Hubbry Logo
Jeff GarlinJeff GarlinMain
Open search
Jeff Garlin
Community hub
Jeff Garlin
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Jeff Garlin
Jeff Garlin
from Wikipedia

Jeffrey Garlin (born June 5, 1962)[3] is an American stand-up comedian and actor. He is best known for playing Jeff Greene on the HBO sitcom Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Murray Goldberg, patriarch of the eponymous family in the ABC sitcom The Goldbergs. Garlin also played Marvin on Mad About You and Mort Meyers on Arrested Development for Fox and Netflix.

Key Information

Garlin has also appeared as Captain B. McCrea in WALL-E, Buttercup in Toy Story 3, Toy Story 4, soon Toy Story 5, Perry Babcock in ParaNorman, and Mr. Britt in Safety Not Guaranteed, among other films.

Early life

[edit]

Garlin was born on June 5, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois, to Gene[4] and Carole (née Crafton) Garlin. He grew up in Morton Grove, Illinois,[5] where his father owned a plumbing supply business called Bilko and his mother was active in community theater. Garlin has a younger brother, Michael.[6] He is Jewish[7] and attended Hebrew school.[8][9]

Garlin said that he wanted to be a comedian since he was eight after seeing Jimmy Durante perform in Chicago.[7] Garlin attended Melzer Elementary School in Morton Grove.[10] He enjoyed playing sports at school, but had to stop after being diagnosed with Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome, a heart ailment.[6]

When Garlin was in sixth grade, his father sold his supply business and the family relocated to South Florida.[10] Garlin graduated from Nova High School in Davie, Florida, in 1980. He attended Broward Community College, followed by a stint studying film at the University of Miami, where he first began to perform stand-up comedy.[11]

Career

[edit]

Standup

[edit]

In 1984, aged 22, Garlin moved back to Chicago to pursue a stand-up comedy career. He performed with the comedy troupe The Second City.[12][13] Garlin worked in the box office with Stephen Colbert.[14]

While living in Wrigleyville, Chicago during the 1980s, Garlin was briefly roommates with Conan O'Brien, who was then a comedy writer.[15][16][17][18][6] He remains close to O'Brien, and after O'Brien was removed as host of The Tonight Show in 2010 so that Jay Leno could return, Garlin said that he would not be a guest on the show again.[12][14]

Garlin was hired by comedians Denis Leary and Jon Stewart to help develop their specials. He worked as a stage director for their shows and edited the scripts. Garlin worked with Larry David in this same way. He continues to do standup, where Garlin says he improvises a lot on stage, and feels very relaxed, "maybe too relaxed."[6]

Film and television

[edit]

Garlin has a variety of television and film appearances to his credit, as an actor and a stand up, including Dr. Katz, Arrested Development, Everybody Loves Raymond, Late Show with David Letterman, Tom Goes to the Mayor, The Life & Times of Tim, The Daily Show, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and Entourage.[19]

Garlin with his castmates from The Goldbergs

From 1997 to 1999, Garlin spent three seasons on NBC's Mad About You in the role of Marvin.[20] He co-stars in and executive produces the HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm. Garlin had a recurring role on the series Wizards of Waverly Place as Uncle Kelbo, appearing in three episodes over the first three seasons.

After making an uncredited début as Gut Gut in Spring Break (1983), Garlin earned his first film credit in Dolly Parton's 1992 comedy Straight Talk.[21] Garlin had a small role in RoboCop 3 as "Donut Jerk" after a member of the casting crew saw him eat a doughnut while leaving Krispy Kreme with an additional two dozen doughnuts. Garlin also had a cameo appearance in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me in 1999.

Other cameo appearances include Run Ronnie Run!, After the Sunset, Fat Albert, and Sleepover. Garlin appeared in Steven Soderbergh's Full Frontal (2002) and in Daddy Day Care (2003). In 2005, he had a small role in Fun with Dick and Jane.

In 2008, Garlin appeared in The Rocker as Stan, and played Ed Lawson in Strange Wilderness. He lent his voice to the Disney/Pixar films Toy Story 3 and Toy Story 4, as Buttercup. Garlin appeared as Sid, alongside Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler, in the 2010 comedy action film The Bounty Hunter. He played Ed Burch in Laggies, released in 2014.

