 Writer 's assistant Karen Wilkie can be seen in the audience during Seinfeld 's stand @-@ up comedy act . Nurit Koppel portrayed Rava , at the time she was known for her appearance in the CBS television movie Sweet Bird of Youth ( 1989 ) as well as a guest appearance on the NBC crime drama Hunter . Jane Leeves , who would later appear as Marla the Virgin in season four and season nine also auditioned for the part , she also went on to star in the popular NBC sitcom Frasier ( 1993 – 2004 ) . In the script , Ray Thomas ' description was , " although he carries cleaning equipment , he also carries the air of a pretentious mannerly , affected actor " . Various actors auditioned for the part , among which were Hank Azaria , Michael D. Conway and Tony Shalhoub , who had also auditioned for the part of Kramer . Conway was eventually cast for the part . Norman Brenner , who worked as Richards ' stand @-@ in on the show for all its nine seasons , appears as an extra ; he appears in the background when Jerry and Ray talk at Monk 's Cafe . 
