa-psi Nhaaaaaaaa.....

[@SavingPrivateBob]

Beauty is scientifically objective, actually.

[@calebmatthews2026]

money

[@GaryMcCaffrey]

Never smoked, never a drinker, daily meditation for over 4 decades, and I guess vitamin enriched cereal :D. He's the same age now as Jerry Stiller (actor who played Georges Dad) was when the show aired. He looks 20 years younger.

[@youtert]

"Rich 50 is middle-class 38" -Jack Donaghy

[@12345fowler]

Jerry is so honest about him, most people would prentend but he's showing it as it is.

[@AmirSharifnia]

He loooks so good at 61!

[@larrybaker9924]

He looks 51

[@frankrodriguezit]

No kidding!

[@BrandonDKirkwood]

Why do people think that once you have a certain amount of money you’re done? It has nothing to do with money it’s about craft, creation and satisfaction. If you think that way you’re in the wrong career and need to do what sets you on fire!

[@AtrEdits]

It is all about passion and not about fame and money like nowadays people think, he genuinely wanted to do this because he liked it.

[@jchis9852]

I loved his analogy to surfing. Even though he doesn't surf, he gets the principle that it's the pleasure of doing it that keeps driving one to continue doing it. That same principle can be applied to anything that keeps people doing what they love to do. And that's what keeps him doing comedy in one form or another.

[@vanmoody]

When we see Seinfeld we see obsession. He is obsessed to get laughs and will actually do mental surgical work to figure out how to get jokes that really work. As you said money has nothing to do with it. He is obsessed.

[@N-Scale]

Gotta love Jerry!!!! A funny guy who likes cars. All my life I was told I was funny because I liked cars !! Who could have known? I settled on being a telephone man. Mike

[@Gettinsketchyonbourbon]

I always love how heart felt Sunday Morning is

[@sterlingrock7769]

Was never a fan, however, when he said he wanted to stay grounded as the reason why he still does stand up, it was his foundation where it all started.A great point in life how to remain sane and grounded after achieving great success.

[@stevescontriano860]

HELLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOO

[@RoadsideRick]

I know what I'm binge watching next

[@ryujin407]

His mom's sex tapes I am guessing.

[@placeholdername3206]

I never found Seinfeld (the sitcom) interesting in the 90's when it was actually current. Now it's 20 years later and I love watching it. Funny how that works.

[@yoe91]

very interesting interview. I thought he had a little bit of that businessman in him, and certainly he does, but I do believe him he means to remain an artist. It sounds over-the-top, "remain an arrrrtist" - but it's true. You either sell out, or you continue doing what YOU want to do and hope others will like it, as an artist.

[@OtterSwims]

+yoe91 I certainly dont think that he was over the top when he says that. What he really meant was that after his being in such a big success of a tv show, he couldn't just drop what he had been doing his whole life suddenly. its a lot like how Micheal Phelps said how he went into depression after he stopped training as hard for the Olympics, the daily grind was what had kept him going and giving him purpose. Jerry just happened to realize the same thing, and decided that he had to continue practicing his art in order to have satisfaction in his life. Not arguing, just agreeing with you in a different way

[@yoe91]

+Jai Guru Yes, I'm still trying to figure out whether he's an ego-monster or not. It doesn't appear so anymore, although I thought so earlier. He does seem to be highly conscious of the whole Jewish culture "eh you made it big, you're a star" and the need to show off a bit all that, and doesn't seem the most modest man in the world. But I don't think he's the pretentious guy I thought before either.

[@yoe91]

+Jai Guru ah okay, now we're here aye. Was just pointing out that typical Middle-Eastern, Semitic show-off attitude and culture as probably part of why he looks so full of himself (may not be, but looks) - was not talking about Seinfeld "leveraging his Judaism publicly"...

[@noiamnotharuhi]

ok

[@jclark1693]

yoe91 at some point, when is hubris just honesty? He's one of the best stand up comedians of all time, he made the single best sitcom ever, and could never work another day in his life and still live better than the vast majority of people on earth. "Eh, I've had some success." At least he still walks around in sneakers.

[@c.a.g.3130]

4:08, this is everything you need to know about Jerry Seinfeld and why he is genius. It's pure, compact, elegant, complete, it's practically Chopin.

[@TSgitaar]

Its amazing how many people here are not fans of Jerry Seinfeld, yet watch this somewhat obscure interview with him. When I don't like something or someone I don't go out of my way to look up these things on youtube. If you don't like it thats ok, but why torture yourself by watching more of something you don't like? Its very confusing to me.

