On a lively episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, comedian Garry Shandling delivered a hilarious stand-up performance that had the audience in stitches. The talk show host introduced Shandling, who was set to perform at Horizon Atlantic City, with upcoming tours alongside Donna Summer and in Toronto and Los Angeles. The crowd erupted in applause as Shandling took the stage, asking the audience if they had seen him before. He immediately launched into a hilarious bit about ants, comparing their movement to a busy freeway.
Shandling, known for his observational humor, touched on the topic of age, joking about turning 30 and feeling a bit down about it, especially since he graduated from high school in 1967. He reminisced about the differences between his generation and the current generation, pointing out the contrasting senior trips to the Bahamas for today’s students compared to his class’s trip to Vietnam.
In his signature witty style, Shandling poked fun at shop teachers missing fingers, wondering if they were born that way or if it was a prerequisite for the job. He also shared a funny anecdote about kids digging for China and how their parents warned them that they would end up there if they dug deep enough.
Amidst the laughs, Shandling shared humorous stories about his dad’s knack for exaggeration, including using a tractor to mow their tiny patch of grass. He also joked about his mother’s unique approach to treating his colds, using a vaporizer that made the humidity so high that his room turned into a tropical rainforest.
Shandling, a native of Tucson, Arizona, hilariously described the long-distance phone conversations between his parents and other family members, with each side using an extension phone to talk to each other. He even jokingly complained about getting a busy signal on the line when he tried to call them back.
The comedian couldn’t help but touch on the topic of sex education in high school, recalling awkward moments watching films on social diseases and one girl fainting after recognizing someone in the instructional video. The audience erupted in laughter at his relatable experiences with relationships, including breaking up with a girlfriend because he lied to impress her and his habit of making love with his eyes open.
As the performance continued, Shandling humorously confessed to being single at 33 and the challenges of aging, particularly waking up in the morning looking less than stellar. He joked about waking up next to someone who resembled Ed Sullivan and the desire to escape the situation.
Shandling’s parents were in the audience that night, and he received warm applause when he acknowledged them. He shared a funny conversation he had with his mom, who expressed her concern about him being single, to which he replied with humor, “You don’t want to die old and alone, but maybe it’s something you can handle by yourself.”
With his unique style and sharp wit, Garry Shandling delivered a memorable stand-up performance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson that left the audience laughing and wanting more.
