Garry Shandling
Biography
Garry Emmanuel Shandling was an American actor, comedian, writer, director, and producer. Born on November 29, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, he became best known for his work in It's Garry Shandling's Show and The Larry Sanders Show. His career included writing for sitcoms such as Sanford and Son and Welcome Back, Kotter, as well as a successful stand-up performance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, where he later became a frequent guest-host. Shandling created It's Garry Shandling's Show in 1986. He was recognized for acting across a total of sixty-eight known credits. Garry Shandling passed away on March 24, 2016, at the age of sixty-six.
Career overview
Garry Emmanuel Shandling was an American comedian, actor, director, writer, and producer. Born on November 29, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, he built a notable career in television and film. Shandling was best known for his work in It's Garry Shandling's Show and The Larry Sanders Show. His career also included appearances in films such as Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which is referenced in Czech sources as Captain America: Navrat prvniho Avengera, and The Dictator.
Early in his career, Shandling wrote for sitcoms including Sanford and Son and Welcome Back, Kotter. He later made a successful stand-up performance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and subsequently became a frequent guest-host on the program. During that time, he was considered a leading contender to replace Carson, alongside other hopefuls such as Joan Rivers, David Letterman, and David Brenner. In 1986, he created It's Garry Shandling's Show.
Throughout his life and career, Shandling accumulated numerous known credits in acting across his film and television work. He passed away on March 24, 2016, at the age of sixty-six.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
83 titles- Biography: Comedy Icons (2019) as Self
- Jeff Dunham: Talking Heads (2019) as Self (archive footage)
- Basketball: A Love Story (2018) as Self (archive footage)
- The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling (2018) as Self (archive footage)
- Dying Laughing (2017) as Self
- The Jungle Book (2016) as Ikki (voice)
- The Jungle Book (2016) In Memory Of
- Grimsby (2016) Thanks
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) as Senator Stern
- Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee (2012) as Self
- The Dictator (2012) as Inspector (uncredited)
- Inside Comedy (2012) as Self
- Excavating the 2000 Year Old Man (2012) as Self
- Iron Man 2 (2010) as Senator Stern
- The Green Room with Paul Provenza (2010) as Self
- Kevin Nealon: Now Hear Me Out! (2009) as Himself
- Johnny Carson Celebrates Christmas (2008) as Self
- Jerry Seinfeld: The Comedian Award (2007) as Self
- Not Just the Best of the Larry Sanders Show (2007)
- The Making Of 'The Larry Sanders Show' (2007) as Larry Sanders
- Over the Hedge (2006) as Verne (voice)
- Hammy's Boomerang Adventure (2006) as Verne (voice)
- The Best of Carson, Volume 1 (2006)
- Ricky Gervais Meets... (2006) as Garry Shandling
- The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (2005) as Self
- Trust the Man (2005) as Dr. Beekman
- Sit Down Comedy with David Steinberg (2005)
- Tom Goes to the Mayor (2004) as Captain Pat Lewellen (voice)
- Real Time with Bill Maher (2003) as Self
- The Ellen DeGeneres Show (2003) as Self
- Can't Buy Me Lunch: Another Look at The Rutles (2003) as Self - Interviewee
- Wednesday 9:30 (8:30 Central) (2002) as Garry Shandling
- Run Ronnie Run (2002) as Self
- The Ultimate Collection starring Johnny Carson - The Best of the 70s and 80s (2002) as Self (archive footage)
- Comedian (2002) as Self
- Good Day Live (2001) as Self
- Zoolander (2001) as Garry Shandling
- Town & Country (2001) as Griffin Morris
- What Planet Are You From? (2000) as Harold Anderson
- What Planet Are You From? (2000) Screenplay
- What Planet Are You From? (2000) Producer
- What Planet Are You From? (2000) Story
- Doctor Dolittle (1998) as Male Pigeon (voice)
- Hurlyburly (1998) as Artie
- Jerry Seinfeld: I'm Telling You for the Last Time (1998) as Self
- The Daily Show (1996) as Self
- The Rosie O'Donnell Show (1996) as Self - Guest
- Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist (1995) as Garry (voice)
- Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist (1995) Additional Writing
- Mixed Nuts (1994) as Stanley
- Love Affair (1994) as Kip DeMay
- The X-Files (1993) as Fox Mulder / Garry Shandling
- Late Night with Conan O'Brien (1993) as Self - Guest
- The Night We Never Met (1993) as Mr. Vertisey
- The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (1992)
- The Larry Sanders Show (1992) as Larry Sanders
- The Larry Sanders Show (1992) Writer
- The Larry Sanders Show (1992) Executive Producer
- The Larry Sanders Show (1992) Creator
- The Ben Stiller Show (1992)
- Garry Shandling: Stand-Up (1991)
- Mother Goose Rock 'n' Rhyme (1990) as Jack (of Jack and Jill)
- A Comedy Celebration: The Comedy & Magic Club's 10th Anniversary (1989) as Self
- LIVE with Kelly and Mark (1988)
- Joan Rivers and Friends Salute Heidi Abromowitz (1988) as Garry Shandling
- Richard Lewis: I'm Exhausted (1988) as Self
- It's Garry Shandling's Show (1986) as Garry Shandling
- It's Garry Shandling's Show (1986) Executive Producer
- It's Garry Shandling's Show (1986) Writer
- It's Garry Shandling's Show (1986) Creator
- The Garry Shandling Show: 25th Anniversary Special (1986) as Garry Shandling
- The Garry Shandling Show: 25th Anniversary Special (1986) Writer
- The Garry Shandling Show: 25th Anniversary Special (1986) Executive Producer
- Doctor Duck's Super Secret All-Purpose Sauce (1986) as Self
- Garry Shandling: Alone in Vegas (1984) as Himself
- Garry Shandling: Alone in Vegas (1984) Writer
- Entertainment Tonight (1981) as Self
- Saturday Night Live (1975) as Self - Host
- Welcome Back, Kotter (1975) Writer
- Sanford and Son (1972) Writer
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self - Guest Host
- The Emmy Awards (1949) as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Garry Shandling best known for?
Garry Shandling is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Basketball: A Love Story (2018), The Unclouded Soul (2025), The Unclouded Soul (2025), Grimsby (2016).
When and where was Garry Shandling born?
Garry Shandling was born on November 29, 1949 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. They passed away on March 24, 2016.
How many credits does Garry Shandling have?
Garry Shandling has accumulated over 83 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1949 to 2019.
What is Garry Shandling's background in cinema and television?
Garry Emmanuel Shandling was an American actor, comedian, writer, director, and producer. Born on November 29, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, he became best known for his work in It's Garry Shandling's Show and The Larry Sanders Show. His career included writing for sitcoms such as Sanford and Son and Welcome Back, Kotter...