Garlin's feature directorial debut, I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With (which he also wrote), premiered to favorable reviews at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival. It opened in September 2007. The film co-starred Sarah Silverman and Bonnie Hunt.[22]

In 2006, Garlin directed This Filthy World, a one-man show performed by director John Waters. He was a voice actor in WALL-E (2008), as B. McCrea, the captain of the Axiom spaceship.[23] Garlin executive produced the documentary Finding Vivian Maier (2013).[24]

In 2013, Garlin signed onto the ABC sitcom The Goldbergs,[25] which premiered on September 24, 2013.[26] He played Murray Goldberg, the father of the title family. In December 2021, as shooting of the show's ninth season neared completion, Garlin left the series[27] following misconduct allegations and investigations by the show's human resources department, initially reported in November 2019.[28] For the rest of the season, Garlin's character continued to appear on the show via outtakes, a stand-in, and CGI.[29][30] The character was later killed off in the show's tenth and final season.

In July 2013, Garlin directed his second film, Dealin' with Idiots,[31] inspired by his experiences with his sons in Little League.[25][32] The entire film was improvised.[24]

In October 2019, Garlin revealed that he would have a role in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the final installment of the Star Wars saga, which was released on December 20, 2019.[33] Garlin played Junn Gobint.

Misconduct allegations

[edit]

On December 3, 2021, Vanity Fair published an article detailing that Garlin had been under investigation for three years for "allegedly engag[ing] in a pattern of verbal and physical conduct on [the set of The Goldbergs] that made people uncomfortable". The report found that he had used "inappropriate language" and engaged in "unwanted physical contact" on set such as hugging or touching others without their consent.[34][35][36] On December 15, it was announced that Garlin would not return to the show. His departure was said to be a mutual decision.[27]

Writing

[edit]

In 2010, Garlin published a book, My Footprint: Carrying the Weight of the World, a memoir that documents his journey to lessen his carbon footprint.[37][38][39]

Podcast

[edit]

On the comedy podcast network Earwolf,[40] Garlin hosted By the Way, In Conversation with Jeff Garlin,[41] which consisted of unscripted talks rather than formal interviews. The debut episode featured Garlin's Curb Your Enthusiasm co-star Larry David. The twice monthly installments were recorded in front of a live audience at Largo at the Coronet in Los Angeles.[40] The podcast's last episode was released in February 2015.[42]

Other works

[edit]

In March 2018, Garlin was one of the actors who voiced the audiobook A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo.[43]

In August 2020, Garlin was a guest DJ on SiriusXM's Tom Petty Radio.[44]

Influences

[edit]

Katie Puckrik in The Guardian wrote, "British comedy is a touchstone for Garlin". Garlin has said: "Monty Python changed my life. I watched the original Office. I love The Mighty Boosh and The Goon Show. I'm a fanatic about Ealing comedies. And Fawlty Towers is probably my favorite thing that I've ever seen come out of England."[45]

Personal life

[edit]
Garlin in Wrigleyville before Game Four of the 2016 World Series.

Garlin married Marla Beth Cahan on July 24, 1994. They have two sons.[1] In September 2018, they announced their intention to divorce.[46] In March 2020, Garlin said that he and Cahan were at the end of their divorce proceedings.[2] Garlin has been dating Sari Tracht, an editor, since early 2021.[47]

Garlin is a fan of the Chicago Cubs. Every year on his birthday, Garlin attends a game with his friend Kevin Cronin, the lead singer of REO Speedwagon.[48] Garlin is also a fan of the Chicago Bears and is a season-ticket holder.[49]

According to his book, Garlin voted for Barack Obama in the 2008 election.

Garlin practices transcendental meditation, which he does twice a day.[50] Garlin says it has helped him with symptoms of ADHD.[citation needed]

For a few years, Garlin lived with talk-show host Conan O'Brien. O'Brien has said that sometimes Garlin woke him up in the middle of the night and made him perform skits.[51]

Garlin's dog on the television show The Goldbergs lives with him in real life.[52]

On September 20, 2022, Garlin announced that he has been struggling with bipolar disorder, writing: "Bipolar is a motherfucker. Sometimes it's just too much to deal with. I'm doing the best I can. This the first time that I've opened up about this."[53][54][55]

Health

[edit]

In his late 20s, Garlin had surgery in Oklahoma City to correct the heart condition Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome, a defect in an accessory electrical conduction pathway in the heart that results in tachycardia.[6] Garlin said he was an early recipient (#72) of the surgery, which millions of people have undergone.[citation needed]

