Claim: Jerry Seinfeld was a stand-up comic.

Jerome `` Jerry '' Seinfeld is the protagonist of the American television sitcom Seinfeld -LRB- 1989 -- 1998 -RRB- . The straight man among his group of friends , this semi-fictionalized version of comedian Jerry Seinfeld was named after , co-created by , based on , and played by Seinfeld himself . The series revolves around Jerry 's misadventures with his best friend George Costanza , neighbor Cosmo Kramer , and ex-girlfriend Elaine Benes . He is usually the voice of reason amidst his friends ' antics and the focal point of the foursome 's relationship .   An eternal optimist , he rarely runs into major personal problems . Jerry is the only main character on the show to maintain the same career -LRB- a stand-up comedian , like the real Seinfeld -RRB- throughout the series . He is the most observational character , sarcastically commenting on his friends ' quirky habits . Much of the show 's action takes place in Jerry 's apartment located at 129 West 81st Street , apartment 5A . He and his friends also frequently have coffee or meals together at Monk 's Café .   Jerry appeared in all 180 episodes of Seinfeld -LRB- including several two-part episodes -RRB- , the only character in the show to appear in every episode .