Frank Costanza – Seinfeld

When character on a show has a different actor portray the role, it’s sometimes very clearly the right move. Believe it or not, on the legendary sitcom Seinfeld, the role of Frank Costanza, George’s father, wasn’t always played by Jerry Stiller.

Originally, actor John Randolph played the role, who first appears in the fourth season episode “The Handicap Spot.” The show first aired with Randolph in the role, but once it was clear that Stiller’s approach and rapport with Estelle Harris was much funnier, the part was recast. It was arguably the best recasting in sitcom history.