In February 2000, before filming began on Curb Your Enthusiasm, Garlin had a stroke at age 37. During the early episodes of season one, he had noticeably slurred speech that later improved. In addition to epilepsy and attention deficit disorder, Garlin has type II diabetes, which he controls with diet and exercise.[6][56] Garlin has written about his problems with food and discussed his weight problems publicly.[50] In a 2011 interview, he said: "I think people look at fat people as having a lack of willpower when willpower has nothing to do with it. I didn't change my life until I approached everything like an addict. I haven't had sweets in almost three years because I know if I have one cookie, just like if an alcoholic has his first drink, I'm off to the races and I'm back eating sugar again."[51]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1983 Spring Break Gut Gut Uncredited
1992 Straight Talk Bob
Hero News Vendor
1993 RoboCop 3 Donut Jerk
1994 Little Big League Opposing Little League Manager
1995 The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes Agent Reese
1997 The Love Bug Highway Patrolman
1998 Senseless Arlo Vickers
1999 Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me Cyclops
2000 Bounce Emcee
2002 Run Ronnie Run! Birthday Woman's Friend
Naked Movie Writer No. 1
The Third Wheel Office Worker Uncredited
Full Frontal Harvey
2003 Daddy Day Care Phillip "Phil" Ryerson
2004 Sleepover Mr. Corky
Outing Riley Partner in Architects' Firm Uncredited
After the Sunset Ron
Fat Albert Jerry Uncredited
2005 Fun with Dick and Jane Boss
2006 The Jeff Garlin Program Jeff Gormiti Cannon Trunk
I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With James Aaron Also writer/director
The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour 3: The Jerkinators! The Villain Whose Name Isn't Shirley Voice, television film[57]
2007 Trainwreck: My Life as an Idiot Lenny
2008 Strange Wilderness Ed Lawson
The Rocker Stan
WALL-E Captain B. McCrea Voice[57]
2010 The Bounty Hunter Sid
Toy Story 3 Buttercup Voice[57]
2011 Hawaiian Vacation Buttercup Voice[57]
Cars 2 Otis Voice[57][58]
Adventures in the Sin Bin Dean Theatard
2012 ParaNorman Perry Babcock Voice[57]
Safety Not Guaranteed Mr. Britt
2013 Dealin' with Idiots Max Morris Also writer and director
2014 Laggies Ed Burch
2017 Lemon Guy Roach
Handsome Gene Handsome Also writer and director
Becoming Bond Harry Saltzman Documentary
2019 Toy Story 4 Buttercup Voice[57]
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Junn Gobint Cameo[33]
2020 This Is the Year Mr. Elmer
2022 Studio 666 Jeremy Shill
Babylon Don Wallach
2026 Toy Story 5 Buttercup Voice[57]

