John O'Hurley's beloved Seinfeld character was based on a real person who also ran a catalog. According to Mental Floss, O'Hurley became pals with J. Peterman and they worked together. After the company became bankrupt in the late '90s, O'Hurley lent some money so it could stay in business.
Of all of the minor characters on Seinfeld, Jacopo Peterman has made quite the impression, as he has a quirky personality, a love of life, and a passion for his business. Whether Peterman is sharing his thoughts on random subjects or giving Elaine Benes control of the catalog, he always has some fantastic quotes and Redditors love many of them.
"And if you are undead......I'll find out about that too...."
Peterman complains about a noise in season 9
Redditor Spartacous1991 loves when Peterman is upset with some weird noises in the office in season 9 and tells Elaine that he will uncover the noise and if she's "undead" then he will discover that, too.
Peterman feels like a Seinfeld side character who could be a main cast member as he's always a little confusing and strange. While Elaine mostly enjoys working for him, she's constantly wondering what her boss is talking about, and viewers definitely can't blame her as Peterman rarely makes sense. That's part of his charm.
"Who among us hasn't snuck into the break room to nibble on a love Newton?"
Peterman talks to Elaine in the season 9 episode "The Bookstore"
In season 9, Elaine kisses a co-worker named Zach at a party, and when discussing this with Peterman, he shares that Zach takes opium. Peterman tells Elaine that it's okay that she was interested in a co-worker and says this odd line. Redditor BuridansAscot enjoys this quote and wrote, "I love that Elaine calls him out on this one. 'Love Newton?!'"
Peterman stands out as he says random words and phrases with such confidence that the person who he's speaking to can't help but smile, shrug, and think that it must make sense to someone. Elaine is always honest about not knowing what he's talking about and it seems like Peterman respects Elaine's courage and security.
"I have a feeling what you’re about to go through is punishment enough."
Peterman knows Elaine just ate an old cake
In the season 9 episode "The Frogger," Elaine eats a cake in the break room at her office, but this is a terrible idea as it's King Edward VIII's wedding cake from 1937. Peterman paid $29,000 for the dessert. Redditor doctor-rumack loves when Peterman asks Elaine "Do you have any idea what happens to a butter-based frosting after six decades in a poorly ventilated English basement?" and alludes to the stomach issues that she's definitely going to have.
The fact that Peterman would spend so much money on an old cake that no one should ever eat says a lot about his personality. Peterman has hobbies and interests that don't always seem practical, but he has an interest in history, culture and travel, and he likes doing things that are different and unexpected.
“Where’s my pineapple?”
Peterman wants fruit in season 8
Some Kramer Seinfeld quotes are even funnier today, and Kramer often talks about his love for fruit. He hates being banned from his favorite market and hopes that he can continue to pick out the best produce.
In a hilarious season 8 scene, Peterman asks "Where's my pineapple?" and Redditor Otherwise Comments673 mentioned this as a favorite quote. Peterman also says, "No apples. No pears. No bananas." While the scene is meant to be comedic, Peterman is having a tough time and he leaves the company behind and goes to Myanmar. This is a significant moment in the show as Elaine then becomes the boss and comes up with the terrible Urban Sombrero idea.
"This dry air is curing me like a black forest ham."
Peterman is upset in the season 8 episode "The Money"
Redditor DishKyaaoo loves the season 8 scene when Peterman compares dry air to a "black forest ham." This is an incredibly dramatic statement to make as every time Peterman complains about something, he sounds more intense than any other character on the sitcom.
Peterman seems to enjoy surprising people and speaking in an overly dramatic manner, and he's always compelling as he has a specific way of speaking. When Peterman talks, Elaine can't help but hang out every word, even if she's not quite sure what he means.
"Kudos Elaine, on a job..... done."
Peterman isn't thrilled with Elaine's work
Peterman and Elaine's working relationship is fascinating and full of ups and downs. While Elaine thinks that she's working hard and doing well, Peterman doesn't agree with that. Redditor Batman_Seinfeld loves when Peterman congratulates Elaine "on a job...done" and Redditor tarfu7 says, "One of my favorite quotes!"
Seinfeld fans love Peterman's dismissal of Elaine's work and it's definitely memorable that he doesn't offer her praise very often. While Peterman does trust Elaine enough to ask her to take over the catalog when he travels for a while, he doesn't want to give her empty compliments or false praise.
"The very pants I was returning."
Elaine ghost writes Peterman's memoir in the episode "The Van Buren Boys"
For Redditor Pristine-Ad-7626, one of the greatest Peterman quotes is when Elaine is working on his memoir and he thinks that it sounds boring. Elaine suggests "you slip and, and fall in some mud, and ruin your pants" and Peterman is thrilled with this idea since he was going to exchange the pants.
Peterman has many of the best Seinfeld side character quotes and that's especially true when he's talking about his company.
"This is a total redo and I'm assuming I need it right away."
Peterman hates Lou and Elaine's work in the season 9 episode "The Merv Griffin Show"
Peterman may make some odd comments during his time on Seinfeld, but he takes his job running the catalog seriously. Redditor MisterTomServo loves when he says to Elaine and her co-worker Lou, "This is a total redo."
Peterman is so riveting to watch because he keeps Elaine on her toes. When she assumes that she's smarter than him and that her work ethic is stronger, he surprises her by complaining about what she's done. No one should underestimate Peterman as he has high standards and believes in what he's doing.
"Hey! You on the motorbike! Sell me one of your melons!"
Peterman is quirky
While many Seinfeld minor characters have great storylines, sometimes Peterman is used for pure comedic relief and his plotlines don't seem very logical. One of his most random lines is when he tells someone that he wants their melons. Redditor ToddGack loves this quote and wrote, "I just busted out laughing. Ha! I love that one."
Seinfeld fans appreciate Peterman's place in the sitcom as he's a great contrast to Elaine, who is a more reasonable character and who often becomes upset with his words and behavior. Peterman lives his life the way that he wants to and he doesn't concern himself with what other people think. He feels that's what success and happiness look like.
“I understand. No hard feelings. George and I will miss your company."
George and Peterman have dinner in the season 7 episode "The Secret Code"
When Jerry Seinfeld and George Costanza talk about their secret codes for the ATM in season 7, George doesn't want anyone to know that his is Bosco, which is a chocolate beverage that someone he went out with threw in his face. George and Peterman end up having dinner by themselves and Peterman says this when Elaine doesn't show up and Jerry decides to go home. Redditor Mancini_SSJ3 likes this quote and wrote, "The way he says it and the look on George’s face kill me every single time."
Watching George and Peterman together is hilarious since both characters are silly and self-centered. Peterman finds George to be a compelling person and he wants to know more about him, and George is intimidated but fascinated by Elaine's boss, making them a memorable pair.