Wayne Knight, a seasoned actor in Hollywood, is experiencing a resurgence in his career with a successful new film and an updated appearance.

At 70, Knight is widely recognized for his iconic role as Newman on “Seinfeld.” His impressive filmography also includes standout performances in “Jurassic Park,” “Basic Instinct,” “To Die For,” and “Space Jam.”

His latest return to prominence is thanks to his role in the horror sequel “Five Nights At Freddy’s 2,” which is currently making waves in theaters and setting box office records.

This comeback is particularly significant as it follows a period of uncertainty for Knight, who just a year ago worried his career might be at an end after shedding over 100 pounds.

In a candid interview with TMZ last year, Knight revealed that his weight loss initially had a negative impact on his career, with casting directors hesitant to cast him in familiar roles due to his changed appearance.

Hollywood veteran Wayne Knight is currently in the midst of a career comeback with a hit new movie and a new look after losing 100lbs 

The actor looked much heavier at the Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards in 1997

‘It takes time for people to accept you as you are, and then they find out whether or not you can still do things without being fat,’ he joked.  

The actor was less forthcoming when it came to his secrets for losing weight.

He clarified that it wasn’t a rapid Ozempic-style weight loss, but took place ‘over a period of many years.’

Knight said he’d lost around 100lbs since he appeared as a scheming computer programmer in Steven Spielberg’s iconic 1993 film Jurassic Park.

When asked exactly that he’d done to shed the pounds, Knight said, ‘everything that anyone could ever try’.

Listing the various methods, he said, ‘Therapy to drugs to surgery to radiation to being taken by aliens.’ 

When asked if he was trying to lose weight ‘the old-fashioned way,’ he responded: ‘What do you mean, not eating? Yes, that does work.’ 

Last year, he was spotted leaving a specialty gym in Los Angeles.

Knight is now back on top thanks to his role in horror sequel Five Nights At Freddy’s 2, which is currently breaking records at the box office

The actor is best known for playing Newman in Seinfeld, but has also starred in classics like Jurassic Park and Basic Instinct 

Knight’s face is noticeably much thinner since he embarked on his weight loss journey

The star was working out at The Exercise Coach, which delivers 20-minute, coach-led workouts for older adults in their forties, fifties and upwards. 

In an interview with his former Seinfeld co-star Jason Alexander last year, Knight opened up about how his slimmer look had hindered his career.

When Alexander said that Knight now looks like ‘a leading man’, Knight responded, ‘But that’s the worst possible thing that could’ve happened to me!’ 

The actor said that nobody wants ‘an attractive-looking Wayne Knight.’

Despite his pessimistic outlook last year, things have certainly picked up again for the showbiz veteran. 

His new film Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 topped last weekend’s box office with a record-breaking debut. 

The horror sequel has smashed multiple box office records, including the biggest December horror opening and the biggest opening ever for a post-Thanksgiving theatrical release.  

The father-of-one stepped out for the film’s Los Angeles premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood last week.

Knight was all smiles as he flaunted his slimmer physique at The Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 premiere in Los Angeles last week

Knight is pictured with his wife Clare at an event in 2023

He looked dapper in a maroon turtleneck and black blazer as he worked the red carpet.

Knight plays villainous science teacher Mr. Berg in the movie, which is based off the hit video game franchise of the same name.  

The first film follows a troubled security guard named Mike Schmidt (played by Josh Hutcherson) who begins working at an abandoned pizzeria called Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria.

He soon learns that the vacant animatronix in the eatery are in fact possessed by the spirits of murdered children – and they want his younger sister Abby to join them.

It proved to be an unexpected smash success upon its 2023 release when it grossed a staggering $297 million against a $20 million budget, despite being released simultaneously in theaters and on the Peacock streaming service.

The sequel is set one year after the original and once again follows Mike and his sister Abby as they battle the possessed animatronics – one of which is voiced by Megan Fox.

Actor Matthew Lillard has already hinted that a third film instalment is on the way, although nothing has been officially announced yet.