Garry Shandling passed away on Thursday, March 24, in Los Angeles at just 66 years old. Shandling was one of the most beloved and influential comedians of his generation, with a dry, deadpan wit and a penchant for observational humor. He was well-regarded, respected and adored within the acting and comedic communities. He was most famous for his two popular and Emmy-winning shows, The Larry Sanders Show (where he played a late-night talk show host) and the It’s Garry Shandling’s Show. You can see his IMDB here. I had actually forgotten that he was still getting acting work – he’s been in a handful of Marvel movies over the past few years.
Shandling had recently been diagnosed with a hyper parathyroid gland, which he discussed on his last episode of Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee. He apparently collapsed at his LA home on Thursday, then he was rushed to the hospital, which is where he passed away. Many are talking about Shandling’s appearance on that Seinfeld show – it’s an episode called “Isn’t It Great That Garry Shandling Is Still Alive” and you can watch it here.
Twitter and the late-night shows were full of tributes to Shandling. Here are just a few along. RIP Garry Shandling and thank you for all the laughs.
Shocked and saddened to hear about Garry Shandling's sudden death. I was honored to get to work with him. He will be missed.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) March 24, 2016
Garry Shandling was as kind and generous as he was funny and that is saying a lot.
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) March 24, 2016
Garry was/ will always be my teacher. He redesigned the wheel of comedy and was the kindest and funniest of geniuses Will miss him so much.
— Jeffrey Tambor (@jeffreytambor) March 25, 2016
Lost a friend and a mentor. One of the funniest. pic.twitter.com/aiTOrvzqp1
— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) March 25, 2016
Sunday, my longtime friend Garry Shandling was here, making every1 laugh. I loved him. I'll miss our talks the most. pic.twitter.com/Ud8AQXNBXN
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) March 24, 2016
.@MLauer shares he was in the audience at the Tonight Show the night Garry Shandling first appeared. https://t.co/gJqQGDj3OT
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 25, 2016
photos credit: WENN.com
This truly sucks 😢😢 Rest in peace, Garry.
RIP, Garry.
Aww sad RIP
Garry Shandling was one of those people that you don’t think about for a long time, but when you find out he died suddenly, it shakes you to your core.
Rest well.
Pretty sure my affection for men in sweater vests is due entirely to watching the Larry Sanders show after school–this loss is a stone cold bummer.
This really sux man. One of the funniest people on the planet. R.I.P Garry Shandling, we will miss you.
My bf sent me a text yesterday that GS had died. I was in the middle of teaching a class and all almost lost it. I kept thinking, “these kids wil never know how great he was…” He was so funny and endearing. I loved his humor so much…RIP.
It’s Garry Sandling’s Show was amazing. And then he went on to do Larry Sanders. He shaped comedy for generations to follow, yet never sought that credit. I’m so sorry to hear this and very saddened by it.
Listen up, people. If you are over 55 and you just start feeling really sluggish one day and overall unwell, do not wait until the next day to go to the ER. Go NOW! Better to have a cardiac event IN the hospital where you can get immediate attention than anywhere else.
Rest in peace, Garry.
–TheRealPinky
I can still remember the theme song to his first show. He was one of my earliest comedic favorites. RIP
“This is the theme to Garry’s show, the opening theme to Garry’s show…”…has been on a loop in my head since I heard the news. One of the greats – he will be missed.
May he rest in peace.
My sister has been texting me lines of his all morning
ooh please share some… im sad sads. He was the sh*t! SO damn funny…..
Wasn’t familiar with him, but he was obviously extremely beloved. May you Rest In Peace, Mr Shandling.
He seemed like such a nice person. RIP
Damn you Hydra!!
(I’d like to think Garry would appreciate my poor attempt at humour)
A great talent, RIP.
Larry Sanders Show was such a great and groundbreaking programme..Watching him on the Jerry Seinfield clip was heartbreaking and you appreciate what a really great person he was..naturally funny and clever …
Very sad day and hope that we remember such a very funny and bright man…
In the late 80’s early nineties when comedy was somewhat the bland leading the bland Garry Shandling was a stellar stand out. To hear that he was equally kind is heartwarming. God speed Gary !
Way too soon. RIP.
So, we’ve lost Bill Hicks, Richard Pryor and now Shandling. Watching Larry Sanders was a weekly ritual in our house. It bums me out when we lose a great comedian. Making people laugh is much harder than it looks.
Robin Williams, also.
Garry was one of the best, so smart and funny. What ever he was in, whether it was his own shows or small roles and guest appearances over the years, he would always make you laugh. He didn’t even have to say anything, his expressions could do it all.
Laughter is one of the greatest gifts of all and is needed now more than ever. You will be truly missed Garry. Thanks for all you gave us.
He was such a talented man. RIP Garry.