Cosmo Kramer, usually referred to simply as Kramer, is a fictional character in the American television sitcom Seinfeld (1989–1998) played by Michael Richards. The character is loosely based on the comedian Kenny Kramer, a former neighbor of Seinfeld co-creator Larry David. The character Kramer is the neighbor of the series' main character, Jerry Seinfeld, and is friends with George Costanza and Elaine Benes.