Garry Shandling Movies
Comedian Garry Shandling is best known for his top-rated, award-winning parody of television talk shows The Larry Sanders Show, which aired on the HBO cable network from 1993 to 1998. He started out as a comedy writer for other sitcoms and as a standup comedian. He landed his first television show, the It's Garry Shandling's Show, on Fox in 1985. The show was heavily autobiographical, to the point of replicating his apartment on a soundstage. Shandling, however, made his biggest impression with Larry Sanders, a show about the trials, tribulations, and double-dealing that goes on behind the scenes of a latenight talk show. Much of the show's material was drawn from experiences Shandling endured or witnessed on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, where he was a popular guest star.In addition to performing live and on television, Shandling has also played character roles in feature films, beginning with The Night We Never Met in 1993 and continuing with such varied projects as Hurly Burly and Dr. Doolittle, both in 1998. The actor tried his hand at starring with the 2000 extra-terrestrial comedy What Planet Are You From, a box-office dud Shandling also produced and wrote.
As the decade wore on, Shandling's significant big screen roles were limited to the 2001 Warren Beatty picture Town & Country, before emerging in 2006 by lending his voice to the animated adventure Over the Hedge and appearing in a supporting part in Trust the Man. Meanwhile, on the small screen, he kept television viewers laughing as host of the 52nd and 55th Annual Prime Time Ammy Awards in 2000 and 2003 respectively. Though brief cameos in Iron Man 2 and Sacha Baron Cohen's The Dictator followed, the one-time comedy superstar largely continued to maintain a low-profile in subsequent years. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
A holiday comedy with dark overtones, Mixed Nuts presents a supposedly humorous look at the behind-the-scenes events at a crisis hotline on Christmas Eve. Philip (Steve Martin) runs Lifesavers, a Venice, California organization dedicated to helping the depressed and troubled. Unfortunately, Philip is a bit down himself, having learned that Lifesavers is on the verge of eviction. His staff isn't feeling particularly helpful either, with Mrs. Munchnik (Madeline Kahn) giving gruff, often insulting advice, and Catherine (Rita Wilson) obsessing over her own unspoken love for Philip. As the holiday approaches, various weirdoes of all shapes and sizes -- from to a pregnant clothing store owner (Juliette Lewis) to a disenchanted Santa Claus (Anthony LaPaglia) -- begin dropping in, throwing the already strained office into utter chaos. Director Nora Ephron followed her smash success Sleepless in Seattle with this remake of the cult 1982 French comedy Le Père Noël est une Ordure, co-authoring the script with her sister Delia Ephron. However, Mixed Nuts met with little box office or critical approval, with most viewers finding the film's manic farce disappointingly forced and abrasive. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi
- Starring:
- Steve Martin, Madeline Kahn, (more)
- 1994
As season three of The Larry Sanders Show begins, it appears as if Larry (Garry Shandling) has followed through on his promise to quit the show and move to Montana. Just as Larry has taken up life in a cabin by the river and begins settling into life as a miserable recluse, Artie (Rip Torn) appears at his doorstep to inform the former host that the network is suing Larry for breach of contract. Secretly eager to jump back into show business, Larry secretly hires back the entire staff against Artie's pleas to take things slowly. Though the network owner insists that he doesn't want Larry back on the air, an impromptu lie by Artie buys Larry a second chance. Guest stars include David Warner, Shashawnee Hall, Robin Williams, and Bernadette Peters. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1994
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Taking a dark turn in may respects, season three of The Larry Sanders Show found familiar faces struggling with inner demons and the sometimes draining demands of a career in late-night television. Starting with the eponymous host living as a recluse and ending with him struggling to overcome an addiction to pain killers, the third season would lighten up somewhat in the middle with such humorous episodes as "Hank's Night in the Sun" and "People's Choice," though both Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) and Artie (Rip Torn) would face dark times in "Hank's Divorce" and "Arthur's Crisis." Despite the fact that the series contained some more downbeat themes, the writing on The Larry Sanders Show continued to be a strong as ever, and fans would certainly be pleased to find the show as fresh and pointed as the day it premiered. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Garry Shandling, Rip Torn, (more)
