Jerry Seinfeld says he misses ‘dominant masculinity’ in society: ‘I like a real man’
Jerry Steinfeld said he missed “dominant” masculinity in society while talking about his new Netflix film, “Unfrosted,” a comedy about the launch of Pop-Tarts in the ’60s.
During an appearance on Tuesday’s episode of The Free Pressâ âHonestlyâ podcast, he talked about how much he wanted to be a “real man” while growing up.
“And the other thing is, as a man â Iâve always wanted to be a real man. Iâve never made it,” the 70-year-old joked, saying that his “childish pursuit” of comedy stopped him.
The “Seinfeld” star explained that growing up, he wanted to be just like former President John F. Kennedy, Muhammad Ali, Sean Connery and Howard Cosell â all of whom he considers “real” men.
During a podcast appearance Tuesday, the comedian reminisced about growing up wanting to be a “real man.”
However, he joked that he “never” became a “real man.”
âBut I miss a dominant masculinity,” he said as journalist Bari Weiss let out a nervous laugh.
“Yeah, I get the toxic thing,” he added. “But still, I like a real man.â
Seinfeld also called out Hugh Grant, who stars in his new movie, as the perfect example of a “real man.”
“That’s why I love Hugh Grant,” he explained. “Because he felt like one of those guys I wanted to be. He knows how to dress, he knows how to talk, he’s charming, he has stories, he’s comfortable at dinner parties, he knows how to get a drink … I love those movements of style.”
“I miss a dominant masculinity,” he said, noting that he is aware that is “toxic.” ©Castle Rock Entertainment/Courtesy Everett Collection
His comments came while discussing his new movie, “Unfrosted.” ©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection
The film is set in the ’60s when most of Seinfeld’s male idols were still alive. ©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection
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Along with Grant, Seinfeld also enlisted the help of Melissa McCarthy, Amy Schumer and Jim Gaffigan for the new Netflix film, which he wanted to make as a distraction from the tiresome political climate.
âWe started during COVID because I couldnât take the sad faces,” Seinfeld said. “In comedy, we hate that.”
âWe canât fix the world, but we just want to make a face happy, even just for a few minutes.â
Seinfeld created the comedy as a distraction during the COVID-19 pandemic. GC Images
âWe canât fix the world, but we just want to make a face happy, even just for a few minutes,” he said. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Although Seinfeld created the film to put some smiles on faces, he â clearly â isn’t afraid to ruffle a few feathers.
The iconic funnyman told Page Six last month that he doesn’t worry about offending people with his occasional politically charged jokes and commentary.
âPolitical correctness is something of a worry for people that canât think,â he told us.
“The stupid mistakes I see people making sometimes â offensive, unnecessary insensitivities â it’s like, you know, pick up a paper! Find out what’s going on and just navigate around it.”