Show notes
Larry Thomas, the Emmy-nominated actor who made "The Soup Nazi" one of the most unforgettable characters in television history, joins Keith Reza on Reza Rifts for a candid conversation about Seinfeld, survival, and a career built on showing up in character. From his early days growing up in Brooklyn to the strange, winding path that took him from bail bondsman and court investigator to one of the most quoted guest stars in sitcom history, Larry opens up about the iconic audition that changed everything, the legendary improv that created "No soup for you!", and what it was like to walk into the biggest comedy series of the 90s and walk out an Emmy nominee. He also talks about life after Seinfeld, appearing in Austin Powers, Scrubs, and Drake & Josh, playing the Soup Nazi at conventions and events across the country, writing his book Confessions of a Soup Nazi: An Adventure in Acting and Cooking, and the new projects that keep him creating. Funny, honest, and full of behind-the-scenes stories, this is a Reza Rifts conversation no Seinfeld fan will want to miss. GUEST INFO Larry Thomas, born Laurence Tomashoff in Brooklyn, New York, is an American actor best known for his guest role as Yev Kassem, "The Soup Nazi," on the hit sitcom Seinfeld, a performance that earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series in 1996. Before turning to acting, he worked as a bail bondsman and court investigator. After taking an acting workshop taught by Jeffrey Tambor, he auditioned for the Soup Nazi role in full character wearing a military uniform, winning the part by improvising the now-famous line "No soup for you!" He reprised the role in the Seinfeld series finale. His other credits include Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, Scrubs, Drake & Josh, Arrested Development, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, CSI, and the film Postal, plus the live-action video game Tesla Effect: A Tex Murphy Adventure. He is also the author of Confessions of a Soup Nazi: An Adventure in Acting and Cooking, has written and recorded original songs, and makes personal appearances as the Soup Nazi at conventions and events across the country. GUEST SOCIAL LINKS - Website: https://realsoupnazi.com - X / Twitter: https://x.com/RealSoupNazi - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealsoupnazi1/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larry.thomas.520357/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome & Introducing Larry Thomas 00:00 Growing Up in Brooklyn 00:00 Bail Bondsman, Court Investigator & the Road to Acting 00:00 The Soup Nazi Audition: Showing Up in Character 00:00 Improvising "No Soup for You!" 00:00 The Emmy Nomination & the Seinfeld Legacy 00:00 Austin Powers, Scrubs & Playing Off Type 00:00 Life as the Soup Nazi at Conventions & Events 00:00 Confessions of a Soup Nazi: The Book 00:00 Music, New Projects & What's Next 00:00 Advice, Life Lessons & Final Thoughts CALL TO ACTION If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe to Reza Rifts, and hit that notification bell so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with a fellow Seinfeld fan or anyone who loves great stories from Hollywood. Listen on your favorite platform: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reza-rifts/id955329738 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RezaRifts Rate & review every review helps Reza Rifts reach more listeners! HOST LINKS Support the show on https://patreon.com/rezarifts61 Follow Keith on all social media platforms: FB: https://www.facebook.com/realkeithreza IG:https://www.instagram.com/keithreza ALT IG:https://www.instagram.com/duhkeithreza X:https://www.twitter.com/keithreza TT:https://www.tiktok.com/keithreza Book Keith on cameo at www.cameo.com/keithreza Check out my website for dates at https://www.keithreza.com/ Subscribe - Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts - Tell a friend :) Be a Rifter! #LarryThomas #SoupNazi #Seinfeld #NoSoupForYou #SeinfeldPodcast #ComedyPodcast #Podcast #ActorInterview #Hollywood #90sSitcoms #TVLegend #EmmyNominated #FunnyPodcast #EntertainmentPodcast #CelebrityInterview
