Garry Emmanuel Shandling is an American comedian, actor, writer, producer, and director. He is best known for his work in It's Garry Shandling's Show and The Larry Sanders Show. 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 and became a frequent guest-host on the show. Shandling was for a time considered the leading contender to replace Carson. In 1986 he created It's Garry Shandling's Show, for the pay cable channel Showtime. It was nominated for four Emmy Awards and lasted until 1990. His second show, The Larry Sanders Show, which began airing on HBO ... more on Wikipedia