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1989 Roseanne Fred Episode: "Lobocop"
Dear John Deliveryman Episode: "Kate, a Date, & Fate"
1990 Open House Brian Episode: "An Unmarried Woman"
1994 Baywatch Larry 'Loomin' Large Episodes: "K-Gas the Groove Yard of Solid Gold"
1996 Gross Ratings Jack Bekins Short film
1997 Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist Jeff Voice, episode: "Alibi"[57]
The Wonderful World of Disney Highway Patrolman Episode: "The Love Bug"
1997–1999 Mad About You Marvin 14 episodes
1999 Larry David: Curb Your Enthusiasm Jeff Greene Television film
2000 Self Storage Duncan Baumgartner Short film
The Michael Richards Show Jeff Schaffer Episode: "The Consultant"
2000–2024 Curb Your Enthusiasm Jeff Greene 12 seasons; series regular
2001 Late Friday Himself/host Unspecified
Three Sisters Joel Episode: "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother"
Dead Last Ron Belson Episode: "The Problem with Corruption"
2001–2002 What About Joan? Steinie 8 episodes
2001–2003 Everybody Loves Raymond Produce Manager Jimmy 2 episodes
2002 King of the Hill Dan Voice, episode: "The Fat and the Furious"
2003 Greetings from Tucson Executive (2003) Episode: "My Friend Mom"
Crank Yankers Jeff Voice, 3 episodes
2004 Tom Goes to the Mayor Pat Croce Voice, episode: "Rat's Off to Ya"
2005 Duck Dodgers Camoman Voice, episode: "Bonafide Heroes"[57]
Yes, Dear Howie Episode: "Marital Aid"
MADtv Hank Whitley Episode: #11.08
2005–2006, 2013 Arrested Development Mort Meyers 11 episodes
2006 Hooked Mr. Waterhouse Short film
Campus Ladies Mr. Hubney Episode: "A Very Special Episode"
2007 Law & Order: Criminal Intent Barry Freeburg Episode: "Contract"
2008 Shorty McShorts' Shorts Duke Voice, episode: "Flip-Flopped"
The Life & Times of Tim Voice, 2 episodes
BURN-E Captain Voice, short film; uncredited
2008–2010 Wizards of Waverly Place Uncle Kelbo 3 episodes
2010 Entourage Roger Jay Episode: "Dramedy"
2011 Community Himself Episode: "Documentary Filmmaking: Redux"
2013 Maron Jeff Garlin Episode: "Mac's Dad"
2013–2022 The Goldbergs Murray Goldberg Main role
2014 2 Broke Girls David Episode: "And the Not Broke Parents"
Family Guy Himself Voice, episode: "The 2000-Year-Old Virgin"
2017 SpongeBob SquarePants Cuddle E. Hugs Voice, episode: "Cuddle E. Hugs"
2019 Celebrity Family Feud Himself Episode: "Black-ish vs. The Goldbergs"
2020 Forky Asks a Question Buttercup Voice, episode: "What Is Cheese?"[57]
2021 Celebrity Wheel of Fortune Himself Episode: "Donny Osmond, Jeff Garlin and Amber Riley"
2021-present Gabby's Dollhouse Gabby's dad Main role
2022 Kung Fu Sock Giant Octopus Voice, episode: "Hao's Disappearance"
2023 Never Have I Ever Len 5 episodes

Video games

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1997 Blade Runner Lieutenant Edison Guzza
2008 WALL-E Captain
2010 Toy Story 3: The Video Game Buttercup

Music videos

[edit]
Year Title Artist(s) Role Ref.
1997 "A Change Would Do You Good" (Version 2) Sheryl Crow Taxi Passenger [59]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Title Result Ref.
2001 Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Comedy Series Curb Your Enthusiasm Nominated [60]
2002 Nominated
2003 Nominated
2005 Nominated
2007 Nominated
2009 Nominated
2011 Nominated
2017 Nominated
2020 Nominated
2006 Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series Nominated
2009 Nominated
2017 Nominated
2002 Producers Guild Awards Best Episodic Comedy Won
2004 Won
2006 Nominated
2008 Nominated
2010 Nominated
2012 Nominated
2017 Nominated
2007 Berlin International Film Festival Best Documentary This Filthy World Nominated
2012 Gotham Awards Best Ensemble Cast Safety Not Guaranteed Nominated

Works and publications

[edit]
  • Garlin, Jeff, and John Ficarra. The MAD Bathroom Companion: The Gushing Fourth Edition. New York: MAD Books, 2004.
  • Garlin, Jeff. My Footprint: Carrying the Weight of the World. New York: Gallery Books, 2010; ISBN 978-1-439-15010-8

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jeffrey Todd Garlin (born June 5, 1962) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, producer, director, and writer known for his improvisational style and recurring roles in prominent television comedies. Garlin achieved widespread recognition for portraying Jeff Greene, the exasperated manager and best friend to Larry David's fictionalized self, on the HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm from its inception in 2000 through its conclusion in 2024, a role for which he also functioned as an executive producer. Earlier in his career, he performed stand-up comedy and appeared in films such as Larry David: Curb Your Enthusiasm and directed documentaries including This Filthy World (2006) about film critic Roger Ebert. From 2013 to 2021, Garlin starred as the patriarchal Murray Goldberg on the ABC sitcom The Goldbergs, but exited the production after repeated human resources probes into allegations of disruptive verbal conduct and unwanted physical contact that unsettled cast and crew members; Garlin maintained that his departure was voluntary and not a termination.

