In May 2022, Ben Stiller posted on Instagram that it had been one year after his father Jerry Stiller's passing, and he shared a heart emoji, according to Comicbook.com. One of Jerry Stiller's most beloved roles was George's dad Frank Costanza on Seinfeld, a part that included many hilarious lines and rants.
Whether Frank is sharing what the holiday Festivus entails or showing his frustration with his wife Estelle and son George, most of Frank's Seinfeld quotes are total winners. Redditors are sharing the Frank lines that have stuck with them.
“Are you trying to keep us out of Del Boca Vista?"
Frank wants to move to Florida
Jerry has some frustrating Seinfeld relatives, but it's always entertaining watching how much his parents Morty and Helen dislike George's parents. Redditor raellybadspeler likes when Frank asks if Morty and Helen are "trying to keep us out of Del Boca Vista" as they don't want Frank and Estelle to live there.
Frank's most hilarious lines are when he's angry, and he feels particularly slighted by Morty and Helen. Even though fans know that Frank and Estelle most likely won't actually move, it's still entertaining seeing Frank sound so determined.
"We love you like a son, but even parents have limits."
Estelle and Frank are upset in the season 9 episode "The Junk Mail"
For Redditor Rhymeswithfinechina, one of Frank's funniest lines is when he says "George, we've had it with you. Understand?" and explains that he and Estelle care about him but they feel fed up with him. Since this is an unexpected thing for a parent to say, it's hard to forget.
While Frank's love of Festivus and commentary on his career make for memorable quotes, Frank's dynamic with George is a fan favorite part of the sitcom. It's easy to imagine George saying something like this to his own child. Frank doesn't care if this comes off as harsh or insensitive, he just wants some peace and quiet. Frank and George will definitely never stop frustrating each other.
"You come here!"
Frank yells when Estelle says that George is engaged to Susan
When George calls his mom to share the good news that he and Susan are engaged, Estelle and Frank begin fighting immediately, showing their chaotic relationship. Redditor sm3gmasoup wrote, "I love the scene where George proposes to Susan then calls his parents" and Estelle tells Frank to "come here" and Frank yells "you come here!"
This quote says so much about Frank's stubborn and sometimes cold personality. Instead of being excited to hear about the news that his son has to share, he's immediately annoyed with Estelle for making him get up out of his comfortable seat.
“The tradition of Festivus begins with the airing of grievances."
Frank shares all about his winter holiday
Festivus is a popular Seinfeld holiday and Frank explains the rules to his family and friends in season 9. Redditor anotherwinter29 loves when Frank says, "I got a lot of problems with you people! And now you're gonna hear about it!”
Perhaps even more so than the other characters, Frank loves getting the opportunity to explain why he's upset, as he can be petty and contrary. The more that Frank talks about a subject, the more upset and angry he gets, which often causes conflict with the people around him.
"How do you just walk into a house and take a TV Guide?"
Frank is upset that Elaine stole his TV Guide in season 5
For Redditor stunneddisbelief, it's hilarious when Frank is upset that Elaine takes his copy of TV Guide and never returns it. Frank is shocked and asks, "How does she expect you to watch TV? Am I just supposed to turn it on and wander aimlessly around the dial?"
While this quote is a bit dated at this point, it's still one of Frank's greatest quotes, as he is honestly confused about why Elaine would think that this was okay behavior. While the characters on Seinfeld all behave badly, they love to complain about others acting poorly, which is always funny.
"Jerry, this is Frank Costanza. Mr. Steinbrenner's here. George is dead. Call me back."
Frank thinks something happened to George in the season 7 episode "The Caddy"
When George Steinbrenner thinks that George has died when he finds his car, Frank leaves this alarming and scary message on Jerry's answering machine. Redditor gregbananacruz considers this a favorite quote and wrote, "this needs to be made into a t-shirt if it's not already."
Even though this isn't true, the fact that Frank delivers this terrible news in such a blunt, no-nonsense way is both memorable and indicative of the kind of person that he is. It wouldn't occur to Frank to soften his words and tone as he's animated and passionate all the time.
"Elaine I could see not saying hello. She’s very, what’s the word..."
Frank can't believe Jerry and Elaine didn't say hello to him
In season 6, George has coffee with Frank, and George mentions that Jerry and Elaine saw Frank and didn't say hello. This is a great callback to an earlier episode when Jerry didn't say hi to Uncle Leo. Redditor Guygenius138 posted that Frank's response is great, especially when he calls Elaine "supercilious."
Both Elaine and Frank have said some of the most memorable Seinfeld quotes and they love talking about other people, especially if they have something negative to say. While Frank doesn't think very highly of Elaine, she doesn't like him very much either, which creates truly funny tension.
“Your meatloaf is mushy, your salmon croquettes are oily..."
Frank is upset about Estelle's food in season 8
For Redditor throw3away3791, it's hilarious when Frank insults Estelle's cooking and adds, "and your eggplant parmesan is a disgrace to this house!" Of course, Estelle doesn't love hearing this, which only adds to the frantic atmosphere in the Costanza household.
While Frank and Estelle do split up for a time, they remain married for much of the sitcom, which can seem confusing given how much they fight and yell at each other. Frank is sometimes unable to stop himself from telling Estelle exactly what he thinks, even if it's hurtful.
"My George isn't clever enough to hatch a scheme like this."
Frank picks George up from jail in season 8 "The Little Kicks"
George messes up many schemes on Seinfeld, which makes Frank's quote about George not being able to "hatch a scheme" even better. Redditor razenha likes the scene when Elaine and Frank start fighting when Frank picks George up from jail and Frank questions how George could do this.
Frank's quote becomes more meaningful when Elaine agrees with him and then Frank comes to George's defence immediately, even offering to fight Elaine. While Frank and George have their issues getting along, Frank doesn't want someone else to insult his son.
"I worked out with a dumbbell yesterday. I feel vigorous!"
Frank is excited about working out
Another unforgettable Frank quote is when he talks about exercising and feeling "vigorous," which is a specific way of sharing that he's feeling happy and strong. Redditor MervynChippington posted about this line and called it a "go-to post-gym meme."
Frank spends most of his life talking about his feelings. While he loves sharing when he's mad and upset, he also likes to talk about being in a good mood and feeling excited about something. It's charming hearing his enjoyment over post-exercise endorphins.