The Evolution of Larry David: From Comedy Roots to 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' Icon
Explore Larry David's journey in comedy, starting in the 1980s, his co-creation of 'Seinfeld,' and his iconic role in 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'
Larry David, a prominent figure in American comedy, had to work various odd jobs for many years before achieving success.
Born in Brooklyn in July 1947, David attended the University of Maryland, College Park after graduating high school in 1965. He majored in history before enlisting in the Army Reserves for five years post-graduation.
After finishing his military service, he decided to chase his dream of a career in comedy. He started off by doing stand-up and taking on small roles in movies, while also working as a store clerk, limousine driver, and historian.
It wasn't until 1980 that he finally got his big break. He became a writer and cast member on ABC's late-night comedy show, Fridays. This opportunity paved the way for him to join Saturday Night Live and co-create Seinfeld, before eventually landing his own HBO show, Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Keep scrolling to see David through the years:
Larry David Through the Years: From Stand Up Comedian to ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Star
Credit: Jeff Vespa/Getty Images for Relativity Media
Larry David Through the Years: From Stand-Up Comedian to ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Star
Larry David, a prominent figure in American comedy, had to work various odd jobs for many years before achieving his current level of success. Born in Brooklyn in July 1947, David pursued a degree in history at the University of Maryland, College Park after graduating high school in 1965. Following his graduation, he served in the Army Reserves for a period of five years.
After finishing his military service, he decided to pursue a career in comedy. He started by doing stand-up and taking on various jobs like store clerk, limousine driver, and historian while also doing background work in movies.
In 1980, he landed a major opportunity when he became a writer and cast member on ABC's late-night comedy show, Fridays. This was just the beginning of his successful career as he later joined Saturday Night Live and co-created Seinfeld before starring in his own HBO show, Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Keep scrolling to see David through the years:
Larry David Through the Years: From Stand Up Comedian to ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Star
Credit: YouTube
1980
David worked on Fridays for two years. While on the show, the comedian worked with Michael Richards, who went on to star in Seinfeld as Kramer.
Larry David Through the Years: From Stand Up Comedian to ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Star
Credit: MAX
1984
The actor initially started at SNL as a writer but only managed to get one sketch on air before leaving the show in 1985. It was placed in the last time slot. Almost thirty years later, David admitted that he quit the writing job during his first season, but he regretted it afterwards. He eventually returned to work, trying to forget about the incident. Interestingly, this experience served as inspiration for an episode in the second season of Seinfeld.
Larry David Through the Years: From Stand Up Comedian to ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Star
Credit: Getty Images(2)
1989
David and Jerry Seinfeld worked together to develop a pilot for NBC, which later evolved into the popular show Seinfeld. Drawing inspiration from their own lives, the comedians infused many episodes with personal experiences. Although known predominantly as a writer, David also made a few appearances on the show as an actor.
In 1991, David received his first Emmy nomination in the category of Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for his contributions to Seinfeld.
The long-running series became one of the most successful shows in history, running for nine seasons. David left the series in season 7.
Larry David Through the Years: From Stand Up Comedian to ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Star
Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
1993
Two years after being nominated for the first time, David took home two Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series.
In 1993, David tied the knot with his first wife, Laurie Lennard. They stayed married until 2007 and have two daughters together, Cazzie and Romy, born in 1994 and 1996.
Larry David Through the Years: From Stand Up Comedian to ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Star
Credit: David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images
1998
After nine years on air, Seinfeld concluded with David returning to write the series finale. Despite being disliked by many fans, the show's controversial finale has always been supported by David.
Larry David Through the Years: From Stand Up Comedian to ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Star
Credit: MAX
1999
David broke out on his own with his one-hour HBO special, Larry David: Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Larry David Through the Years: From Stand Up Comedian to ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Star
Credit: David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images
2000
David took the success of the special and turned it into a sitcom with the same name. The show portrayed a fictionalized version of his life, with him playing himself alongside Jeff Garlin, Cheryl Hines, Susie Essman, J. B. Smoove, and others. Curb Your Enthusiasm has received 51 Primetime Emmy Award nominations and has won two trophies.
Larry David Through the Years: From Stand Up Comedian to ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Star
Credit: MAX
2004
David made a cameo in the Entourage series as a client of Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven).
Larry David Through the Years: From Stand Up Comedian to ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Star
Credit: YouTube
2007
As his daughters were big fans of Miley Cyrus, David made a cameo in Hannah Montana alongside his girls.
Larry David Through the Years: From Stand Up Comedian to ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Star
Credit: YouTube
2015
Three decades after his SNL exit, David returned to portray Senator Bernie Sanders.
Larry David Through the Years: From Stand Up Comedian to ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Star
Credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images
2020
David married his second wife, Ashley Underwood, three years after they began dating.
Larry David Through the Years: From Stand Up Comedian to ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Star
Credit: John P. Johnson/HBO
2023
The comedian announced that Curb Your Enthusiasm would be ending in 2024 after 12 seasons.
Larry David Through the Years: From Stand Up Comedian to ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Star
Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
2024
David recently attended the season 12 premiere of Curb Your Enthusiasm in January. Unfortunately, the following month, he experienced a great loss when his friend and colleague Richard Lewis passed away at the age of 76 due to a heart attack.
In a statement to USA Today, David shared, "Richard and I were born just three days apart in the same hospital. He has been like a brother to me for most of my life. He was not only the funniest person but also the sweetest. His passing has deeply saddened me, and he even made me cry, something I will never forget."
Editor's P/S:
The article provides a fascinating glimpse into the life and career of Larry David, one of the most influential figures in American comedy. It highlights the challenges he faced in his early years, working various odd jobs while pursuing his dream of a career in comedy. His eventual success, marked by the creation of iconic shows like "Seinfeld" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm," is a testament to his perseverance and comedic genius.
David's journey is inspiring, demonstrating that even with setbacks and detours, it is possible to achieve one's goals with determination and hard work. It is also a reminder that behind the laughter and success of our favorite comedians often lies a story of struggle and resilience.
