Larry David on “Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness”
Larry David on "Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness"
Larry David on Life Larry - Larry David, the iconic comedian and creator of "Seinfeld" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm," has returned with a new project: "Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness." This seven-episode sketch comedy series, premiering on HBO and HBO Max, takes a satirical look at American history through a uniquely comedic lens. In his Los Angeles office, where the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence hangs alongside personal mementos, David humorously reimagines historical norms and societal quirks.
Comedic Takes on Founding Principles
David’s take on the Declaration of Independence includes a playful twist: "It is illegal to ask to share an umbrella," he quipped, explaining that the person holding the umbrella would get wet from the "squeezing in" of others. He also joked about the absence of a clause banning "stroking one’s beard," saying, "I can’t stand seeing men doing this." When asked if he was bothered that these jokes weren’t in the Founding Fathers’ original text, David responded, "I think there should’ve been some humor in that Declaration. There should be jokes in everything. Are you kidding?"
"I think there should've been some humor in that Declaration. There should be jokes in everything. Are you kidding?"
Historical Figures with a Twist
The series features a mix of well-known historical figures and humorous reinterpretations. David plays a World War I soldier who fakes his death, claiming, "If I was in that war, knowing who I am, I would run and pretend I got shot." He also imagines a scenario where Rosa Parks sits beside him, remarking, "I know that she refused to go to the back of the bus. But what if she was sitting next to me? She’d want to go to the back of the bus!"
Even Susan B. Anthony gets a comedic overhaul. David portrays her as a character who embodies sexism, saying, "I just thought it would be funny if I could play a really sexist character." While he did research for the role, including watching a Ken Burns documentary, he admitted the effort was wasted. "Of course not," he chuckled. "Why would it?"
American Humor and Presidential Input
The show’s producers are former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, adding a touch of political flair. David recalled that while working on "Curb Your Enthusiasm," he never received feedback from HBO, but the Obamas were more engaged. "He really liked the show," David said. "He had an issue with one of the sketches. And he started telling me, 'I don’t think this is …' And I looked [askance] at him. And he said, 'When I was president, if there was an issue, I would ask their opinions, and if somebody had a good idea I would listen to it. And I was the President of the United States.' And I said, 'I’m the president here!'"
"When I was president, if there was an issue, I would ask their opinions, and if somebody had a good idea I would listen to it. And I was the President of the United States."
David, born in Brooklyn and turning 79 on July 2, has always had a fascination with history. "People would always say to me, 'What are you gonna do with that?'" he recalled. "I’m not gonna do anything with it!" His mother, who preferred he become a mailman, might have found the path amusing. "As long as I was in college, that was plenty," she said.
In the show, David paints historical progress as a series of nightmares, finding humor in everyday moments like being a passenger on the Wright Brothers’ airplane. "Those planes that keep you on the runway? Such needless torture," he said. "It’s sadism!"
On the 250th anniversary of the United States, David’s series offers a lighthearted way to celebrate. "Where else? France?" he pondered. "U.K.?" Maybe. "Norway? Sweden?" He concluded, "Nah. They don’t have a sense of humor like we have." When praised as the "American dream," he laughed, "Okay, thanks."
WEB EXCLUSIVE: Watch an extended interview with Larry David (Video) To watch a trailer for "Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness," click on the video player below: For more info: "Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness" streams on HBO Max Story produced by Gabriel Falcon. Editor: Ed Givnish. Join CBS for "The Great American Block Party 250," a primetime special on Saturday, July 4, hosted by CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil and Entertainment Tonight’s Nischelle Turner, featuring live musical performances.