Jason Alexander Signs Fox TV Deal

.c The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Former ``Seinfeld'' star Jason Alexander is again the master of his domain.

The actor who made George Costanza a household word has signed an exclusive two-year deal with 20th Century Fox studios that's expected to put Alexander back in a prime time series by 2001.

It's a pact that gives Alexander creative control over the series. The deal also includes an arrangement between Fox's film division and Alexander's AngelArk production company.

Alexander said he decided to do another series mainly because he's raising two young children and the schedule is easier than theater or one-hour drama work. He also wanted a hiatus first so viewers would be able to accept him as another character.

``I wanted a three-year moratorium because I felt the audience would need that long to let the whole George thing go. I'm not terribly interested in redoing that kind of character,'' Alexander said.

As for doing another series, he said: ``I'd describe the feeling as a pleasant mix of excitement and terror.''

Financial details weren't disclosed.

``Jason is an immense talent whose remarkable range in front of the camera and his interest in working behind it should create opportunities across the board,'' Fox Television Entertainment Group chairman Sandy Grushow said.

Alexander is the second member of the ``Seinfeld'' cast this fall to plot a prime time TV return. Michael Richards, who played Cosmo Kramer, will star in a half-hour detective comedy on NBC debuting in spring or fall 2000.

AP-NY-11-22-99 1246EST

TSnyder752 wrote in message ...

that

I think we'll need a lot longer than that. :-)

Brian

Ohhhh boy. Here we go. I'm betting that if a it's a sitcom (it sure sounds like it) he'll be 100% George. Or it'll be some weak old family values type thing. Wish he'd do some drama or something, or movies that weren't kiddy or comedy. Sigh- aside from Seinfeld and one or two other roles he's taken (outside of Broadway), a lot of talent has gone to waste.

TSnyder752 wrote:

Assuming Julia Louis-Dreyfus is next, I think Seinfeld fans will have to cut George, Cosmo and Elaine a little slack with their new shows. What were they supposed to do, retire to sitcom Valhalla?

David Ball wrote:

Pretty much, yeah. As funny characters go you can't help but see similarities in the way the actors play them, be it delivering a punchline, casting a funny stare, etc. It's like, sheesh, you've dominated the sitcom thing and pushed this area as far as you can, so take your talent and kick some ass doing something else. I thought the serious acting that Jason did in Love! Valour! Compassion! was pretty darned good but it's nearly impossible to see past "George" when he's trying to be funny all the time. Though he's well spoken of as an actor from his broadway days, you can't say much for anything else other than Seinfeld, a small part in Pretty Woman, and Love! Valour! Compassion! The rest of his movies have been comedies or kiddy flicks. It's like he's supposed to be this great actor, but he needs to pick more versatile roles.

Same goes for Michael Richards. If he plays a goofy detective I'll have next to no interest in seeing his new series. I'll wish him the best, but man, I've seen Kramer for 9 years.

Basically, they start looking like one-trick ponies. Such a waste of talent.

These are all legitimate arguments. I think that the chance to carry their own shows after nine years of second-bananahood must have been irresistible. Not to mention the money. I just hope they have the good sense to do what J. Seinfeld did--surround themselves with the strongest casts available.

    And, more than that, do something Jerry always did...be generous with the
spotlight and let the talented co-stars shine. That was a major part of Jerry's
creative brilliance--not having to be the total focus of attention all the
time, but getting the most and best out of the whole regular cast..
     If you notice, most of the top sitcom stars, from Lucy to Dick Van Dyke to
Mary Tyler Moore to Carroll O'Connor to Ted Danson to Jerry Seinfeld, have all
functioned in an ensemble mode with strong supporting players allowed to get a
lot of the attention for what they do. Hope Michael and Jason do the same...I
think they're smart enough not to let their egos don't get in the way...

Bob Smith, afternoons WXXI-AM 1370, Rochester NY

Talk1370 wrote:

That isn't exactly true of Lucille Ball. When Vivian Vance was suggested for the part of Ethyl, Lucille opposed it. Vivian Vance, in the forties and early fifties, was a sexy good looking actress. Lucy was jealous of any competition to her own stardom in the series and Vivian only got the part provided she dress as frumpy and plainly as possible and not get anything but a supporting role. In that series only Lucy got the laughs.

I found Ball overbearing and annoying. To me, William Frawley stole the show.

Didn't he win an Emmy for best supporting actor for playing Fred?

-----------------------------------------------------------------
                         [email]
          (Hammer nail here--> <-- for a new monitor.)
Seinfeld FAQ http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Set/7217/faq.html
-----------------------------------------------------------------
*NOTE*  I am not responsible for equipment damage due to reeeealy
dumb children with no parental supervision, and access to a hammer.

Dave wrote:

I don't know; I never watched I Love Lucy. :-)

Actually I think Fox might be a good place. They allow a lot more cutting edge stuff than the three big networks. Hopefully Jason won't go milk toast on us and create some boring family sitcom garbage.

wrote in message news:[email]...

sounds like

thing.

comedy.

of

the

exclusive

Alexander

deal

raising two

work.

another

need that

redoing

pleasant

camera and

plot a

star in a

The deal is with 20th Century Fox. That does not mean it will be run of the Fox network.