How ‘Seinfeld’ Became ‘Torture’ for Larry David: Biographer

About this episode

What makes Larry David one of the most fascinating—and famously difficult—figures in comedy? On this episode of Obsessed, host Matt Wilstein sits down with Blake J. Harris, author of the new authorized biography Emperor of Nothing: The Making of Larry David, to uncover the stories behind the mind that created Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Harris reveals how Larry David’s real-life experiences inspired some of television’s most iconic moments, why his disastrous stint at Saturday Night Live nearly derailed his career, and how the pressure of making Seinfeld pushed him to the brink. Plus, they get into David’s complicated relationship with fame, his personal falling out with Cheryl Hines, and the surprising stories behind his creative clashes and career-defining decisions. If you’ve ever wondered how much George Costanza is really Larry David—or what it takes to get the comedy legend to open up—this is a must-listen conversation. Follow Kevin Fallon on Instagram ⁠⁠@kpfallon⁠⁠ Follow Matt Wilstein on Instagram ⁠⁠@mattjwilstein⁠⁠ Follow Obsessed on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@beastobsessed⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices