Every Seinfeld fan has heard of Kramer's friend Bob Sacamano, like that time he had a hernia operation, yada yada yada. Yet despite frequent name-drops during the series' run, the truth about Bob Sacamano remains a mystery that was never solved, as the oft-mentioned character doesn't actually appear in a single episode of the show.
Every time Kramer mentions his never-seen friend, it's amusing to think of which actor could have played the character back in the '90s had they cast someone to play Bob. On Reddit, Seinfeld devotees share their favorite choices for the role, all of which could have been a hilarious addition to legendary sitcom.
Steve Buscemi
According to Redditor bosorka1, a possible Steve Buscemi appearance in Seinfeld would have been hysterical, and another Redditor agrees, saying that's what they "thought as well". Even though back in that decade the actor wasn't nearly as famous as he is nowadays, his role in Reservoir Dogs (1992) would have made him instantly recognizable.
Since Buscemi has a flair for playing quirky characters like Mr. Pink and Donny (The Big Lebowski), he would have made the perfect Sacamano. He could do the high-pitched voice that Kramer refers to in "The Heart Attack", and he would fit easily in the show's atmosphere, with his fast-talking abilities being the cherry on top of the cake.
John Turturro
Several Redditors think that John Turturro "totally looks like" Bob Sacamano in their heads and that they picture the actor whenever the character is mentioned on screen. Curiously, while Seinfeld's season 3 was airing, Turturro was rocking the quirkiest of his looks for the acclaimed Coen Brothers movie, Barton Fink.
Given the range of his acting, Turturro would likely deliver a hysterical performance, side by side with Michael Richards. When it comes to the high-pitched criteria, his role in O Brother, Where Art Thou? proves he would have nailed it, probably making the audience laugh intensely.
Jeff Bridges
Coincidentally, a third member of the cast of The Big Lebowski is also on this list. One Redditor states that Jeff Bridges would have been an "innovative take" on the character. As the iconic The Dude, Bridges has undoubtedly proved his comedy talents, and it wouldn't have been different in the sitcom.
Compared to the other two, Bridges would probably offer a calmer Sacamano, which would be interesting to see combined with Kramer's chaotic energy. The actor is not an incredibly obvious choice, especially because he wouldn't have played The Dude yet, which would have made it a bold casting.
Christopher Lloyd
Christopher Lloyd, or "the science guy" from Back To The Future, as one Redditor calls him, was popular during the decade, and his look in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest could have made him a fitting Bob Sacamano.
It's easy to imagine this 1990s-Lloyd alongside Michael Richards and meeting the rest of the gang. Given that the actor was in comedies like Clue and The Addams Family, his humor would surely be welcomed in the sitcom. After all, as several of his roles show, Lloyd knows more than a thing or two about quirky mannerisms.
Christopher Walken
When the subject is quirkiness, Christopher Walken is a name that must be mentioned. Like Buscemi and Turturro, Walken is a master in quirky mannerisms, which would have made the portrayal of Sacamano an iconic moment in Seinfeld.
Walken's energy combined with Michael Richards' eccentric character would have created a dynamic atmosphere in the show, but that's not all that the veteran actor could have brought to the screen. One Redditor highlights that it would have been even better if audiences got to see Walken's Sacamano "dancing". With quirky deliveries and dance moves, Christopher Walken's participation would have been memorable.
Danny DeVito
If viewers wanted more of a comedy caricature for the role, Danny DeVito would have been the optimal choice. Based on that, one Redditor mentions "Frank Reynolds as Bob", referencing DeVito's sitcom, It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia.
In the 1990s, the actor was working on Matilda, and many of the aspects that are portrayed by his character in the movie could have inspired his performance as Kramer's friend. Familiar with comedies, the appearance would not have been difficult for DeVito, and he would have also fit in the sitcom's atmosphere.
Bob Odenkirk
More of Bob Odenkirk in Seinfeld? Fans say yes to that question. Even though the actor already has an excellent role in the sitcom as Ben, Elaine's boyfriend and soon-to-be doctor in season 8's "The Abstinence", one Redditor thinks he could have been a terrific Sacamano.
The user states that the actor's portrayal of Saul Goodman in Better Call Saul only proves how he would have been the right choice for the role, given that Odenkirk is "Sacamano-ish". Based on how hilarious his portrayal of Ben was, remaining one of Elaine's most memorable boyfriends, one can only imagine what he would have brought to the fictional Bob.
Michael Keaton
George might have called Kramer Batman after his memorable monologue about driving a bus, but a version of the Caped Crusader could have been in the show. One Redditor believes that Michael Keaton could have gotten the role, and another Redditor agrees by saying this is a "good answer".
From playing a variety of characters in Multiplicity (1996) to a unique agent in Jackie Brown (1997), Keaton and comedy worked well in the 1990s, and it would have made sense to cast him as Kramer's quirky friend. The actor's comedy timing is marvelous, and he could have delivered a portrayal that would remain iconic nowadays.
Jon Voight
Making a joke about one of the show's jokes, one Redditor has an unconventional name for the part: Jon Voight. The choice is, of course, due to the famous cameo of the actor in "The Mom & Pop Store", in which George makes several references to Voight.
Another Redditor says they "got that reference", but the cameo doesn't necessarily rule out the actor's chances as Sacamano. Given that the Midnight Cowboy actor bites Kramer's arm in the episode, it could have been doubly hilarious to bring him back as his friend. After all, if Larry David had different cameos, a quirky character like Bob could have the same.
Paul Giamatti
Although Paul Giamatti is currently on the dramatic Showtime's Billions, his comedy timing can't be overlooked. Despite one Redditor thinking that he looked "too normal" in the 1990s, Giamatti's roles in Donnie Brasco and My Best Friend's Wedding prove otherwise. The actor could have landed the role brilliantly, making an excellent addition to the sitcom.
While it would have been hilarious to finally meet Kramer's friend, this list proves how hard it could have been to choose one of these talented actors back in the 1990s. Thankfully, each fan can choose their personal favorite. In Seinfeld's fan community, all the versions of Bob Sacamano can coexist peacefully, or rather, in chaotic Sacamano fashion.