Jerry Seinfeld, the beloved 70-year-old comedian, recently shared his nostalgia for the era of “dominant masculinity” in American pop culture. During an episode of the “Honestly with Bari Weiss” podcast, Seinfeld discussed his new Netflix comedy, “Unfrosted,” which is set in the 1960s.
He expressed his lament for the loss of traditional masculinity, even though he humorously acknowledged that his own career doesn’t exactly embody that image.
Seinfeld reminisced about the masculine icons from the past, such as John F. Kennedy, Muhammad Ali, Sean Connery, and Howard Cosell. He fondly recalled idolizing these figures during his childhood and emphasized their embodiment of what he refers to as “real men.” However, Seinfeld playfully admitted that he doesn’t quite fit that image himself, jokingly comparing his style to that of an eight-year-old. He confessed that while he always aspired to be a “real man,” he never quite achieved it.
While Seinfeld acknowledged the negative aspects of toxic masculinity, he still expressed a desire for a return to certain aspects of traditional masculinity. He longs for the reemergence of an “unspoken hierarchy” in society, appreciating the traits he associates with being a real man.
During the promotion of “Unfrosted,” Seinfeld praised his co-star, 63-year-old Hugh Grant, as an exemplar of the masculinity he admires. He described Grant as someone who knows how to dress, talk, and charm people at dinner parties, encapsulating the qualities that Seinfeld finds appealing.
This conversation took place shortly after Seinfeld addressed the “uncomfortable sexual undertones” in his 2007 animated film, “Bee Movie,” during a commencement speech at Duke University. Although he acknowledged that the film may not have been perfectly calibrated in that regard, Seinfeld made it clear that he would not change it. His comments were light-hearted in nature, aiming to impart a lesson about humor to the graduating students.
In his speech, Seinfeld reflected on his career and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in comedy. He also addressed concerns about his health, as fans had noticed him trembling during a recent interview. Despite these concerns, Seinfeld emphasized the importance of humor and how we must navigate its complexities.
Seinfeld’s comments on masculinity and his reflections on his career offer a glimpse into his personal views and experiences. While he nostalgically yearns for the traditional masculine icons of the past, he also recognizes the changes in modern society. As he continues to explore these themes in his work, Seinfeld remains a significant figure in the world of comedy, known for his unique perspective and enduring appeal.
The episode of “Honestly with Bari Weiss” featuring Seinfeld’s insights provides an engaging and relatable look at the comedian’s thoughts on masculinity, humor, and his career. As he promotes “Unfrosted,” which is set in a decade that he fondly remembers for its traditional masculinity, Seinfeld’s reflections strike a chord with audiences who appreciate his blend of humor and introspection.
