On “Seinfeld,” George Costanza’s short-tempered father is named Frank. Frank Costanza is one of the show’s most memorable recurring characters, known for his explosive temper, loud arguments, and intensely practical opinions.
Frank is portrayed by Jerry Stiller for most of the series, beginning with the fifth season after John Randolph briefly played the character in an earlier appearance. Stiller’s version became the definitive Frank: an argumentative, suspicious, and theatrical presence whose clashes with his wife, Estelle, frequently leave George caught in the middle.
The character has several unusual details in the show’s fictional history. Frank was born in Tuscany, worked as a traveling businessman, served as an Army cook, and learned Korean during the Korean War. He also dislikes removing his shoes in other people’s homes and once wears sneakers in a swimming pool.
Viewers sometimes confuse Frank with Morty Seinfeld, Jerry’s father, or Uncle Leo, both recurring older characters. Frank is also the Costanza family member associated with creating Festivus, the eccentric alternative holiday introduced in “The Strike.”