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Larry David
David at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival
Birth nameLawrence Gene David
Born (1947-07-02) July 2, 1947 (age 77)
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
MediumStand-up, television, film
NationalityAmerican[1]
Years active1975–present
GenresImprovisational comedy, observational comedy, sketch comedy
SpouseLaurie Lennard (1993–2007)
Notable works and rolesWriter & cast member, Fridays
Co-creator & head writer, Seinfeld
Creator, writer, & actor, Curb Your Enthusiasm
Template:Infobox comedian awards

Lawrence Gene "Larry" David (born July 2, 1947) is an American actor, writer, comedian, and television producer. He is best known as the co-creator (with Jerry Seinfeld), head writer, and executive producer of the television series, Seinfeld, during the period, 1989 to 1996. David has subsequently gained further recognition for the HBO series, Curb Your Enthusiasm, a mostly improvised sitcom, also created by David, in which he stars as a semi-fictionalized version of himself.[2]

David's work won him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series in 1993. Formerly a standup comedian, David went into television comedy, writing and starring in ABC's Fridays, as well as writing briefly for Saturday Night Live. He has won two Primetime Emmy Awards as well as being voted by fellow comedians and comedy insiders as number 23 of the greatest comedy stars ever in a British poll to select The Comedian's Comedian.[3]

Early life

Lawrence Gene David[4] was born to a Jewish family in the neighborhood of Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from Sheepshead Bay High School and then the University of Maryland, with a bachelor's degree in history (1969), and then in business (1970).[5] After college, David enlisted in the Army National Guard.[6]

Career

Early work

While a stand-up comedian, David also worked as a store clerk, limousine driver, and television repairman to pay his bills. He lived in Manhattan Plaza, a federally-subsidized housing complex in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan, across the hall from Kenny Kramer, the inspiration for the Cosmo Kramer character in Seinfeld.[7] David then became a writer for and cast member of ABC's Fridays from 1980 to 1982, and a writer for NBC's Saturday Night Live (SNL) from 1984 to 1985.[8] During his time at Saturday Night Live, he was able to get only one sketch on the show, which aired at 12:50 AM, the last time slot on the show.[9]

David quit his writing job at SNL midseason, only to show up to work a few days later acting as though nothing had happened. That plot inspired a second-season episode of Seinfeld entitled "The Revenge".[10] David met his future Seinfeld stars during that early stage of his career: He worked with Michael Richards (Kramer) on Fridays[8] and with Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Elaine)[9] on SNL.[11][12] He can be heard heckling Michael McKean when McKean hosted SNL in 1984, and he can be seen in the sketch "The Run, Throw, and Catch Like a Girl Olympics" when Howard Cosell hosted the season finale in 1985.[13]

Seinfeld

Main article: Seinfeld

In 1989, David teamed up with comedian Jerry Seinfeld to create a pilot for NBC called The Seinfeld Chronicles, which became the basis for Seinfeld, one of the most successful shows in United States television history,[14] reaching the top on TV Guide's list of the 50 greatest TV shows of all time. Entertainment Weekly ranked it the third-best TV show of all time. David made occasional uncredited appearances on the show, playing such roles as Frank Costanza's cape-wearing lawyer and the voice of George Steinbrenner. He was also the primary inspiration for the show's character George Costanza.[15] David left Seinfeld on amicable terms after the seventh season but returned to write the series finale in 1998, two years later.[16] He also continued to provide the voice for the Steinbrenner character.[17]

David wrote 62 of the episodes of Seinfeld, including 1992's "The Contest", for which he won a Primetime Emmy Award and which TV Guide ranked the episode #1 on its list of "TV's Top 100 Episodes of All Time".[18] Syndication of Seinfeld earned David an estimated US$250 million in 1998 alone. This amount has been steadily decreasing each year, but payments will continue until the full $1.7 billion from the original deal has been paid. In 2008 David made $55 million from Seinfeld syndication, DVD sales, and Curb Your Enthusiasm.[19][20] He was nominated for an Emmy[21] award 19 times for Seinfeld, winning twice—once for best comedy and once for writing.[22]

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Main article: Curb Your Enthusiasm
David in December 2009

The HBO cable television channel aired David's 1-hour special, Larry David: Curb Your Enthusiasm, on October 17, 1999.[23] This was followed by Curb Your Enthusiasm, a television series on HBO that aired its first episode on October 15, 2000.[23] The show revisits many of the themes of Seinfeld,[24] and is improvised from a story outline only several pages long that David writes (as of the 5th season, additional writers were hired).[25]