The 1939 Irene Dunne-Charles Boyer romance Love Affair, remade with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr in 1957 as An Affair to Remember, became a vehicle for real-life couple Warren Beatty and Annette Bening in this 1994 rendition. The well-worn story remains the same, as a man and a woman, both engaged to other people, fall madly in love while traveling, indulge in a brief but intense affair, then agree to part and sort out their feelings. They are to meet again at the top of the Empire State Building if their feelings persist, but a series of unfortunate circumstances threatens to keep the lovers apart. Despite polished visuals and a time-tested narrative, this variation suffers in comparison to its two predecessors, not to mention the previous year's Sleepless in Seattle, which had drawn on An Affair to Remember for several of its most memorable sequences. It does features Katherine Hepburn's first film appearance in 13 years. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi
- Starring:
- Warren Beatty, Annette Bening, (more)
- 1994
When Larry (Garry Shandling) makes a resolution to only endorse causes he truly believes in, his newfound philosophy is put to the test when it might result in the loss of an important guest. Though Larry is convinced that having Rob Reiner as an upcoming guest will add a touch of class to the show, Reiner's recommendation of Larry to host a benefit tests Larry's resolve. Despite Artie's (Rip Torn) warning that Reiner will cancel his appearance if Larry declines, the host sticks to his guns, and Reiner subsequently cancels with claims of a sprained ankle. Pulling rank on Hank (Jeffrey Tambor), who had picked up the hosting gig after Larry turned it down, Larry takes the job, hoping to catch Reiner in a lie. Guest stars include Richard Belzer, Rob Reiner, and Pauly Shore. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1994
Soon after announcing the cancellation of her engagement, actress Sharon Stone appears on The Larry Sanders Show, and an elated Larry (Garry Shandling) proposes that the two go on a date. Despite the fact that all seems to be going well during their first date, Artie (Rip Torn) warns Larry that he may be headed for rough waters with his new relationship. When the womanizing host gets a taste of his own medicine, Larry proves fairly resilient, though Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) doesn't take the break-up quite so easily. Special guest stars include David Paymer, Jack Blessing, Julianne Phillips, Sid Newman, Lisa Edelstein, and, of course, Sharon Stone. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1994
When it's announced that Artie (Rip Torn) will be producing this year's People's Choice Awards, Larry (Garry Shandling) vies for host duties and Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) makes his bid to become the announcer. In addition to the tension that arises when Artie doesn't hire them, Hank's feeling are hurt when Larry pulls one of his jokes from the show. After the host Artie had hired pulls out at the last minute, Larry gets the gig but is dismayed to discover that his co-hosts will be Dean Cain and Rita Moreno. As Larry and Artie nearly come to blows over the miscommunication, Elvis Costello seems a bit down in the dumps as well. Special guest stars include Deborah May, Reynaldo Duran, Elvis Costello, Rita Moreno, and Bob Odenkirk. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1994
Everything seems to be falling apart on The Larry Sanders Show as Danny DeVito cancels an upcoming appearance and the L.A. earthquake prompts Larry (Garry Shandling) to consider relocating the show and shooting on a new stage. As Larry hammers out the details, he can't help but be distracted by the subpar gifts his show gives away. In a last ditch effort to get DeVito back on the show, Paula (Janeane Garofalo) harasses the actor in hopes that he'll reconsider his cancellation. Special guests include Carol Siskind, Paul Wilson, Edward Ring, Danny DeVito, and Jimmie Walker. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1993
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Relationships, contract negotiations, and the familiar Larry Sanders Show theme of paranoia-fueled hyper-competitiveness drive the second season of HBO's popular satire of late-night talk shows. While season one introduced viewers to the sometimes grating character quirks that would become the show's trademark, season two played those quirks to the hilt for maximum comic effect. Starting off with a somewhat introspective two-part cliffhanger in which Larry (Garry Shandling) begins to question his abilities as his ratings begin to slip, the second season also began to reveal the more emotional side of the characters, endearing them to the audience as they became more accessible while simultaneously becoming even more outlandish in many respects. While episodes such as "The Breakdown" and "Artie's Gone" displayed the genuine care that the characters began to develop for one another, episodes such as "Hankerciser 2000" and "Larry's Birthday" provided perfect contrast with their sharp and cynical wit. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Garry Shandling, Rip Torn, (more)
