Larry David Returns to HBO with an American History 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 Hussein Obama II, born August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii, is an American politician, lawyer, and author who served as the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017[2][3][8]. He is widely recognized as the first African American to hold the nation’s highest office, marking a historic milestone in U.S. history[1][2][3]. Obama’s early life was shaped by a diverse heritage—his mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, was a white American from Kansas, and his father, Barack Obama Sr., was a Kenyan economist[2][4][9]. He spent part of his childhood in Indonesia before returning to Hawaii, where he was raised primarily by his maternal grandparents[4][5]. Obama attended Columbia University, graduating with a degree in political science, and later earned a law degree from Harvard Law School, where he became the first African American president of the Harvard Law Review[2][3][4]. After law school, he worked as a community organizer in Chicago, a civil rights attorney, and a lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School[2][3]. He entered politics as a member of the Illinois State Senate (1997–2004) and then represented Illinois in the U.S. Senate (2005–2008)[2][3]. His 2008 presidential campaign, built on themes of “hope” and “change,” resonated with voters during a period of economic uncertainty and war[2]. Obama defeated Republican John McCain to become president and was reelected in 2012, defeating Mitt Romney[3][5]. As president, Obama’s major domestic achievements included the Affordable Care Act (expanding health insurance coverage), economic stimulus measures in response to the 2008 financial crisis, and the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” allowing LGBTQ individuals to serve openly in the military[2][4]. In foreign policy, he oversaw the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, authorized the operation that killed Osama bin Laden, and pursued the normalization of relations with Cuba[4][6]. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 for his efforts to strengthen international diplomacy[1][2]. Since leaving office, Obama has remained active in public life through his foundation, speaking engagements, and media projects, though he has generally maintained a lower public profile than some predecessors[2]. He continues to be a prominent voice on issues such as democracy, climate change, and civic engagement. As of late 2025, Obama is not holding any official government position but remains a symbol of progress in American politics and a respected figure in global discourse[2].

Michelle Obama, born Michelle LaVaughn Robinson on January 17, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois, is an American attorney, author, and advocate who served as the 44th First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017.[1][3] Raised on Chicago's South Side by her parents, Fraser (a pump operator) and Marian Robinson, she graduated from Princeton University with a degree in sociology and African-American studies in 1985, followed by a law degree from Harvard Law School in 1988.[1][4][6] Early in her career, Obama worked at the Chicago law firm Sidley Austin, where she met Barack Obama, whom she married in 1992; they have two daughters, Malia (born 1998) and Sasha (born 2001).[3][5][6] She transitioned to public service, serving as an assistant to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, executive director of Public Allies (setting fundraising records), associate dean of student services at the University of Chicago, and vice president of community and external affairs at the University of Chicago Medical Center.[1][3][5] As the first African-American First Lady, Obama championed key initiatives including Let's Move! to combat childhood obesity (planting a White House vegetable garden), Joining Forces (with Jill Biden) for military families, Reach Higher for education and career guidance, and Let Girls Learn for global girls' education.[1][2][4] She advocated for poverty awareness, nutrition, physical activity, and healthy eating.[3] Post-White House, Obama authored bestsellers *Becoming* (2018) and *The Light We Carry* (2022), hosted *The Michelle Obama Podcast*, and was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 2021.[1][2][3] She remains a prominent figure in Democratic politics, women's rights, and public health advocacy.[2]