Wayne Knight is starring in the fantasy movie Darby Harper Wants You to Know, which sees the main character almost dying and then realizing that she can see ghosts. This is very different from Knight's long-term role as Newman on Seinfeld, Jerry's enemy who loathes delivering mail as much as he dislikes his comedian neighbor who he ends up seeing more than he would like.
From his fights with Jerry to his discussions regarding the truth about the mail, Newman is a key part of Seinfeld, and Redditors have shared their favorite lines from this spirited character.
"All Right, It's True! Of Course Nobody Needs Mail."
Newman talks to Kramer in the season 9 episode "The Junk Mail"
Newman has many monologues in Seinfeld, including when he talks about his hated job as a mail carrier. He feels burdened and overwhelmed by the amount of packages and letters that he's supposed to deliver to people, and in the classic episode "The Junk Mail," he makes it clear that he doesn't think that this is a worthy pursuit.
Redditor Illustrious_Glove_18 loves when Kramer complains about catalogs and Newman says, "What do you think, you're so clever for figuring that out? But you don't know the half of what goes on here. So just walk away, Kramer. I beg of you." Newman's delivery makes this moment more unforgettable as he makes mail sound like a mysterious thing that no one can really figure out.
"I Like Broccoli. It's... Good For You."
Newman and Jerry fight in the season 9 episode "The Chicken Roaster"
When Kramer loves the fried chicken from the restaurant across from Jerry's apartment, Newman pretends to like broccoli just to spite Jerry and frustrate his long-time enemy. Redditor HalfManHalfManatee shared that this is a favorite quote and wrote, "The way he delivers that line is low key hilarious."
When Jerry says that Newman wouldn't even consume deep-fried broccoli with chocolate sauce, Newman is offended and his competitive side comes out. It's always hilarious watching these two characters spar with each other as they will never be happy in each other's presence.
"The Mail Never Stops. It Just Keeps Coming And Coming..."
Newman gets upset about the mail
Redditor wsppan loves when Newman says of the mail, "It's relentless. Every day it piles up more and more and more!" Everyone has moments of overwhelm at their jobs, and Newman famously shares how much he hates thinking about envelopes piling up.
Jerry definitely underestimates Newman, as he thinks of him as an enemy who makes silly decisions and isn't very intelligent. But as Jerry hears more of Newman's thoughts about how much a nightmare the mail has become for him, Jerry realizes there's a hidden depth to Kramer's friend. It's fascinating getting to hear more of Newman's thoughts.
"What Took You So Long?”
Newman, Elaine, and Kramer are arrested in the season 7 episode "The Engagement"
Elaine makes some bad decisions on Seinfeld, including telling Newman and Kramer about a barking dog keeping her up at night, as this encourages them to kidnap him. When the police arrest them, Newman asks "What took you so long?" Redditor Dangerous-Yam-6831 said "That’s at least top 3" when it comes to Newman's best quotes.
Newman is referencing David Berkowitz, the "Son of Sam" killer who was arrested and confessed in the 1970s and who asked the same question of the police when they found him. It's surprising to hear Newman make this comment at this moment.
“Tuesday Has No Feel... Friday Has A Feel..."
Newman talks about the days of the week
Much of Newman's life is anything but relatable, as he and Kramer come up with plans that no one really would as they're too focused on work and family and hobbies. But in one scene, Newman waxes poetic on the days of the week and shares that Tuesday means nothing to him. Redditor tinybabywolverine shared that this is a favorite Newman quote, as he also says that "Sunday has a feel."
Since Jerry is the Seinfeld character who thinks about unimportant topics and jokes about everyday life, it's fun hearing Newman's thoughts on the kind of subject that Jerry would typically talk about. This isn't a Newman quote that is brought up a lot but it's just as funny and interesting as when he is burdened by the mail.
"Elaine, Your Apartment Is Exactly How I Imagined It."
Newman talks about Elaine's place
While Newman can't stand being around Jerry, he doesn't seem to mind Elaine, as the two have a somewhat positive relationship throughout the series. In one funny scene, Newman visits Elaine's apartment. Redditor doctor-rumack loves when he talks about a "rattan piece" that he thinks is "oddly out of place."
Newman is quite observant and he likes thinking about the world, even though for much of Seinfeld, his presence seems to be all about comedic relief and scheming with Kramer. Every once in a while, Newman says something profound that proves that he thinks carefully about the people around him and doesn't miss a beat.
"Let Me Tell You A Little Secret About ZIP Codes - They’re Meaningless!"
Newman talks about the mail
While it's hilarious when Newman shares his desire for the mail to just stop coming, he goes one step further by saying what he believes to be the truth about zip codes. Redditor schmyle85 loves when Newman calls them "meaningless." Many Newman quotes show that he's evil, but other times, he sounds funny but harmless.
One of the most memorable aspects of Seinfeld is how the main characters dislike most people, and while they're okay spending time with one another, they don't always love each other, either. There isn't a logical explanation for why Jerry hates Newman so much but fans enjoy seeing Newman, whether he's fighting with Jerry or bringing up the mail.
"Vile Weed!"
Jerry convinces Newman to eat broccoli
Replying in a thread about favorite Newman quotes, Redditor SurvivorFanDan posted, "I would say 'Vile weed!' is the most iconic." While it's clear from the start of this episode that Newman doesn't want to eat vegetables, his over-the-top delivery couldn't be funnier.
Newman's words are so unexpected since they sound so intense and harsh. It's also possible that if Newman was talking to someone else, he would sound calmer. But since Newman shares Jerry's negative feelings, Newman can't help but sound truly upset.
"Hello, Jerry."
Newman and Jerry always greet each other the same way
Redditor nram88 loves when Newman says "Hello Jerry" and Newman's greeting is a fan favorite Seinfeld quote. It's possible to hear the frustration and dislike in Newman's voice as he doesn't think that Kramer and Jerry should be such close friends who see each other all the time.
If Jerry and Newman simply ignored each other or gave each other a brief harsh look whenever one character walked into the room, their dynamic wouldn't be such a crucial part of the sitcom. It's fun to rewatch episodes and see this now well-known exchange as it adds something quirky and special.
"Oh, The Humanity!"
Newman makes this comment in the season 8 episode "The Pothole"
At the end of "The Pothole," Newman and Kramer get into a chaotic situation when they're driving and paint thinner starts a fire. When Newman is frustrated by this scary scene, he screams this quote. Redditor gonzo1881 said, "That's my vote. One of best scenes ever!!"
Newman makes another historical reference, as this is what Herb Morrison says, a radio journalist talking about the Hindenburg in 1937. While Newman has funny quotes when complaining or hanging out with Kramer, viewers get to know the character better when he clearly has a firm grasp on history as he knows a lot of famous statements.