[@k_r_a_n_g_6073]

Everything Jerry Seinfeld touches turns into gold. .The same thing goes for Larry David!

[@chrisk8187]

Every once in a while in life, one can get stung........? It makes you "bee" humble.

[@terrywilliams5285]

one of the best sitcoms ever, still love the reruns......”hello Jerry” in Newman’s voice

[@suzandemir1293]

Just love him no matter what he does. Always makes me feel better

[@Randsurfer]

Wow, I'm impressed by Jerry making the surfer analogy, and he's right. There are geezers who've been surfing 80 years, and they still paddle out every day because it's such an amazing experience.

[@MeyerKole]

Just love him no matter what he does.Always makes me feel better. Love Jerry!!! Great interview! He is definitely driven!.

[@mr420socko]

There's only one way to beat that says Seinfeld. Interviewer shoulda said Curb Your Enthusiasm. Boom

[@Danuta628]

We need it as much as you do Jer , don’t ever stop

[@bonnielass3975]

He's so awesome! I love a person that keeps it humble. One of the Greats Man, One of the Greats.

[@shiggymartin9722]

Surprisingly good interview.

[@jeremyogrizovich3247]

Jerry, thanks for all the quotes!

[@victorvondoom2386]

JS.... Thank you for the laughs. love the cars and coffee bits.

[@cflo1386]

"But I don't want to be a pirate."

[@dubliners0999]

At 5:40 or so, Seinfeld mentions that fans shout lines from his tv show back to him randomly. He says that it's not funny. He wrote those lines for us (the viewers). I want to ask, if you crated something for us and we're trying to give it back, aren't we "regifting"?

[@nawaf8258]

H McNamara what if he doesn’t like gifting people

[@Its_Lu_Bu]

@@nawaf8258 then he didn't "make it for you" like he says he did he made it so he could make money and since "regifting" it doesn't make him any money, he doesn't care for it. Which has probably turned to dislike over the years because of how repetitive to him it is.

[@kiradotee]

What if he likes giving but not receiving.

[@nabugijin9910]

A reverse indian giver? 🤔

[@waswaswad]

It's only funny if it suprises you. His own lines doesn't suprise him, so he doesn't find it funny. It's not exactly rocket science

[@infinitytoinfinitysquaredb7836]

Like George Carlin, Seinfeld gets crankier as he gets older. But I like that. :D

[@judywright4241]

infinitytoinfinitysquaredbitch --I think Carlin got more bitter and meaner, his light hearted ness was gone.

[@emcsquare5045]

@@judywright4241 Carlin was more philosopher than comic, he spoke truth to power and seemed to focus more on that the older he got, which some misperceive as bitter, especially if the hard truth makes them uncomfortable.

[@andrewlynch1132]

Two greats in one car

[@irwinfletcher3879]

Jerry is obsessed with Automobiles, Superman, & Cheerios.

[@ABCDEFGHI827]

gym shoe exactly

[@ABCDEFGHI827]

Comedy, comedians, cereals, especially with Porsches and jackets 😂

[@Karanagi]

Good interviewer, great questions!

[@dwightemorgan4367]

4:10 brilliant

[@PorkChopJones]

I loved Seinfeld, and I will honestly say, when Seinfeld went off the air I stopped watching sitcoms all together. Mainly because most of the other shows were not on the same level. I agree it is impossible to top Seinfeld! But staying out there and staying active, saying hey i'm still here, doing what I love surrounded by my friends who happen to also be comedians, that would also love a good cup of coffee and some breakfast! Jerry i'm so glad you decided on Comedians in Cars getting coffee, rather than Comedians going to the Movies getting Dinner. You are a true artist who is at his best standing in a hot frying pan! Right when the pan gets hot, that's when you create and develop! A master Chef always has to try out something new, each guest you have on your show makes each show something new.Every show is a different show! I do understand the method and the drive. Like everyday is my first day at work , you may not like me but I will give my 100%. when I hear the laughter my heart smiles.

[@pietrocasellapietro]

Honestly, only 30 rock and always sunny have the same philosophy as seinfeld, being that funny is the number one priority. You should check them out, they're on a similar level of quality

[@bas8116]

"I like the anxiety" Haha xD yeah I know how he feels.