The actors improvise their dialogue based on the story outline, direction, and their own creativity. David has said that his character in the show, a fictionalized version of himself, is what he would be like in real life if he lacked social awareness and sensitivity.[26] The character's numerous and frequent social faux pas, misunderstandings, and ironic coincidences are the basis of much of the show's comedy and have led to the entry into the American pop culture lexicon of the expression "Larry David moment", meaning an inadvertently created socially awkward situation.[27]

The basis of the show is the events in David's life following the fortune he earned from the Seinfeld series; David, semi-retired, strives to live a fulfilled life.[28] Alongside David is his wife Cheryl (played by Cheryl Hines), his manager and best friend Jeff (played by Jeff Garlin), and Jeff's wife Susie (played by Susie Essman). Celebrities, including comedians Bob Einstein, Wanda Sykes, and Richard Lewis, appear on the show regularly. Actors Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen have had recurring roles as themselves.[28]

The show is critically acclaimed and has been nominated for 30 Primetime Emmy Awards, with one win, as well as one Golden Globe win. In the first six seasons, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Jason Alexander appeared in several episodes, and Jerry Seinfeld made a cameo. In season 7, the cast of Seinfeld, including Michael Richards, returned in a story arc involving David's attempt to organize a Seinfeld reunion special.

In October 2009, the episode "The Bare Midriff", in which David's character inadvertently splatters urine on a picture of Jesus causing a woman to believe the picture had miraculously shed a tear, was the focus of some criticism when Fox News reported that Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League, criticized it. HBO responded to the criticism, stating, "The humor is always playful and certainly never malicious."[29]

On Wednesday, June 2, 2010, the series premiered on the TV Guide Network, making its network television debut. TV Guide Network also produced a series of related discussions with high-profile guest stars, media pundits, and prominent social figures called "Curb: The Discussion" debating the moral implications depicted in each episode. David is quoted as saying "Finally, thanks to the TV Guide Network, I'll get a chance to watch actual, intelligent people discuss and debate the issues addressed on 'Curb'. Now if only someone could tell me where this alleged 'Network' is, I might even watch it." [30]

Other projects

David has also been involved in other films and television series. David wrote and directed the 1998 film Sour Grapes, about two cousins who feud over a casino jackpot.[23] It was neither a commercial nor a critical success.[31][32] He has appeared in minor parts in two Woody Allen films – Radio Days and New York Stories[33] – more recently taking the leading role in Allen's New York-based comedy film Whatever Works.[34] Because his daughters are Hannah Montana fans, David, along with his daughters, guest-starred, as themselves, in the episode "My Best Friend's Boyfriend," in which they were waiting for a table at a fancy restaurant.[23] David had a cameo appearance on the HBO series Entourage as a client of Ari Gold, and also appeared as a panelist on the NBC series The Marriage Ref.

During the 2008 U.S Presidential Election, David supported and actively campaigned for Barack Obama.

In December 2010, David penned an op-ed piece for The New York Times, a sardonic critique of the extension of Bush-era tax cuts headlined "Thanks for the Tax Cut!" [35][36]

On May 3, 2011, it was reported that he had signed on to play Sister Mary-Mengele in the 2012 reboot of The Three Stooges.[37][38]

Personal life

David married Laurie Lennard on March 31, 1993. They have two daughters, and lived in Pacific Palisades, California.[39] Both Davids became contributing bloggers at The Huffington Post in May 2005.[40][41] On June 5, 2007, the couple announced their intention to amicably separate.[42] Laurie David filed for divorce on July 13, 2007, citing irreconcilable differences and seeking joint custody of the couple's two daughters.[43]

