Larry David Interview

Page 2 of 2

How did you come across J.B. Smoove? When you saw him perform did you instantly know he was right for the role of Leon?

Larry David: As soon as he looked at me I started laughing and he got hired on the spot.

Isn't it great when that happens?

LD: (Laughs) It is. He's fabulous.

And he will be back next season?

LD: Yes.

Was Marty Funkhauser's joke from last season the first time you and Jerry had heard it?

LD: Yeah.

Wow. So your reaction and Jerry's reaction was pure?

LD: Yeah, I actually thought it was funny, but I had to act like it wasn't. If I knew it was going to be that long I wouldn't have let him do it. But it was a really funny joke, was it not? Oh God, it was so funny.

How big of a "What's Next?" feeling do you have after doing The Seinfeld reunion last season?

LD: It's kind of daunting to think of how we're going to top that season. I don't know if we're going to top it, but we're going to have some pretty funny shows.

Does topping it concern you?

LD: I was concerned before we started writing, but now I'm feeling pretty good.

What pushed you to do another season of Curb Your Enthusiasm? Was there a moment?

LD: There wasn't a moment. But I was trying to think of what would be as satisfying, and I couldn't come up with anything.

There wasn't anything you needed specifically from the negotiations?

LD: No, not really. I'm one of the idiots that negotiates after I write.

Where will next season pick up?

LD: Right where we left off.

On the couch watching TV?

LD: Maybe. That's a good idea.

What's bugging you these days?

LD: Men walking around without their shirts off.

Any chance that will work into the show?

LD: I think it's possible.

Do you watch TV? Do you have any favorite shows?

LD: I watch American Idol with my kids. Other than that, I don't really watch any series. I watch The Pacific on HBO, which I think is tremendous.

If this is the last season of Curb, will you let people know beforehand?

LD: No, it doesn't matter.

So you don't want people to prep for a big series finale?

LD: No, I don't want that.

Is it because that puts a lot of pressure on you to close it out?

LD: Yeah, I don't know. It just kind of makes the whole thing kind of treacly. I don't like it.

So there's no intent to give the characters any closure?


Are you leaning towards this being the last season?

LD: I'm always leaning. I'm never not leaning. I've been leaning since the start.

When you go to award shows and Curb is nominated, are you hoping for a win or could you care less?

LD: If I'm there, I would prefer to win. Showing up to those things and not winning, you deserve to feel like the loser you are.

Is going to award shows a fun experience for you?

LD: Not really.

Do you despise it?

LD: Yes, I do. I would say I do.

So what convinces you to go?

LD: My kids want to go -- they go as my dates.

What's the most common misconception that people have about you?

LD: That I'm as funny, and that I'm as honest, and they're often intimidated.

Are there any spots in New York that you'd like to shoot?

LD: We're going to shoot all over.

Why the move?

LD: I just thought we could change it up a little bit after last season.

Have you asked Woody Allen for advice on shooting in New York?

LD: No, not really. I'll leave him alone. I don't think he wants to be bothered by the likes of me.


Load Comments

More Like This


      Best of the Web

        Special Features