‘The Late Show’s’ Paul Shaffer Was Almost ‘Seinfeld’s’ George Costanza

First Published: June 12, 2009 3:44 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images

Caption Paul Shaffer and ‘Seinfeld’s’ George Costanza, played by Jason Alexander

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Fans of NBC’s “Seinfeld” might find it impossible to imagine anyone other than Jason Alexander playing Jerry’s neurotic wingman George – but the role almost went to a late night talk show bandleader.

According to The New York Daily News, “The Late Show’s” Paul Shaffer claims he was first offered the role and was reportedly handpicked by Jerry Seinfeld himself.

“There’s no audition … You’ve got the part. Just call us back!” Paul wrote in his new book, “We’ll Be Here for the Rest of Our Lives,” recalling a call he received from the comic.

But Seinfeld’s call went unanswered. Paul said he never returned the call about accepting the role because he was too busy — and yada yada yada, the role eventually went to Alexander.

Paul’s book will be hitting the shelves on October 13.

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