Early life

Family background and childhood

Jeffrey Garlin was born on June 5, 1962, in , , to Gene Garlin, who owned a plumbing supply business, and Carole Garlin, a homemaker. His family was Jewish and resided in the Chicago suburb of Morton Grove during his , where his father managed the family-owned enterprise. Garlin has one younger brother, Michael. At age 11, in the , his father sold the plumbing supply business, and the family moved to , near his paternal grandparents, as part of a deliberate fresh start for the parents, both in their thirties at the time. The relocation marked a significant transition, shifting from Midwestern suburban life to South 's coastal environment. In , Garlin attended in nearby Davie, graduating in 1980.

Education and initial career aspirations

Garlin graduated from in , in 1980. He subsequently attended Broward Community College before enrolling at the to study film. His time at the university was brief, lasting one semester, during which he lived in the Hecht-Stanford residential towers and found the environment conducive to social activities but ultimately unfulfilling academically. While at the , Garlin began performing , making his debut at in Fort Lauderdale on the night of his 20th birthday, June 5, 1982. His early performances there gained traction, marking the start of his shift toward a professional comedy career. Garlin later dropped out of the university to focus entirely on comedy, viewing it as his primary pursuit over formal filmmaking education. Prior to comedy, Garlin's first job was delivering newspapers, reflecting modest beginnings before his comedic ambitions took hold. In 1984, at age 22, he moved back to specifically to advance his stand-up career, securing acceptance into troupe and performing there to hone his improvisational skills. This relocation represented a deliberate commitment to as his core aspiration, diverging from his initial academic interest in toward live performance and .

Career

Improv and stand-up beginnings

Garlin began performing in June 1982 while studying at the , initially in , before dropping out to focus exclusively on . In 1984, at age 22, he relocated to to advance his stand-up career, drawn to the city's vibrant scene. There, he joined the box office staff at , the renowned improv theater, where he worked alongside future comedian and occasionally pranked patrons to hone his comedic instincts. Garlin's involvement with extended beyond administrative roles; he trained at its center and performed with the troupe, spending approximately five years immersed in and , which established his reputation as a skilled improviser. This period sharpened his unscripted performance abilities, blending observational humor with spontaneous character work, foundational to his later career. He also staged solo shows at the venue, further developing his stand-up material rooted in personal anecdotes and . To support himself, Garlin took odd jobs while gigging at clubs, gradually building a local following through persistent performances that emphasized raw, audience-driven interaction over polished routines. His early stand-up avoided conventional punchlines, favoring rambling narratives that mirrored improv techniques, a style he credits to Second City's influence on causal, real-time storytelling. By the late 1980s, these experiences positioned him for broader opportunities, though he continued touring regionally as a stand-up act.

Film roles

Garlin's early film appearances were in small supporting roles, such as the emcee in Bounce (2000) and Duncan Baumgartner in the low-budget thriller (2000). He followed with comedic parts in Run Ronnie Run! (2002), playing a frog exterminator, and as a studio tour guide in Steven Soderbergh's Full Frontal (2002). Additional mid-2000s roles included Lars in the heist comedy (2004), Mr. Gaines in Fat Albert (2004), and Teddy in the teen comedy (2004). In family-oriented films, Garlin portrayed a newly unemployed father in (2003), co-starring with . His voice work gained prominence as Captain B. McCrea, the naive commander of the Axiom in Pixar's (2008). He voiced the sarcastic unicorn Buttercup in (2010) and reprised the role in (2019). Garlin also appeared in (2011) voicing Otis, a . Later live-action roles featured Mr. Britt, a editor, in the indie sci-fi comedy (2012). In recent years, he played Don Wallach, a , in (2022), Damien Chazelle's satirical depiction of early Hollywood. Garlin also appeared in the horror-comedy (2022) as the band manager Kriss Tobias. His work has largely emphasized humorous, character-driven supporting performances rather than leads.

Television appearances

Garlin achieved widespread recognition for portraying , the beleaguered talent manager and best friend to Larry David's character, in the series . The improvisational aired from October 15, 2000, to April 7, 2024, spanning 12 seasons and 120 episodes, with Garlin appearing in every installment. He also executive produced the series, which drew on real-life awkward social interactions for its humor. In the ABC sitcom The Goldbergs, Garlin starred as Murray Goldberg, the frugal and often exasperated family patriarch inspired by the real father of creator . The show, set in the 1980s and based loosely on the producer's childhood, ran from September 24, 2013, to May 3, 2023; Garlin featured in 172 episodes across the first nine seasons, from 2013 to 2021. Garlin recurred as Mort Meyers, a bumbling Hollywood studio executive, in the / series across its original run (2003–2006) and revival seasons (2013, 2018–2019). Earlier guest appearances include two episodes of (1996–2005) and roles in (1997–2010), , , and . He played Uncle Kelbo in three episodes of (2007–2009) and appeared as Barry Freeburg in a 2008 episode of Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Garlin provided voice work for animated series such as , , and The Goldbergs spin-off elements, alongside recent guest turns like Len in (2020–2023).

