Larry David

Lawrence Gene David was born on July 2, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York City. He pursued his education at the University of Maryland, College Park, graduating in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts in history. David began his career in stand-up comedy and worked various jobs, including a store clerk and limousine driver. His early television career included stints as a writer and cast member for ABC’s “Fridays” from 1980 to 1982, and briefly as a writer for NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” from 1984 to 1985. These formative years helped shape his unique comedic voice, characterized by observational humor and a focus on social awkwardness. He later drew on these experiences, such as an incident where he quit and then returned to “Saturday Night Live,” for episodes of his future shows.

David’s career gained significant momentum in 1989 when he co-created the highly successful sitcom “Seinfeld” with Jerry Seinfeld. He served as the head writer and executive producer for the first seven seasons, contributing to many iconic episodes, including “The Contest,” which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award in 1993. “Seinfeld” became one of television’s most acclaimed shows, often cited for its innovative approach to observational comedy. After leaving “Seinfeld” amicably, David created “Curb Your Enthusiasm” for HBO, a series that debuted with a one-hour special in 1999 and became a full series in 2000. In this show, he stars as a semi-fictionalized version of himself, exploring social faux pas and everyday annoyances, for which he has written or co-written every episode. The show has received widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards and nominations, and concluded its 12th and final season in January 2024.

Beyond his major television successes, David has diversified his career. He has made recurring guest appearances on “Saturday Night Live” since 2015, notably impersonating U.S. presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, who is his distant cousin. David has also acted in films such as Woody Allen’s “Whatever Works” (2009) and “The Three Stooges” (2012), and co-wrote and starred in the HBO television film “Clear History” (2013). His foray into theater includes writing and starring in the Broadway play “Fish in the Dark” (2015), which broke advance sale records. In 2025, he announced a return to television with a new HBO Max sketch comedy series, in collaboration with Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company, focusing on American history. David’s distinct comedic style, marked by dry wit and an exploration of relatable social discomfort, has earned him significant recognition, including the Writers Guild of America’s Laurel Award for TV Writing Achievement in 2010.