Garry Shandling
Garry Shandling
Full Name and Common Aliases
Garry Shandling's full name was Gary Stephen Shandling. He is commonly known as Garry Shandling, a renowned American comedian, actor, writer, and producer.
Birth and Death Dates
Garry Shandling was born on November 29, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois. He passed away on March 24, 2020, at the age of 66, due to complications from a stroke.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Shandling held American nationality and was a multifaceted professional, exceling as a comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, and screenwriter. His remarkable career spanned over three decades, during which he worked in television, film, and radio.
Early Life and Background
Garry Shandling grew up in a Jewish family in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. His parents were Mary and Irving Shandling, who owned an electrical supply store. He developed an interest in comedy early on, influenced by the likes of Lenny Bruce and Mort Sahl. After graduating from high school, Shandling attended the University of Chicago but eventually dropped out to pursue a career in stand-up comedy.
Major Accomplishments
Shandling's breakthrough came with his self-written and starred-in sitcom "It's Garry Shandling's Show," which aired from 1986 to 1990. This innovative series featured a blend of scripted and improvised content, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. He also co-created the hit show "The Larry Sanders Show" (1992-1998), where he played the lead role of Larry Sanders, a fictional late-night talk show host.
Notable Works or Actions
Garry Shandling's impressive portfolio includes numerous notable works:
Stand-up comedy: He released several successful stand-up comedy albums and specials, showcasing his unique blend of wit, sarcasm, and self-deprecation.
"The Larry Sanders Show": This critically acclaimed series earned 18 Emmy nominations and won four awards. Shandling's portrayal of the titular character is often cited as one of the greatest TV performances of all time.
* "It's Garry Shandling's Show": This pioneering sitcom not only showcased his writing and acting abilities but also pushed the boundaries of comedy and narrative structure.
Impact and Legacy
Garry Shandling's impact on television is undeniable. He revolutionized the sitcom genre with "It's Garry Shandling's Show," which paved the way for more experimental and innovative comedies. His work on "The Larry Sanders Show" redefined the late-night talk show format, influencing shows like "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien."
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Garry Shandling's quotes often highlight his wit, self-awareness, and insight into human nature. He was known for his biting humor and clever observations on life, love, and the entertainment industry. His influence can be seen in many contemporary comedians and writers, who continue to draw inspiration from his innovative work.
Quotes by Garry Shandling
Garry Shandling's insights on:
To be thrown onto the stand-up stage is an experience that you cannot fathom until you're actually there, because there's no place to go, and everyone is looking at you and you can't even see them because of the lights. And yet you have to manage to start talking and be funny on top of it.
My second or third year in the engineering department, I got very frustrated, and I sat down with myself and had a soul-searching conversation with myself and said, 'What I'd really like to do is see if I can write comedy.' ... I moved to L.A. stone cold. Didn't know anybody; didn't know how to go about it. Really started from scratch.
I had no idea who I was when I started. I was frightened to death and had no natural performing skills.
The art of boxing is seeing spaces and being able to take shots. The hitting and being hit have to become one. Your reactions have to be so in the moment. There's no time to think.
There's a good chance that if you're talking to me when I'm snoring, it means I'm bored.
I have this very abstract idea in my head. I wouldn't even want to call it stand-up, because stand-up conjures in one's mind a comedian with a microphone standing onstage under a spotlight telling jokes to an audience. The direction I'm going in is eventually, you won't know if it's a joke or not.
That's what we were exploring on 'Larry Sanders' - the human qualities that have brought us to where we are now in the world: the addiction to needing more and wanting more and talking more. We were examining the labels put on success - is it successful to be on TV every day, to be famous, to have a paycheck?
I started boxing for exercise, and on the very first day, the trainer got in the ring with me and said, 'Whoever controls the breathing in the ring controls the fight.' I immediately passed out.