DAILY DIRT: Would Danny DeVito have worked out as George Costanza?

Or Rosie O’Donnell as Elaine? … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 880 of The Daily Dirt.

1. Outside of “The Walking Dead” and all of its offshoot properties, I’d have to say my all-time favorite TV show would be “Seinfeld”.

With that in mind, here are a few items about that legendary program that I think few people know:

• “Seinfeld” never (as in ever, ever) won a single Emmy Award. I’ve always asked, both to myself and aloud, “How is that even possible?” All of these years later, I’m still shaking my head.
• The lovable “Kramer” character, portrayed by Michael Richards, was originally to be called “Kessler”. Life just wouldn’t have been the same if that had materialized.
• Danny DeVito was originally offered the part of George Costanza. As tremendous as Jason Alexander was in that role, DeVito might have been even better.
• Here’s one that’s almost impossible to believe. Rosie O’Donnell (yes, THAT Rosie O’Donnell) was among the finalists to play Elaine, a role that, thankfully, went to Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

2. Speaking of “Seinfeld,” did you ever wonder many different girls Jerry dated on the series? 

Well, if your guess was 73, you’d be correct, sir.

Here’s a sampling of the most famous girls Jerry spent time with on Thursday nights:

Courtney Cox (Meryl), who, of course, later became a superstar thanks to “Friends”.

Marcia Cross (Sara), who went to greater fame on “Melrose Place,” “Knots Landing” and “Desperate Housewives”.

Debra Messing (Beth), who eventually became a fixture on “Will and Grace”.

Kristin Bauer (Gillian), I included simply because of her memorable role as Jerry’s date who had unusually large hands.

Marlee Matlin (Laura), who was actually pretty famous prior to her appearance on “Seinfeld”. She is the only deaf performer to win an Academy Award (for her role in “Children of a Lesser God”).

Jami Gertz (Jane), who had already risen to semi-fame with her role in “The Lost Boys” and later had a recurring role on “Ally McBeal”.

Teri Hatcher (Sidra), who following “Seinfeld” had roles in “The New Adventures of Superman” and “Desperate Housewives”.

3. 1969 was one of the finest periods in pop music.

This year is the 55th anniversary of that memorable 12-month period. Looking back, these are my top 10 songs from that marvelous time:

• 1. “Traces,” by the Classics IV.
• 2. “Honky Tonk Women,” by the Rolling Stones.
• 3. “Sweet Caroline,” by Neil Diamond.
• 4. “Gimme Gimme Good Lovin’,” by Crazy Elephant.
• 5. “My Whole World Ended,” by David Ruffin.
• 6. “Suspicious Minds,” by Elvis Presley.
• 7. “Soul Deep,” by the Box Tops.
• 8. “I Want You Back,” by the Jackson 5.
• 9. “Someday We’ll Be Together,” by Diana Ross and the Supremes.
• 10. “I Can Hear Music,” by the Beach Boys.

Steve Thought O’ The Day — I need to add an honorable mention to that ’60 song list: “The Worst That Could Happen,” by the Brooklyn Bridge (featuring Johnny Maestro).

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. He did NOT have Ravioli Salsa Rosa for lunch on Thursday. He went with the Abruzzo. The waitress was stunned.