David Alan Grier Says He Thought Seinfeld Would Fail After Audition

David Alan Grier says he misjudged two of the biggest hits of the 1990s, admitting in recent interviews that he underestimated both Seinfeld and Jim Carrey’s breakout comedy films.

Speaking in late March 2026, the veteran actor and comedian reflected on what he described as major career “misses,” acknowledging that his instincts at the time were wrong.

Grier said he auditioned for the role of George Costanza on Seinfeld and read directly with Jerry Seinfeld. His reaction to the experience was not positive. He recalled thinking the show’s concept did not make sense and came away unimpressed with its lead.

“Well, listen, man, he can’t act. It’s not funny,” Grier said of his initial impression. He left the audition convinced the series would fail, telling himself, “This will never be a hit.”

The role ultimately went to Jason Alexander, and Seinfeld went on to become one of the most successful sitcoms in television history. Looking back, Grier summed up his assessment bluntly: “Wrong again.”

His skepticism extended beyond television. Grier also turned down a role connected to Jim Carrey during the early 1990s, around the time Carrey was emerging as a major comedy star. Grier said he was offered a part that would have paired him with Rob Schneider. While he had previously linked the story to Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, he recently clarified it may have been related to Dumb and Dumber.

Despite passing on the role, Grier attended the film’s premiere to support Carrey, his former In Living Color co-star. He remembered Carrey appearing extremely nervous before the screening.

After the film, Grier said he ran into Chris Rock in the lobby, where both comedians agreed the movie would not succeed. According to Grier, Rock told him, “David, no one will see this movie.”

The film went on to become a major commercial success, helping launch Carrey into global stardom and proving those early doubts incorrect.

Grier has framed these stories with humor rather than regret, describing them as examples of how unpredictable success in entertainment can be.

“The bag was fumbled,” he said. “It went right over my head. I was wrong.”