[@cliffordmaxwell9802]

The world is a better place with Jerry Seinfeld in it! Please keep us laughing Jerry we really need it badly!

[@drew2548]

Its funny to me that on the show Seinfeld, Jerry is not a huge car guy.

[@chrisk8187]

Does he really like coffee that much?

[@rapturebound197]

Jerry finds the humor...he searchers it out in places you wouldn't ordinarily look and finds that hidden crumb of humor. And his standup routine is where he outs those crumbs to be laughed at. Humor isnt complete until it gets a laugh...and Seinfeld is brilliant at it.

[@lessevdoolbretsim]

When I shout a line from your show at you in the street, Jerry, I'm doing it for me, not you.

[@PerthTowne]

I thought his reply was a bit arrogant. People who enjoyed his show are just trying to connect with him and show him how much they liked the show by shouting the line. Why adopt such an attitude about it.

[@MatsThyWit]

@@PerthTowne I imagine having "no soup for you!" or something similar shouted at you for 20 years gets really annoying.

[@PerthTowne]

@@MatsThyWit If I had a net worth of nearly $1 billion, largely because of that show, I think I could stand the annoyance.

[@typedrew]

@@PerthTowne it was a joke. and it was funny

[@PerthTowne]

@@typedrew You are welcome to find it funny.

[@shizzlenizzle]

With the glasses, Jerry looks like Steve Jobs! Just throw on a black turtleneck shirt and jeans.

[@frozinemccall4818]

Great interview...very honest he seems so genuine

[@joe6096]

He did what the smart artists do after they've reached the pinacle of their fame: he went back to his roots. Where he started. Paul McCartney did the same thing. What do you do when you formed the greatest band in the world and at the peak of their fame they break up? He went back to his roots, got all new musicians no one ever heard of, formed a new band from scratch, and started out playing college gigs with all new songs nobody ever heard.

[@j2xosorio24]

"i wanna find as many bits as i can before i'm dead" the feels man

[@OlivioSarikas]

Did jerry or anyone else, write a good biography about him that is worth reading?

[@-Stop-it]

Six years later - he has written “Is this Anything”?

[@theedrstrangelove]

Jerry doesn't know every funny person in the world. He doesn't know me.

[@ivemcfallen9117]

That's pretty funny

[@chrisk8187]

You "are" what you think...?

[@snoozyq9576]

Yes there's bound to me a lot of funny people he doesn't know

[@Petergonzaleztv]

he literally gives out the formula for success in this interview..

[@mikesanchez2240]

love this show!! inspires me to be funny and be around funny people

[@nicolasn.kaminsky5232]

I always liked Jerry, as a human being he is pretty down to earth which is always fresh

[@konradbaumbusch]

ever watched his interview with larry king? 😁

[@jshepard152]

He's really not down to earth at all.

[@vonwolly2]

Jerry looks incredible for 61.He could pass for 42

[@snoozyq9576]

I know right! He's always seemed like he takes good care of himself

[@JohnChu]

Comedian Andy Bumatai had a "In The Car" interview show with local comics *before* the Seinfeld show.

[@parisdupree8940]

Love Jerry!!! Great interview! He is definitely driven!

[@user-vg2eg7oo5n]

Jay Leno's garage sometimes had comedians, like Norm Macdonald, Gilbert Gottfried, Jeff Dunham, Tim Allen, Brad Garrett, Bill Burr, George Wallace and Jerry Seinfeld were on Jay Leno's Garage. Only difference is, they mostly just talk about the cars. No coffee.

[@greatstate58]

Lol the guy almost didn’t laugh at his “not listening to his wife” joke.

[@chrisk8187]

It took me a few "beats" before "I got it!". Very subtle, as he just slipped it in there. Nice!

[@exclusivesoundsbeatsinstru1511]

"i like the anxiety"

[@texwan]

Nice interview!

[@gsmarin1]

It's like if you are a surfer, you paddle out. As a surfer that rings very true.

[@brettmitchell4553]

Classic line! What kind of track record do you have to have?

[@pooryungchap]

i need to meet Jerry for a cup of coffee someday

[@brohemian]

good interview

[@asssscats]

ANYTIME Jerry has an idea for a show about nothing YOU. JUST. AGREE. TO. IT.

[@Omerkosar]

I used to think that he was arrogant from his other interviews. But now with this video i finally understand his philisophy. It is brilliant,it is only way to keep being sane and healthy when you have almost everything.

