Most people would consider turning 70 a significant milestone in life, but Jerry Seinfeld doesn’t share that sentiment. In fact, he has no interest whatsoever in celebrating anything ever. During an appearance on “Today with Hoda and Jenna,” the stand-up comedian explained his lack of enthusiasm for birthdays: “You know what it is? It’s ‘Boy, I could really live with a lot less stuff.’ Things, people, activities. I’m not doing nothing anymore. We’re going to essentialize now. I like to essentialize, I like to purify, I like to streamline.”
Seinfeld has earned global recognition and massive success throughout his nearly 50-year career as a stand-up comedian thanks to shows such as “Seinfeld” and “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee,” which garnered him twenty Emmy nominations. However, despite these accolades, the New York City native recently admitted that he often struggles with a darkening mood.
During an appearance on “In Depth with Graham Bensinger,” Seinfeld explained: “Irrespective of circumstance, I just don’t feel good… Sometimes I just don’t feel good… And the best way to get out of it for me is work.” He added that his tendency towards depression comes from an overactive brain and isn’t real depression.
Seinfeld has remained busy with shows such as “Seinfeld” and “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee,” but he still doesn’t believe this defines him completely. During a discussion on self-betterment, Seinfeld said: “Everything that you’re worried about is going to be gone like that… All this handwringing worry and concern over ‘How are people viewing me?’… Is wasted time and energy.”
The comedian believes in focusing solely on getting better at what he does. He explained, “Marcus Aurelius [Roman philosopher] says your only focus should be on getting better at what you’re doing… Everything else is a complete waste of time,” adding that the occasional negative review doesn’t bother him because it allows him to grow as an individual: “I am so excited to read the worst reviews.”
Despite his lackluster attitude towards birthdays, Seinfeld acknowledged turning 70 was still worth recognizing. In a nod to one of his most famous quotes from “Seinfeld,” he said: “Birthdays are merely symbolic of how another year has gone by and how little we’ve grown… That for the rest of our sad, wretched, pathetic lives this is who we are to the bitter end. Inevitably, irrevocably… Happy birthday? No such thing.”
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