Awards and nominations

Books About

References

  1. ^ "Larry David". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 2009-07-14.
  2. ^ Steve Heisler (2). "Improv on TV: How Curb Your Enthusiasm Gets It Right". TV.com. CBS Interactive Inc. Retrieved 24 August 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= and |year= / |date= mismatch (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  3. ^ a b "The comedians' comedian". Chortle. Retrieved 2009-06-16.
  4. ^ Divorce document (PDF). TMZ.com.
  5. ^ "Alumni Leaders". University of Maryland, College Park. Archived from the original on June 15, 2007. Retrieved 2008-04-02. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ David, Larry (2004-02-15). "My War". The New York Times. Retrieved 2011-08-22.
  7. ^ McShane, Larry. "The real Kramer says actor no racist: But Richards is 'paranoid,' 'very wound-up'", Chicago Sun-Times, November 26, 2006. Accessed August 11, 2009. "The real Kramer lived for 10 years in a Hell's Kitchen apartment across the hall from Seinfeld co-creator Larry David, and his life became the framework for Richards' quirky, bumbling Seinfeld sidekick."
  8. ^ a b Marin, Rick (2000-07-16). "The Great and Wonderful Wizard of Odds". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-04-25.
  9. ^ a b Shales, Tom (2005-11-12). "'SNL in the '80s': The Last Laugh On a Trying Decade". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2008-04-25.
  10. ^ ""Seinfeld" The Revenge (1991)". IMDB. Retrieved 2008-04-02.
  11. ^ Koltnow, Barry (1997-05-30). "Eager Actor Finds Kramer a Bit of a Trial". Contra Costa Times. Retrieved 2008-04-02.
  12. ^ Kolbert, Elizabeth (1993-06-03). "Julia Louis-Dreyfus: She Who Gives 'Seinfeld' Estrogen". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 6, 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-02. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ "Saturday Night Live". TV.com. Retrieved 2008-04-21.
  14. ^ Carter, Bill (1997-12-26). "Seinfeld Says It's All Over, And It's No Joke for NBC". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 6, 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-25. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ "The 'real' George Costanza sues Seinfeld for $100 million". CNN. 1998-10-26. Archived from the original on June 19, 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-25. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help) [dead link]
  16. ^ Dancis, Bruce (2007-11-05). "DVD Review: 'Seinfeld: Season 9' wraps up all the hilarious nothingness". The Sacramento Bee. Archived from the original on January 16, 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-25.
  17. ^ "Still ... seventh-season DVD shines". The Sacramento Bee. 2006-11-21.
  18. ^ "TV's Top 100 Episodes of All Time" TV Guide; June 15, 2009; Pages 34-49
  19. ^ "Who's the richest? Seinfeld". Associated Press. 1999-01-01. Retrieved 2008-01-19.
  20. ^ "#65 Larry David — The 2009 Celebrity 100". Forbes. 2009-03-06. Retrieved 2009-10-05.
  21. ^ Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (2012). "Larry David". Emmys.com. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  22. ^ "Larry David". TV.com. Retrieved 2008-04-21.
  23. ^ a b c d "Larry David (I)". IMDB. Retrieved 2008-04-02.
  24. ^ "COMEDY CLUB.(Jerry Seinfeld: a film 'Comedian,' and his influence on the 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' TV show)". The New Yorker. 2002-10-28. Retrieved 2008-04-19.
  25. ^ "'Curb Your Enthusiasm' and 'Seinfeld' Writers Talk About the Legend of Larry David". RollingStone. 2011-07-20. Retrieved 2011-07-25.
  26. ^ "What Was That? Researchers Explore Below-the-Radar Racism". Model Minority. 2008-02-11. Archived from the original on 2008-05-09. Retrieved 2008-04-22.
  27. ^ David Brinn (October 9, 2009). "'Yeah, I'm available for Woody Allen'". Jerusalem Post.
  28. ^ a b rick mcginnis (2004). "Once Upon A Time In Mexico Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment DVD". Life with Blog: Father. rick mcginnis. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  29. ^ "Larry David Blasted for 'Curb' Episode Where He Urinates on Jesus Painting". Fox News. 2009-10-28. Retrieved 2009-10-29.
  30. ^ "TV Guide Network Teams-up with Legendary Show Creator Larry David to Launch "Curb Your Enthusiasm" Exclusive Extras Hosted by Series Regular Susie Essman". March 22, 2010. Retrieved March 22, 2010.
  31. ^ "Sour Grapes". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2008-04-02.
  32. ^ "Sour Grapes". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2008-04-02.
  33. ^ Sperling, Nicole (2008-02-06). "Larry David, Evan Rachel Wood to star in Woody Allen's next movie". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on 2008-02-15. Retrieved 2008-04-02.
  34. ^ "Larry David, Evan Rachel Wood to star in Woody Allen's next movie". Hollywood Insider. Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on May 22, 2008. Retrieved 2008-02-07. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  35. ^ "Reuters: Larry David "Praises" Tax Cuts for Rich in NY Times". 2010-12-21.
  36. ^ David, Larry (2010-12-20). "NY Times: Thanks for the Tax Cut!". The New York Times.
  37. ^ "Larry David Torments 'The Three Stooges' And 'Hunger Games' Finds More Tributes In Today's Casting Call » MTV Movies Blog". Moviesblog.mtv.com. Retrieved 2011-06-13.
  38. ^ The Three Stooges at IMDb
  39. ^ "News for "Seinfeld" (1990)". IMDB. Retrieved 2008-04-02.
  40. ^ "Laurie David's Huffington Post blogger page". Retrieved 2009-11-24.
  41. ^ "Larry David's Huffington Post blogger page". Retrieved 2009-11-24.
  42. ^ Johnson, Richard (2007-06-05). "Newly Single". Page Six. New York Post. Retrieved 2007-06-05. [dead link]
  43. ^ Finn, Natalie (2007-07-19). "Divorcing Larry David". E!. Retrieved 2008-04-02.
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