Comedy icon Garry Shandling passed away in a Los Angeles hospital Thursday afternoon following a medical emergency. Shandling was reportedly healthy; his cause of death remains unclear. He was 66 years old.
Best known for comedic roles on “The Larry Sanders Show” and “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show,” Shandling cut his teeth as a sitcom writer (“Sanford and Son,” “Welcome Back, Kotter”) and stand-up comedian. He appeared frequently on Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show,” initially as a stand-up and later as a guest-host.
Shandling was heavily influential in the stand-up and entertainment communities, which paid their respects via Twitter:
RIP Garry Shandling. #Irreplaceable
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) March 24, 2016
Sunday, my longtime friend Garry Shandling was here, making every1 laugh. I loved him. I'll miss our talks the most. pic.twitter.com/Ud8AQXNBXN
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) March 24, 2016
Heartbreaking news about Garry Shandling. Just heartbreaking.
— Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers) March 24, 2016
Absolutely can't process the loss of Garry Shandling. Such a genius, such a wonderful man, such an inspiration. I was so honored to know him
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) March 24, 2016
The great Garry Shandling's work is such a touchstone for me that I was actually discussing him moments before I heard the sad news. RIP
— Stephen Merchant (@StephenMerchant) March 24, 2016
20 years ago, I met Garry Shandling. He heard I wanted to be a comedy writer. Had me write 1/2 a Sanders script. Wasn't good enough..(part1)
— Neal Brennan (@nealbrennan) March 24, 2016
(part2) but the fact that he allowed me to submit was incredibly generous and is still a highlight of my career. #RIPGARRYSHANDLING
— Neal Brennan (@nealbrennan) March 24, 2016
Oh God. This is terrible and shocking news about a comedy hero. https://t.co/bo9DRUJItv
— Andy Kindler (@AndyKindler) March 24, 2016
Nothing funny or clever to say, only that Garry Shandling was one of my favorite comedians. He will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace.
— Frank Conniff (@FrankConniff) March 24, 2016
"Nice guys finish first. If you don't know that, then you don't know where the finish line is." Garry Shandling pic.twitter.com/goJsDx6Cl8
— Jerry O'Connell (@MrJerryOC) March 24, 2016
I am heartbroken. What horribly sad news. https://t.co/WrBuyDPYQE
— Fred Willard (@Fred_Willard) March 24, 2016
R.I.P. Garry Shandling. I am so saddened to hear this. Brilliantly funny and such a great guy. He will be so missed.
— Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) March 24, 2016
If all Garry Shandling had ever done was "The Larry Sanders Show", one of the greatest shows of all time, I'd still be a big fan.
— Brian Stack (@BrianStack153) March 24, 2016