Larry David Returns to HBO with a Sketch Comedy Show

Larry David, born July 2, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, is an American comedian, writer, actor, director, and producer best known for co-creating the landmark sitcom *Seinfeld* (1989–1998) and starring in and creating HBO's *Curb Your Enthusiasm* (2000–2024).[1][2][7] After graduating from the University of Maryland with a history degree in 1970, he worked odd jobs like cab driver and bra salesman before pursuing stand-up comedy in the 1970s and writing for shows including *Fridays* and *Saturday Night Live*.[2][4][5] David co-developed *Seinfeld* with Jerry Seinfeld, serving as head writer and executive producer for its first seven seasons, where he shaped its "show about nothing" style focusing on everyday absurdities and social faux pas—elements drawn from his life, such as incidents mirrored in George Costanza's character.[1][2][7] He occasionally appeared on the show, voicing roles like George Steinbrenner, and returned to write the 1998 finale.[3][6] The series became television's most popular program, earning David two Primetime Emmy Awards in 1993 (for Outstanding Comedy Series and writing the episode "The Contest"), seven additional Emmy nominations, two Writers Guild of America Awards, three Golden Globe nominations, and three Producers Guild Awards.[1][2][6] Leaving *Seinfeld* in 1996, David wrote, directed, and starred in the 1998 film *Sour Grapes*, a critical and commercial disappointment.[1][2][4] He rebounded with the 1999 HBO special *Larry David: Curb Your Enthusiasm*, leading to the long-running semi-improvised series where he played a fictionalized version of himself navigating petty conflicts and social awkwardness; it won a 2003 Golden Globe for Best Comedy Series, earned multiple Emmy and WGA nods, and a 2006 WGA Award.[1][3][6] Other credits include starring in Woody Allen's *Whatever Works* (2009), co-writing and starring in HBO's *Clear History* (2013), his 2015 Broadway play *Fish in the Dark* (with a $13.5 million advance), and *The Three Stooges* remake (2012).[1][3][4] David, who married Laurie Lennard in 1993 (divorced 2007) and has two daughters, remains influential for expanding sitcom boundaries with misanthropic humor admired by peers.[2] (Word count: 298)

Jeff Schaffer is an American writer, producer, and director born in Cleveland, Ohio.[4] A Harvard alumnus (AB '91), he began his prominent television career collaborating with comedy icons Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, writing and producing four seasons of *Seinfeld* alongside partner Alec Berg, eventually helping run the show.[1][2] Schaffer joined *Curb Your Enthusiasm* starting in season five, serving as writer, director, and executive producer, including on episodes from 2007 to 2009 and beyond, culminating in the series finale that premiered April 7, 2024.[1][2] He co-created and executive produced the FX series *The League* with his wife Jackie, which ran for seven seasons starting in 2009, focusing on a loosely improvised fantasy football world.[1][2] Schaffer also co-created and ran *Dave* on FX, contributing as executive producer and writer.[1][3] In film, Schaffer worked on raunchy comedies, including an uncredited role on the 2004 teen film *EuroTrip*, and collaborated with Sacha Baron Cohen on *Bruno* (2009) and *The Dictator*, traveling globally for production; he also contributed to *Clear History*.[1][2] His eclectic credits blend high-profile sitcoms with hit-or-miss features, earning nominations like the 2013 Producers Guild of America Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television and a 2012 Writers Guild nod.[4] Schaffer's current relevance stems from *Curb Your Enthusiasm*'s finale debrief events and his ongoing production schedule, maintaining a hectic pace across TV and film while humorously regretting self-promotion in bios.[1][3]

Barack and Michelle Obama are the former U.S. presidential couple, with Barack serving as the 44th president (2009-2017), the first African American in that role, and Michelle as the first African American first lady.[1][4][5] Born Barack Hussein Obama II in 1961, he graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1991, became the first Black president of the Harvard Law Review, and worked as a community organizer in Chicago before entering politics.[9][10] Elected to the Illinois Senate in 1996 and the U.S. Senate in 2004, his acclaimed Democratic National Convention keynote that year propelled him to national prominence.[4][8] As president, key achievements included the Affordable Care Act for health care reform, economic stimulus measures, banking reforms, consumer protections, and repealing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy to allow open military service for LGBTQ+ individuals.[4] Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama, born in 1964, earned degrees from Princeton University and Harvard Law School (1988), then worked at Chicago's Sidley & Austin firm, where she met Barack.[2][3][5] She later held roles in Chicago city government, founded the Chicago chapter of Public Allies, and served as associate dean at the University of Chicago and vice president at its medical center.[3][5][8] As first lady, she championed initiatives like Let's Move! to combat childhood obesity, Reach Higher for education and career guidance, Joining Forces (with Jill Biden) for military families, and Let Girls Learn for global girls' education; she also planted the White House kitchen garden.[1][2][3][7] The couple married in 1992 and have two daughters, Malia (born 1998) and Sasha (born 2001).[2][3][4] Post-White House, Michelle's memoir *Becoming* (2018) sold over 15 million copies, won a Grammy, and inspired *The Light We Carry* (2022).[1][2] They remain influential through the Obama Foundation, public speaking, and advocacy, maintaining relevance in Democratic politics and social issues.[1][2]