When Larry David Shows Up, the Joke's on Us

Larry David, star of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and legendary producer of "Seinfeld," is famous for not cooperating with the press. And, really, who can blame him?

"Curb," which returns to HBO on Sept. 9 for a sixth season after what seems like a decade, will do just fine without any special promotional push. Not that David seems to care much anyhow. Being superrich has a way of making everyday business concerns seem trivial.

So it was almost surprising that he appeared during the HBO portion of the TCA press tour. But there he was, seated onstage between his TV wife, Cheryl Hines, and his TV pal, Jeff Garlin.

But David wasn't there to answer the questions of TV critics as much as to amuse himself with his answers. You can do that when everyone thinks you're a genius and you are genuinely unconcerned about the dozens of stories that your appearance will generate.

Did you think of calling it quits after last season? "Every season I do is my last season," David replied. "That's the only way I can get through the season." After it was over, he went into his office, he said. "I was sitting at my desk. I went, 'Jesus, I don't have anything to do...I better do another season.'"

Do aggravating situations have an upside because they inspire ideas for the series? "If something happens (and) I'm angry, I'll use that," he said. "Does that answer your stupid question?"

How does being Jewish inform your comedy? "I don't know. I never think about it. I'm not one of those guys who go, 'Hey, I'm a Jew, I'm a Jew, I'm a Jew.'"

When someone commented about his wealth, he responded, "I've just been cut in half," referring to his wife, Laurie's, recent decision to file for divorce. OK, then, might there be a seventh season in which the Larry David of TV splits from his wife.

David did a take, then turned to Hines. "Too bad you're going to be off the show."

Of course, with "Curb's" production schedule, she might not find that out until 2010.

Posted by Barry Garron