This is the End of Garry’s Show

Garry Shandling, best remembered for defending the Avenger-riddled world of Marvel Comics films as Senator Stern, has died of a heart attack at the age of 66. Shandling wrote scripts for Sanford & Son and Welcome Back, Kotter before trying to find something more creatively fulfilling. Unable to find a good needlepoint class, he opted for stand-up comedy, updating Woody Allen’s angsty, whiny, neurotic Jew schtick for an ‘80s audience. He charted the traditional path to stand-up success from clubs to guest on The Tonight Show to guest host on The Tonight Show, and was one of several candidates as a permanent replacement for Johnny Carson. Shandling gave up waiting on Johnny’s retirement and opted for the deconstructed, fourth wall-breaking Showtime sitcom It’s Gary Shandling’s Show, then broke new ground with the behind-the-late night show scenes of The Larry Sanders Show.