- 1993
Obsessive fans are nothing new when it comes to celebrities, and Larry (Garry Shandling) finds that out the hard way in this episode of HBO's popular talk show satire The Larry Sanders Show. When Larry takes notice that his number one fan is following his career (and his every move) a bit too closely, paranoia gets the best of our gracious host. Guest stars include Phil Hartman, Jeff Chayette, Lane Davis, Nelson Lesmo, Tony Perez, Kim Robillard, Jack Shearer, and Corbin Bernsen. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1993
Taking note of Larry's (Garry Shandling) increasing depression in the face of slipping ratings, the lack of an Emmy nomination, and an impending divorce from wife Jeannie (Megan Gallagher), Artie (Rip Torn) and Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) decide to fix their down-in-the-dumps friend on a series of dates. Despite a bevy of attractive prospects, the only one Larry can truly find a connection with happens to be the same one he parted ways with in the past...his ex-wife, Francine (Kathryn Harrold). Special guest stars in this two-part opening of The Larry Sanders Show's second season include Deborah May, Eric Briant Wells, Victor Raider-Wexler, Kathy Ireland, and Los Lobos. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1993
Taking note of Larry's (Garry Shandling) increasing depression in the face of slipping ratings, the lack of an Emmy nomination, and an impending divorce from wife Jeannie (Megan Gallagher), Artie (Rip Torn) and Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) decide to fix their down-in-the-dumps friend on a series of dates. Despite a bevy of attractive prospects, the only one Larry can truly find a connection with happens to be the same one he parted ways with in the past...his ex-wife, Francine (Kathryn Harrold). Special guest stars in this two-part opening of The Larry Sanders Show's second season include John Riggi, Karen Lynn Scott, Eric Briant Wells, Kristin Davis, Victor Raider-Wexler, Dana Delany, Helen Hunt, Teri Garr, and Susan Anton. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1993
Unsatisfied with the negotiating tactics of his current, more laid-back agent, Larry (Garry Shandling) decides to go for the gusto in his upcoming contract negotiations by hiring a new, more aggressive agent who isn't afraid to deal with the network on his own terms. Guest stars include Barry Levinson, James Karen, John Pleshette, Tommy Newsom, Doc Severinsen, and Bob Odenkirk. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1993
Larry (Garry Shandling) finds that a change of pace may be in order in this episode of HBO's Emmy award-winning satire of late-night talk shows. When a new owner acquires the station and begins meddling with the format of The Larry Sanders Show, Larry seriously considers either moving the show to the East Coast or quitting the business entirely and moving to Montana. Guest stars in this final episode of the second sesaon include David Warner, Bob Odenkirk, Robin Quivers, Fred Pinkard, Howard Stern, and Chris Farley. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1993
- R
Two people fall in love without meeting -- and discover a wealth of complications when they try to get together -- in this romantic comedy. Even though he's about to be married, Brian McVeigh (Kevin Anderson) doesn't want to give up his old apartment, where he can swill beer, scarf pizza, and be as much of a slob as he wants. He decides to hold onto his flat as a weekend clubhouse, but he rents it out to other people during the week. Brian's new tenants, sharing the place on alternating days, are Sam (Matthew Broderick), an aspiring gourmet chef who's just been dumped by his spacey girlfriend Pastel (Jeanne Tripplehorn), and Ellen (Annabella Sciorra), who is stuck in an unhappy marriage and wants a place to work on her art. Ellen mistakenly assumes that Brian is the guy who leaves her gourmet snacks and admiring notes about how much he likes her paintings, and when she sets up a liaison with Brian, she wonders how the seemingly perfect man could be such a loser in person. The Night We Never Met also features Justine Bateman as Brian's fiancée and Christine Baranski as Ellen's best friend. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Matthew Broderick, Annabella Sciorra, (more)
