For me, Garry Shandling is one of comedy’s overlooked heroes. The creator and star of two of the greatest comedies ever, “The Larry Sanders Show” and “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show”, has had an immeasurable impact on comedy, with his shows redefining the sitcom and paving the way for shows like The Office, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld. He’s mentored people like Judd Apatow, Sarah Silverman and Sacha Baron Cohen. He’s one of Conan O’Brien’s closest friends. And yet, he doesn’t seem to be part of the conversation - certainly not among people my age. If someone could enlighten me as to why this is, I’d be certainly appreciative, because given the level of comedy nerdom that exists on Tumblr, both It’s Garry Shandling’s Show - a show which was ahead of its time and frequently broke the fourth wall - and The Larry Sanders Show - which remains the most accurate portrayal of showbusiness to ever grace our television’s screens - are conspicuously absent from Tumblr. To anyone who considers themselves a comedy fan, they’re required viewing. To anyone who is interested in writing, they’re required viewing. To anyone who considers themselves a TV aficionado, they’re required viewing.
Today is Garry Shandling’s birthday. Happy birthday, sir. I salute you.
Sweet Mr. Shandling! Sarah took me to his house twice (years ago) to play basketball. I can’t put into words how nervous I was to meet him. I also can’t put into words how nice he was/is. Happy birthday to him!!
Couldn’t agree more with Agee, here. Shandling was one of the early pioneers of comedy in the same Class, and class, of Seinfeld. So much of what Shandling did with ‘The Larry Sanders Show’ and ‘It’s Garry Shandling’s Show’ broke rules that television audiences had adhered to and expected to find when flipping on a sitcom at that time. There are few shows since that have been able to contribute, not only in the moment by providing hilarious material provoking laughter, but also by making a true impact on the comedy landscape as a whole. I’m a huge fan of both series. If you haven’t already seen them, check them out. I mean it’s Cyber Monday for crying out loud. Treat yourself to some Shandling. Happy Birthday Garry Shandling.
(Source: amyohconnor)
