Which actor played Elaine's boss J. Peterman?

Which actor played Elaine’s boss J. Peterman? John O’Hurley.

John O’Hurley played J. Peterman, Elaine Benes’s eccentric boss on Seinfeld. O’Hurley appeared as the character from 1995 until the series ended in 1998, covering the show’s final three seasons. The character was the fictional founder of the real-life J. Peterman catalog company.

J. Peterman’s dramatic speech, elaborate travel stories, and unusual descriptions of clothing made him a distinctive addition to the late-period cast. Elaine worked for his company, and several storylines revolved around his unpredictable management style, including her firing after a failed drug test involving a poppy-seed muffin.

The character was inspired by entrepreneur John Peterman, whose catalog became known for literary advertising copy and illustrated clothing presentations. O’Hurley later became connected to the real company as an investor after its relaunch. That real-world link is one reason viewers sometimes confuse the actor with the businessman himself.

O’Hurley also became known for hosting game shows and voicing King Neptune on SpongeBob SquarePants, but J. Peterman remains his signature television role.