Directing and writing projects

Garlin directed multiple episodes of the HBO series , the improvisational comedy program co-created by and starring , in which Garlin also portrayed the character across its run from 2000 to 2024. He additionally helmed two HBO comedy specials: Unleavened (1989) featuring and Lock 'n Load (1996) starring . These television directing credits reflect Garlin's early involvement in comedy specials and series, leveraging his background in to guide or minimally scripted content. In feature films, Garlin wrote and directed I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With (2006), a semi-autobiographical based on his one-man show, in which he starred as a struggling actor seeking companionship; the film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and received praise for its authentic setting and character-driven humor. He followed with This Filthy World (2006), a documentary tribute to cult filmmaker narrated by Garlin. His subsequent directorial efforts include the Breakup in a Noisy (2010), the youth sports Dealin' with Idiots (2013)—which he also wrote and in which he played a lead role as a father navigating chaotic pee-wee —and Handsome: A Netflix Mystery Movie (2017), a satirical again written and directed by Garlin, featuring a ensemble cast including and . Garlin's writing projects often intersect with his directing, as seen in the scripts for and Handsome, which draw from his observational style rooted in everyday absurdities and personal anecdotes. He also penned the material for his stand-up special Jeff Garlin: Our Man in (2019), filmed in his hometown and focusing on themes of family, food, and Midwestern life. These works demonstrate Garlin's preference for low-budget, character-centric productions over high-concept blockbusters, emphasizing and real-life inspiration.

Podcasting ventures

In 2013, Garlin launched By the Way, In Conversation with Jeff Garlin on the Earwolf podcast network, featuring unscripted discussions recorded live at the Largo nightclub in Los Angeles with guests from the entertainment industry. Episodes included conversations with Judd Apatow, Lena Dunham, Jeff Tweedy, Conan O'Brien, J.J. Abrams, and Michael Moore, emphasizing casual, agenda-free exchanges rather than structured interviews. The podcast debuted on January 10, 2013, and ran for multiple seasons, with episodes available for download through Earwolf's platform. In 2024, Garlin co-hosted The History of Curb Your Enthusiasm with on iHeartPodcasts, an official rewatch series analyzing each episode of the show , where both had starred. The podcast featured commentary from Garlin, Essman, and guests including cast members, crew, and fans, covering production details, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and episode breakdowns across all 12 seasons. It premiered on February 1, 2024, and concluded after completing its coverage in May 2025, as announced by Garlin on . The series received mixed listener feedback, with some criticism directed at Garlin's hosting style for being overly dominant or distracting from Essman's insights.

Controversies

Workplace behavior complaints

In December 2021, Jeff Garlin departed from his role as Murray Goldberg on the ABC sitcom The Goldbergs following multiple human resources investigations by into complaints about his on-set behavior. The investigations, which Garlin confirmed had occurred annually for the prior three years, stemmed from allegations of a pattern of verbal and physical conduct that made crew members and colleagues uncomfortable, including unauthorized physical contact and disruptive outbursts. Sources familiar with the production described specific incidents, such as Garlin using his position to intimidate others, employing demeaning and graphic sexual language, and engaging in horseplay like surprise shoulder massages or air horn blasts that violated safety protocols during filming. One complaint reportedly involved a camera assistant objecting to Garlin's use of a in a manner perceived as harassing. Garlin dismissed the severity of the issues in a Vanity Fair interview, attributing them to his improvisational style and stating, "HR has come to me three years in a row for my behavior on set," while insisting the show was "boring" and his actions were meant to inject energy. The departure was framed as a mutual agreement between Garlin and , though insiders indicated it resulted from the cumulative complaints rendering his continued involvement untenable; Garlin was absent from the final three episodes of season 9, with his character written out via off-screen death in season 10. In a 2022 interview, Garlin claimed he voluntarily left because "I just wanted to get the hell out of there," denying any firing. No formal legal actions or external lawsuits arose from the complaints, and Garlin continued working on HBO's , where similar behavioral probes had been conducted but did not lead to his removal.