[@toshibavoodoo]

Greatest Comedian on the great TV SHOW!!

[@muchavvir]

Here I was thinking how the video's going to be about how Jerry doesn't actually drive the cars, how a film crew drives the car around on top of a film production trailer or something.

[@ZenShroud1]

"He's 61 now, and has been since 1975."

[@jefferysmith8466]

🤣🤣🤣

[@snoozyq9576]

Hahahh

[@Borat911]

Didn't like the early episodes ... but his interviews with the comedy 'old timers' Norm, Mel Brooks, Carl R, Bob einstein and Don Rickles were realy fascinating ... Like going back in time, nice and hilarious stories

[@lolam.9291]

I love, LOVE Jerry Seinfeld!!! I can watch anything and everything he does. I have watched Seinfeld from the very beginning to the end and I continue to watch it in syndication, and I continue to laugh.

[@thorganic4506]

Jerry news flash...your still on the flying saucer, just in a different way.

[@TheJUGGERNAUT987]

"you ever been in the front seat of a ferrari and just noticed how cramped you are, its like what were the engineers in italy thinking?"

[@c.a.g.3130]

4:09, it's freakin' poetry.

[@slickmic6113]

I have recently become sort of friends with Jerry might I add just a 20 or so times I have talked to him he's the most upbeat positive person I've ever met!!!!!!!

[@Humor-Activity-Club]

Nice points. More to learn, cherish, and motivation for finding new bits.

[@marcrose23]

Great interview - hats off to the interviewer here

[@BladeRunner-td8be]

There are 3 TV shows in my life that I consider to be without doubt, the best and Seinfeld is in that list. Rockford Files and MASH are the other two.

[@cloudstorage9928]

Beautiful interview.

[@samanthab1923]

He was so good on David Steinbergs Inside Comedy show on Showtime. Talked about Rickles

[@MrTrack412]

Yes, this is what he should be doing. It makes him happy, and it makes us happy to watch him.

[@1jackvalley580]

I love Jerry Seinfeld's brain and how it works, he proved once again "THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX WORKS"🤠

[@redbike6340]

Thanks for making me smile Jerry 👍❤️

[@seinfood]

Got to love the Sein

[@Dushaful]

Very good interview!

[@eyeingi]

There is nobody in the world better to Seinfeld than Seinfeld.

[@albchu]

I recommend the Eddie Murphy episode. The contrast between two of these all time great standups is amazing. Eddie hit it big early in his career (his 20's), and went into movies. It seems like Eddie is intimidated to do standup again... like he wants to wait until he's written the right material and can get it perfect. As a contrast, Seinfeld achieved massive success later in life (his 30's) and simply isn't trying to top his peak, but rather to stay sharp by taking risks and performing standup. Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee is a good program for Gen X'ers. I suspect that boomers would enjoy it as well. I do not know what Millenials would think of it.

[@jgarland3581]

Had no idea SJP was a comedian.

[@kd9262]

comedians / actors in sitcoms really

[@GeorgiaOverdrive]

Now on Netflix. They should’ve picked it up way earlier.

[@nadademamaditas]

Jerry is so full of himself it's funny

[@snoozyq9576]

I guess that's hard to avoid

[@interstategar]

What got me started watching Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee, was word coffee, and its like hanging out with the Jerry and his guest. I usually drink coffee while watching it. I'm sure you people reading this don't even care, right?

[@pjdexter168]

It's a bit disappointing to hear here him say he's over it (Seinfeld).... For some reason when an artist is over his work, it kinda bums me out when I enjoy it so much.

[@Kruppt808]

PJ Dexter , like most musical artists, the most annoying thing for them is constantly playing that 1 super popular hit song over and over again. They want to prove they have range and can do other stuff, the fans just want that one song. So they get over it fast.

[@chrisk8187]

Yes, performing the same "work" over and over, whether it's a culinary dish, a violin concerto, oil painting, pop song, stand-up routine etc. can be ultimately stultifying.

[@snoozyq9576]

Yea I get it though. Things always get tiresome after enough repetitions

[@piffpete420]

That comment about comics not being subject to interpretive opinions didn’t age well in the age of Communist cancel culture

[@sidilicious11]

Fantastic series. Bravo Jerry!

[@retrorampage9015]

Who turns down Seinfeld for a show pitch at this point.

[@biffboffo]

Jerry has become a Carson-level icon.

[@SirNilzey]

He's not driven, he's the driver.