The celebrity lookalike or tribute artist world is full of singers, sci-fi characters, glamorous and classical looks and then there is Kramer. Seinfeld's Kozmo Kramer is not your everyday look, and one man/look that equals Kramer's is Steve Ostrow!
Ostrow's training, for a 'real life' job, in this case, profession, is that of a lawyer. As he likes to say, his Kramer beginnings began about two decades ago with his stand-up routine before courtrooms. Ozmo Kramer was launched - Halloween 1996.
Brooklyn born and bred, Ostrow already had the natural Kramer-like New York City accent and mannerisms. In addition, he also owned Kramer idiosyncrasies even before Kramer on Seinfeld existed.
In addition to law school, Ostrow graduated from Rick Stevens School of Improvisation in San Diego, and eight years as a Toastmaster.
In 1997-98, his first year of improvisational comedy, Steve Ostrow won the prestigious Reel Award in recognition of Big Mouth Comedy presented by International Celebrity Images and his lookalike peers.
With the Seinfeld finale frenzy in full swing in 1998, Steve Ostrow was awarded the best Seinfeld character lookalike by The Miami Herald, Las Vegas casinos and San Diego newspapers.
After seeing the movie Trial and Error (1997) and seeing Michael Richards "Kramer" play a lawyer, this lawyer, Ostrow, knew he could really play Kramer, and play him he has.
Ostrow wanted to already give up his day job and polyester ties, so he traded them in for casual cotton and no tie. His "Oz" has made multiple appearances at numerous venues all over the country.
Playing the role of Kramer only assisted in bringing out the outrageous which already had a foot in reality. I'm an East Coast manic in a mellow Californian body." - Steve Ostrow
For those not sure what to do with a Kramer impersonator, here are some suggestions. He is sure to spice up one's event doubling as Kramer for convention entertainment, a comic master of ceremony and trade show entertainment.
The similarities between Ozmo Kramer and Cosmo Kramer are striking. For real entertainment consider using a celebrity impersonator - Ozmo Kramer is one of a kind!
Steve Ostrow's latest endeavor is as an author. His book, out first week in August 2010, is How To Sue A Telemarketer.
Comments
Great article Deb . Steve is one of the nicest guys u=in our business .All the best to him with his book !
Wonderful write-up, Deb. Thanks! Steve's book is great, as is his impersonation of "Kramer".
Interesting how many tribute artists are also authors!! :)
This guy is "him." Has he checked to see if he was his twin?
AND an attorney and a book... great job Steve!
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