Jerry Seinfeld, the renowned comedian and star of the iconic NBC sitcom Seinfeld, experienced skyrocketing fame during the show’s nine-year run from 1989 to 1998. While enjoying the success of his career, Seinfeld found himself making headlines for his relationship with Shoshanna Lonstein, a woman 21 years his junior.
Their romance raised eyebrows and sparked discussions due to the significant age difference between the two. Despite the attention and scrutiny, Seinfeld and Lonstein embarked on a relationship that would challenge societal norms and test the boundaries of public perception.
How did Jerry Seinfield meet Shoshanna?
Seinfeld’s connection with Shoshanna Lonstein began in May 1993 when he encountered the 17-year-old high school senior while spending time in New York City’s Central Park. According to People, Seinfeld was immediately captivated by Lonstein’s beauty and sweet nature, prompting him to strike up a conversation and ultimately ask her out on a date.
In a 1993 interview with Playboy, Seinfeld candidly discussed his initial encounter with Lonstein. He admitted that he didn’t know her exact age at the time but was certain that she was not in her forties. Seinfeld took her to a basketball game, unaware that this would mark the beginning of a controversial and widely-discussed relationship.
When speaking to Howard Stern about Lonstein, Seinfeld waffled on his new girlfriend’s age. He initially denied that she was 17 but later clarified the confusion, acknowledging that she was indeed younger than him and stating
“This is the only girl I ever went out with who was that young.”
Defending the Relationship
As the public’s curiosity grew, Seinfeld felt the need to defend his relationship with Lonstein. He maintained that their coupling was based on substance rather than age, emphasizing the qualities he found attractive in her beyond the numbers.
“I am not an idiot,” the sitcom star said, according to People. “Shoshanna is a person, not an age. She is extremely bright. She’s funny, sharp, very alert. We just get along. You can hear the click.”
Seinfeld stood firm in his belief that genuine connection and compatibility transcend age differences. He dismissed the notion that his attraction to Lonstein was rooted in a desire for youth, emphasizing that his genuine interest in her as a person was the driving force behind their relationship.
Jerry gets mixed reactions to his May-December romance
While the couple became a top tabloid topic, Seinfeld seemed to find his male buddies to be quite supportive of the relationship. Not so much with his female friends.
“It’s really strange,” he told Playboy. “The reactions ran the absolute gamut from horrified to just busting buttons with pride that they know me. Guys I hadn’t heard from in years called to say, ‘Congratulations! Good for you.’ Women I know wouldn’t even call me back. My assistant punched me. She saw me and literally punched me, she was so mad.”
Jerry Seinfeld found himself facing a divided response from his friends and acquaintances. While his male friends celebrated his new romance, his female friends exhibited disapproval and even anger. The contrasting reactions shed light on the differing perspectives surrounding relationships with significant age gaps.
The comedian felt the flack from women was unfounded since he hadn’t intended on dating someone in her teens. Seinfeld reiterated that he was focused on the person rather than a number.
“My women friends, some of them were really hostile about it. They didn’t like it,” he said. “First of all, they think I look for this. Like this was an ambition of mine. But the fact is, I don’t meet that many women I like, period. So when I like someone, I don’t care about her race, creed or national origin. If I like her, I don’t care. I don’t discriminate. If she’s 18, if she’s intelligent, that’s fine.”
Jay Leno’s Concern for Jerry Seinfeld
While Jerry Seinfeld faced comedic ribbing from fellow comedians, one close friend, late-night icon Jay Leno, expressed genuine concern for him. Leno, known for avoiding controversy in his monologues, was allegedly terrified by Seinfeld’s relationship with Lonstein.
Jerry Seinfeld shared, “It was reviled by women in their 30s and by Jay Leno. Leno was just terrified. To him any potential public-relations imbroglio, any appearance of impropriety, is the most terrifying thing in the world. He was scared for me, just out of concern as a friend.”
Jay Leno’s apprehension highlights the impact public perception can have on celebrities and their personal lives. The fear of controversy and potential backlash can influence decision-making and strain relationships.
An End to the Controversial Romance
Despite the attention and scrutiny, Seinfeld’s relationship with Lonstein eventually came to an end in 1997. After several years together, they decided to go their separate ways, bringing closure to a May-December romance that had captivated media and public interest.
Today, Seinfeld is happily married to Jessica Sklar, whom he wed in 1999. The comedian continues to cherish his domestic life alongside his wife and their three children, leaving behind the tabloid frenzy of his earlier years.
While his relationship with Shoshanna Lonstein remains a part of his personal history, Seinfeld has moved forward, focusing on his career and the joys of family life.
