close
close

Julia Louis-Dreyfus reveals one aspect of her role on 'Seinfeld' that was 'super challenging'


Julia Louis-Dreyfus reveals one aspect of her role on 'Seinfeld' that was 'super challenging'

Julia Louis DreyfusHer rise to fame wasn't just because she got a job on Saturday Night Live and then, yada yada yada, she won 11 Emmys.

A sneak peek at the comedian's upcoming appearance on “Be My Guest with Ina Garten” about peopleThe “Veep” alum was asked by host Ina Garten, “What was the most difficult time in your career?”

In response, Louis-Dreyfus cited the time span between her departure from “SNL” in 1985 and her breakthrough role as Elaine Benes on “Seinfeld” in 1990.

But the “You Hurt My Feelings” star told the Barefoot Contessa that once she was on “Seinfeld,” a new obstacle arose for her.

“The other challenge for me in my career was the juggling act,” Louis-Dreyfus told Garten. “For example, while I was filming 'Seinfeld,' I gave birth to my two children. Super challenging but also fabulous because I was becoming very famous at the time and it was all really kept in perspective.”

Julia Louis-Dreyfus attends the premiere of "Downhill" in 2020.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus attends the premiere of “Downhill” in 2020.

Steven Ferdman via Getty Images

Louis-Dreyfus starred in the hit sitcom for all nine seasons from 1990 to 1998. She and her husband Brad Hall had their first son, Henry, in 1992 and their second son, Charlie, in 1997.

When Garten asked Louis-Dreyfus if production did anything to hide her pregnancies, like “putting her behind the potted plant,” the TV icon said that somehow, someway, that happened.

“Yeah, well, let’s see. The first round, yes. I stood behind things, I carried boxes, etc.,” Louis-Dreyfus said. “When I was pregnant the second time, no one cared anymore. It was like it wasn't happening. We're just like… I walked in, I was out here, and no one said anything.”

The claim that no one said anything about her second pregnancy doesn't seem to be true quite true, however.

During a 2015 appearance on Jerry Seinfeld's show “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” According to The Hollywood Reporter, Louis-Dreyfus recalled how Seinfeld wanted to handle her second pregnancy on the show.

Louis-Dreyfus as Elaine Benes in a 1997 episode of
Louis-Dreyfus as Elaine Benes in a 1997 episode of “Seinfeld” in which she gave birth to her younger son.

“Do you remember when I was five months pregnant with my youngest,” she recalled to her former co-star. “Big as a house, and you came up to me and said, 'Hey, I have a great idea.' How about this season we write that Elaine just gets fat?'”

Louis-Dreyfus admitted that she burst into tears after Seinfeld suggested this plan. But apparently she later changed her mind. “It was a great idea and we should have done it,” Louis-Dreyfus said.

Support free journalism

Consider supporting HuffPost from as little as $2 to help us provide free, high-quality journalism that puts people first.

Thank you for your contribution to HuffPost so far. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure our journalism remains free for all.

There is a lot at stake this year and our coverage for 2024 could use further support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?

Thank you for your contribution to HuffPost so far. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure our journalism remains free for all.

There is a lot at stake this year and our coverage for 2024 could use further support. We hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost again.

Support HuffPost

Or maybe, similar to that controversial “Seinfeld” episode, “Puerto Rican Day,” that idea deserved to be scrapped.

Support free journalism

Consider supporting HuffPost from as little as $2 to help us provide free, high-quality journalism that puts people first.

Thank you for your contribution to HuffPost so far. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure our journalism remains free for all.

There is a lot at stake this year and our coverage for 2024 could use further support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?

Thank you for your contribution to HuffPost so far. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure our journalism remains free for all.

There is a lot at stake this year and our coverage for 2024 could use further support. We hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost again.

Support HuffPost

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *