Frank Costanza

Lore & Background

Frank Costanza is the father of George Costanza. In "The Doorman," the Costanzas' separation has left Frank living with George. Frank changes in front of George, revealing that he has large breasts. Kramer warns that this could be hereditary, leaving George paranoid about his chest jiggling. George asks Estelle about his grandmother's bosom, to her disgust. Kramer presents Frank with his invention: a male undergarment to support Frank's breasts. Estelle walks in on Frank, undressed, playing a cha-cha record while Kramer fits the "bro" on him. Unfazed, Frank appreciates the newfound comfort, and agrees to pitch the "bro" to bra salesman Sid Farkus. Farkus is impressed by Kramer's invention, even as Frank tries to rebrand it the "mansiere." They all make a deal, but Frank pulls out in a huff when Farkus asks his blessing to date Estelle. With the couch gone and Estelle taking Frank back again, George relievedly packs Frank off, but Frank falls out with Estelle because she is, indeed, seeing Farkus. George is forced to sleep with Frank in one bed.

In Their Own Story

The Costanzas' separation has left Frank Costanza living with George. Frank changes in front of George, revealing that he has large breasts. Kramer warns that this could be hereditary, leaving George paranoid about his chest jiggling. George asks Estelle about his grandmother's bosom, to her disgust. Kramer presents Frank with his invention: a male undergarment to support Frank's breasts. Estelle walks in on Frank, undressed, playing a cha-cha record while Kramer fits the "bro" on him. Unfazed, Frank appreciates the newfound comfort, and agrees to pitch the "bro" to bra salesman Sid Farkus. Farkus is impressed by Kramer's invention, even as Frank tries to rebrand it the "mansiere." They all make a deal, but Frank pulls out in a huff when Farkus asks his blessing to date Estelle. With the couch gone and Estelle taking Frank back again, George relievedly packs Frank off, but Frank falls out with Estelle because she is, indeed, seeing Farkus. George is forced to sleep with Frank in one bed.

Reader's Guide

Frank Costanza is the father of George Costanza. In "The Doorman," the Costanzas' separation has left Frank living with George. Frank changes in front of George, revealing that he has large breasts. Kramer warns that this could be hereditary, leaving George paranoid about his chest jiggling. George asks Estelle about his grandmother's bosom, to her disgust. Kramer presents Frank with his invention: a male undergarment to support Frank's breasts. Estelle walks in on Frank, undressed, playing a cha-cha record while Kramer fits the "bro" on him. Unfazed, Frank appreciates the newfound comfort, and agrees to pitch the "bro" to bra salesman Sid Farkus. Farkus is impressed by Kramer's invention, even as Frank tries to rebrand it the "mansiere." They all make a deal, but Frank pulls out in a huff when Farkus asks his blessing to date Estelle. With the couch gone and Estelle taking Frank back again, George relievedly packs Frank off, but Frank falls out with Estelle because she is, indeed, seeing Farkus. George is forced to sleep with Frank in one bed.

Did You Know?

• The "Bro" versus "Mansiere" argument was based on a real argument during the episode's production; writers used "the Bro" in the script, but Larry David contended that "the Mansiere" would be funnier.
• The scene with George in bed with his father required numerous takes because actor Jason Alexander kept cracking up with laughter every time Jerry Stiller offered him the kasha.
• Frank Costanza tries to rebrand Kramer's invention the "mansiere" when pitching it to bra salesman Sid Farkus.
• Frank pulls out of the deal with Farkus in a huff when Farkus asks his blessing to date Estelle.