The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling - Season 1 - Episode 1

Garry Shandling experienced a normal childhood in Tucson, AZ until age ten, when his older brother and only sibling, Barry, died from cystic fibrosis. His parents barely discussed Barry's passing, and his mother began clinging to her younger son, developing an intense bond that would inspire much of Garry's later comedy material. Shandling went to college to study engineering, but a chance encounter with George Carlin prompted an impulsive move to Los Angeles to pursue comedy. In 1976, Garry was involved in a serious traffic accident, resulting in a near- death experience that led Garry to explore meditation and Zen Buddhism. He began keeping diaries in 1977, writing, "Do it - you are ready, be a comedian. It is the real me. The secret is to be myself." While writing for TV sitcoms and working the club circuit, Garry reached the pinnacle of standup success, making his first appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1981. Realizing that one of his strengths as a standup was the ability to "talk to people," he developed a show where he could talk directly to the audience - "a show that allows Garry to be Garry." A decade ahead of its time, It's Garry Shandling's Show was the first modern "meta"-sitcom, which brought Shandling legions of fans and elevated his profile in the industry. He also met actress Linda Doucett, who became his fianceﾌ‘, and they began building a new home. While producing Garry Shandling's Show, Garry also guest-hosted The Tonight Show, and was rumored to be in the running to replace Carson. But the demands of a nightly show proved to be too much for Garry, and his perfectionism led to tension with his co-producers on Garry Shandling, which eventually was cancelled. Garry was uncertain what to do next - until he came up with the idea to do a show about a late-night talk show, The Larry Sanders Show.Show more