Fans of the 1990s hit Seinfeld received a surprise after their favorite characters teamed up for an amazing cause this week.
Jimmy Calder, son of superfan James Anthony Calder, brainstormed with his wife to find the perfect birthday gift for his father. This was a particularly special birthday because Jimmy’s dad was suffering from a rare form of lung cancer.
“We immediately thought of his favorite TV show, Seinfeld,” Jimmy wrote in an article for the Huffington Post.
Jimmy, a marketing professional, used career knowledge and reached out to the sitcom’s star-studded cast via social media. He shared his dad’s story and love for the show, adding that personal shout outs from the cast would be a wonderful way to celebrate James’ 67th birthday. Jimmy started receiving responses from the cast through amazing YouTube videos.
Jimmy wrote, “The day before he passed, my mom and I decided to start showing him the videos to lift his spirits. He was shocked and mystified about how we were able to reach the Seinfeld cast members. He really felt the love and support.”
James died from the cancer one day after watching the videos from the Seinfeld cast. He passed away three days before his birthday.
“These wonderful people helped to honor and celebrate my father’s birthday and provided a much needed distraction during an extremely difficult time for my family. Their kindness and compassion has humbled us to our core,” Jimmy wrote.
Many infamous side characters sent James personalized videos, performing their unforgettable characters. Participating actors include:
John O’Hurley: Elaine’s boss Mr. Peterman
Larry Thomas: The “Soup Nazi”
Wayne Knight: Newman
Michael Richards, the actor portraying Cosmo Kramer, called James to personally wish him a happy birthday.
“I was blown away by his kindness and generosity. I did try to coax him to create a video message as well but he shared that he wasn’t interested in the publicity and just wanted to help me wish my dad a happy birthday,” Jimmy wrote.
Fellow lead Julia Louis-Dreyfus, a.k.a. Elaine Benes, sent James a video the day before he passed away.
In the clip, she says, “I just wanted to say happy birthday. I hope it’s a great one, and I’m wishing you the very best.”
Jimmy urges fellow Seinfeld fans and anyone touched by this incredible story to donate to the American Cancer Society in his father’s name. You can donate here.
To see all the videos from the Seinfeld stars that participated, click here.