Susie Essman and Ted Danson, popularly known for their roles in the hit show “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” recently had a reunion on the talk show Conan O’Brien. The dynamic duo, who have been friends for years, shared some hilarious and interesting anecdotes about their time working with the comedic genius Larry David.
One of the first things they mentioned was how much they enjoyed getting to talk to each other without Larry interrupting. They noted that Larry’s intense focus on set ensured that there were no unwanted interruptions, allowing them to have uninterrupted conversations.
When asked about working with Larry David, both Susie and Ted had similar reactions. Despite being professional actors, they couldn’t help but break character during some scenes. Susie mentioned how Larry would ruin the next 10 takes by giggling uncontrollably after finding her takes hilarious. Ted, on the other hand, shared that Larry’s giggles would often come after liking his performance, resulting in ruined subsequent takes as well.
Nevertheless, both actors agreed that making Larry laugh was one of the joys of their lives. Susie mentioned that it was always a delight to see Larry genuinely enjoying their performances, as it meant they were doing something right. Ted also agreed, expressing gratitude for making Larry laugh since it had contributed to his success on the show.
Susie and Ted also reminisced about the early days of the show. They shared stories from the time when Larry showed them the pilot episode in a house with poor reception. Despite some people falling asleep during the screening, the duo had no idea if the show would work. Little did they know that it would go on to become a hit and kickstart their careers.
They also spoke about the evolution of their characters on the show. Susie, who started as Larry’s friend, eventually became his arch-nemesis. She mentioned that she didn’t even read the outlines for the episodes and instead relied on Larry to give her directions. Ted chimed in, saying that playing himself on the show allowed him to stay true to his character and not be burdened by expectations.
As the conversation continued, Susie and Ted expressed their admiration for Larry David and his immense impact on their careers. Ted mentioned how Larry came into his life at a time when he was questioning his future in comedy. Larry’s invitation to join “Curb Your Enthusiasm” revitalized his career.
Susie shared a similar sentiment, revealing that she had known Larry since 1985 when they both did stand-up. She also mentioned Larry’s eccentric behavior on stage, including storming off and getting agitated with the audience. Susie emphasized that Larry’s willingness to laugh at others’ jokes was a testament to his generosity as a comedian.
Towards the end of the interview, Susie and Ted delved into personal aspects of their lives. Susie recalled how upset she was when her character on the show split up with Ted’s character and got together with Cheryl. It was a challenging time for her, compounded by the fact that it coincided with the 2016 US election results. Ted also shared his experience with the scene where Susie’s character insulted him, revealing that he didn’t know she was playing his nemesis for an entire season until later.
Overall, the reunion between Susie Essman and Ted Danson on Conan O’Brien was filled with humor, nostalgia, and genuine appreciation for their experiences on “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” The fans of the show will undoubtedly enjoy this trip down memory lane and relish the insights shared by these talented actors.
