Who Is Garry Shandling? Age, Biography and Wiki
Garry Shandling was born on November 29, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois. He passed away on March 24, 2016, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most iconic stand-up comedians and television creators in American history. Best known for his groundbreaking work on "The Larry Sanders Show" and "It's Garry Shandling's Show," Garry's unique blend of self-deprecating humor and insightful commentary on the entertainment industry earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following.
| Occupation | Stand-up Comedians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 29, 1949 |
| Age | 66 Years |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 24 March, 2016 |
| Died Place | Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Garry Shandling's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
- Height: 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm)
- Weight: 180 lbs (82 kg)
- Body Stats: Garry was known for his comedic presence rather than following traditional fitness regimes. His laid-back persona translated into a relatable figure for audiences.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Garry Shandling was known to be private about his personal relationships. Throughout his life, he was linked to several women, but he never married. He was known to have dated actress Brigid Brannagh and model Linda Doucett among others. As of 2025, Garry remains a significant figure in discussions of comedy and relationships in the entertainment industry, but no new romantic developments have come to light since his passing.
Although Doucett did sue him and the show's producer, when Shandling died Doucett shared some details of their time together, including that the only reason they split in 1994 was that he didn't want to enlarge his family.
She was in her late 30s and early 40s during their relationship, she wanted children, and Shandling was afraid his kids might be born with cystic fibrosis, the genetic problem that killed his brother Barry.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Garry Shandling had an estimated net worth of $650 million. His wealth was accumulated through various successful ventures, including television shows, stand-up comedy, acting, and extensive writing work. His innovative approach to television not only earned him awards but also lucrative contracts and syndication deals.
Shandling suffered from hyperparathyroidism, a serious disease which often goes undiagnosed or untreated. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, kidney stones, kidney failure, stroke, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Shandling left behind a liquid estate worth around $668,000, which was given to his lawyer and best friend Bill Isaacson, as Shandling had no family or relatives. The bulk of his wealth, however, was held in a private trust he had created.
On February 4, 2019, his estate bestowed $15.2 million to benefit medical research at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. His gift will establish and endow the Garry Shandling Endocrine Surgery Research Fund, the Garry Shandling Infectious Diseases Innovation Fund, and the Garry Shandling Pancreatic Diseases Fund.
The remainder of the bequest will establish the Garry Shandling Medical Research Fund, which will operate under the direction of the medical school's dean. In his memory, UCLA also has named the Garry Shandling Learning Studio, a 6400 sqft multipurpose space in Geffen Hall, the school's medical education building.
Career, Business and Investments
Garry Shandling had a prolific career that spanned decades. He began as a stand-up comedian and quickly transitioned into television, creating and starring in shows that challenged traditional sitcom structures. "The Larry Sanders Show," which aired from 1992 to 1998, is often regarded as a significant influence on modern television comedy. In addition to his television successes, Shandling was involved in various film projects and wrote for several shows, showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry.
Beyond television, Garry made smart business decisions with his earnings, including participation in various philanthropic causes, making significant donations to health-related charities, and investing in art and other interests.
Shandling began his career writing for sitcoms, such as Sanford and Son and Welcome Back, Kotter. He made a successful stand-up performance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson where he became a frequent guest host. Shandling was, for a time, considered the leading contender to replace Johnny Carson.
In 1986, he created It's Garry Shandling's Show, which aired on Showtime. It was nominated for four Emmy Awards (including one for Shandling) and lasted until 1990.
Social Network
Garry Shandling was active on multiple social media platforms, where he often shared his humor with followers. Posthumous tributes to Garry continue to populate social media, with fans and fellow comedians alike sharing stories and attributing their comedic inspiration to him. His humor and insights still resonate, maintaining a robust presence on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, through fan pages dedicated to preserving his memory.
When Shandling was 19, he drove two hours to a club in Phoenix and showed some jokes to George Carlin, who was performing there. The next day, on a repeat round-trip, Carlin told him that he had "funny stuff on every page" and should keep at it.
In 1973, he moved to Los Angeles and worked at an advertising agency for a time, then sold a script for the popular NBC sitcom Sanford and Son. He also wrote scripts for the sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter and attended a story meeting for Three's Company.
Education
Garry attended the University of Arizona, where he initially pursued a degree in electrical engineering before switching to a focus in communications. This educational background provided him with a unique perspective that would translate into the written and performance aspects of his career.
Despite his success, he frequently emphasized the importance of continued learning and growth, often attending workshops and classes to refine his craft.
He grew up in the Casa Loma Estates area of Tucson, Arizona, having moved there with his family so that his older brother Barry could receive treatment for cystic fibrosis. Barry died of the disease when Shandling was 10.
After graduating from Palo Verde High School, Shandling attended the University of Arizona to major in electrical engineering, but instead completed a degree in marketing and pursued a year of postgraduate studies in creative writing.