- 1992
- Add The Larry Sanders Show: Season 01 to Queue Add The Larry Sanders Show: Season 01 to top of Queue
In season one of HBO's Emmy award-winning series The Larry Sanders Show, audiences experienced the bizarre and often hilarious backstage antics of a late-night television talk show as rarely glimpsed by the outside world. From the stress of floundering ratings to the foibles of being a celebrity and the outlandish quirks that define the entertainment industry, The Larry Sanders Show introduced a series of sometimes grating characters that audiences would come to simultaneously love and endure in the coming seasons. In addition to host Larry (Garry Shandling), sidekick Hank (Jeffrey Tambor), and strong-arm producer Artie (Rip Torn), the first season of The Larry Sanders Show introduced audiences to such recurring celebrity characters as Mimi Rogers and Dana Carvey. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Garry Shandling, Rip Torn, (more)
- 1992
A playful female guest puts Larry (Garry Shandling) in hot water with his wife, Jeannie (Megan Gallagher), in the sixth episode of HBO's popular behind-the-scenes late-night talk show satire The Larry Sanders Show. Comely actress Mimi Rogers may have only intended her innocent on-air flirtation with Larry as innocuous fun, but Jeannie begins to suspect that there is more to Mimi and Larry's relationship than a few harmless winks. In addition to Rogers, comic actor Michael Richards also appears as a guest star in this episode. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1992
Larry's (Garry Shandling) insecurities shine through in the fourth episode of HBO's The Larry Sanders Show. When comedian Dana Carvey's guest appearance turns out to be a rollicking success, Larry's nervousness over the solidity of his host status leads him to become a bit paranoid. In addition to Carvey, this episode also features a special guest appearance by Anne-Marie Johnson. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1992
Arachnophobia rears its ugly head in the third episode of HBO's popular late-night talk show satire The Larry Sanders Show. With a spider-wrangler scheduled to appear on the upcoming show, Larry's (Garry Shandling) reluctance to gracefully accommodate his eight-legged guests finds him attempting to avoid the arachnids by arranging a skit with guest Carol Burnett. In addition to Burnett, this episode also features a guest appearance by popular comedic actor Jon Lovitz. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1992
Facing increasing stress, Larry (Garry Shandling) finally loses it altogether when Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) falls asleep during the live show. The final episode of the first season, this installment of HBO's popular late-night talk show parody The Larry Sanders Show features special guest stars Ray Combs, Earl Holliman, Bob Saget, and T-Bone Burnett. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1990
An all-star cast is included on this children's adventure that follows a search for Mother Goose by her son (Dan Gilroy) and Little Bo Peep (Shelley Duvall). ~ John Bush, Rovi
- 1987
This 1987 episode of Saturday Night Live is hosted by Garry Shandling and features musical guest Los Lobos. ~ Skyler Miller, Rovi
- Starring:
- Garry Shandling, Los Lobos, (more)
- 1985
An hour-long TV special, The Garry Shandling Show 25th Anniversary Special is a parody of late-night talk show anniversary specials, featuring a fictional variety show, hosted by Shandling, that bears a rather striking resemblance to the Johnny Carson era of The Tonight Show. Assisted by a pudgy, bespectacled sidekick, Shandling looks back on the highlights of his late-night show's run, from the classic comedy sketches to the greatest embarrassments and bloopers, including a close call clearly modeled after the infamous Ed Ames tomahawk incident. Over the course of the evening, not everything goes as planned, and a few tensions begin to bubble underneath the surface. The flashback segments are designed to closely resemble the look of television of the appropriate era, from the quality of the video image to the wardrobes and hairstyles. Given its realistic re-creation of late-night talk shows and its occasionally wicked sense of humor, this special can be easily viewed as an early forerunner to Shandling's later, award-winning HBO series, The Larry Sanders Show, which combines the talk show parody with a look at the personality conflicts and chaos behind the cameras. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi
- 1985
Michael Nesmith (famed as the talented one from '60s pop-band The Monkees) directed this melange of music and comedy clips starring Whoopi Goldberg, Garry Shandling, Rosanne Cash, Jay Leno and Jimmy Buffett. ~ John Bush, Rovi
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