Public responses and fallout

In a December 3, 2021, interview with Vanity Fair, Jeff Garlin addressed reports of HR complaints regarding his on-set behavior on The Goldbergs, denying that he was fired at the time and describing his on-set style as "silly" or comedic, including improvisational antics such as surprise hugs and crude jokes. He admitted to being a "person who hugs for sure" but stated he would stop if someone expressed discomfort, insisted no big incident occurred, framed the situation partly as a clash with "politically correct" standards, and acknowledged that making someone feel unsafe is wrong, while maintaining there was "no malicious intent." He further noted in the interview that he had been investigated by HR three times previously during the show's run, including a near-firing in 2019 over colorful language, but maintained these were misunderstandings of his comedic style. Garlin's exit from the series was formalized on , 2021, via a mutual agreement with , effective immediately, after multiple complaints about verbal conduct (e.g., repeated references to genitalia and demeaning nicknames for female colleagues) and physical horseplay that some crew members found intimidating or offensive. Days later, on December 17, 2021, he performed in New York, where he openly trashed The Goldbergs as creatively stifling and politically correct, revealing his pre-existing disdain for the production as a factor in not returning, independent of the complaints. Co-star , who played Beverly Goldberg, described the departure in a March 22, 2023, as "a long time coming," stating, "Finally someone is listening to us," which implied accumulated frustrations among cast and crew over Garlin's conduct. A June 2023 book, An Underrockable Position, alleged that Garlin leveraged his "power and status" as an to "intimidate and demean" colleagues, framing the complaints as part of a broader of unaddressed , though Garlin has consistently defended his behavior as harmless exaggeration rooted in traditions. The production adapted by employing a for Garlin's final season 9 scenes, reducing his role to minimal archival footage, and killing off the Murray Goldberg character in the August 30, 2022, season 10 premiere to enable a "" without recasting, allowing the series to conclude after 10 seasons in 2023. Fan reactions were mixed, with some viewers arguing the show should end due to the irreplaceable absence of Garlin's portrayal, while others accepted the changes and continued watching until its finale. Public and industry response remained contained, with media coverage focusing on the HR process rather than broader cancellation demands, and Garlin facing no reported additional professional repercussions, as he completed 's final season in and maintained his podcast and stand-up work.

Personal life

Relationships and family

Garlin was born on June 5, 1962, in , , to Gene Garlin, who worked in a family-owned supply business, and Carole Garlin, a homemaker. He has a younger brother, Michael Garlin. Garlin proposed to Marla Beth Cahan, a casting director, during a concert while the performer sang "," and they married on July 24, 1994. The couple had two sons: James, born in 1996, and Duke, born in 2000. The marriage ended in after Garlin filed on September 4, 2018, citing , with the date of separation listed as July 25, 2017. As both sons were adults by the time of filing, no arrangements were required. The divorce was finalized in January 2024, with Garlin ordered to pay Marla $80,000 per month in spousal support. Garlin's current relationship status remains undisclosed.

Health struggles

In his late twenties, Garlin underwent surgery to correct Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a congenital heart condition that had affected him since childhood. In February 2000, at age 37, he suffered a stroke resulting from previously undetected Type 2 diabetes, which temporarily slurred his speech during the filming of the first season of Curb Your Enthusiasm. To manage his diabetes and weight, Garlin has undertaken multiple sustained efforts at dietary overhaul, eliminating sugar, salt, fast food, and binge eating while avoiding cheat days. By 2010, these changes contributed to significant weight loss, as detailed in his memoir My Footprint: Carrying the Weight of My Life. In 2019, he reported losing 70 pounds primarily by cutting sugary foods, and by 2024, he had shed an additional 90 pounds through consistent home workouts and nutrition focused on items like cottage cheese. Garlin publicly disclosed in September 2022 that he lives with , Type I, describing it as a factor in past behaviors requiring personal accountability despite its explanatory role. He detailed experiencing a nervous breakdown and around late 2021, prompting him to seek professional help that winter, which he credits with ongoing management. Co-star noted in November 2022 that Garlin was "working hard to manage" the condition post-diagnosis. In early 2025 interviews, he elaborated on how bipolar episodes influenced his work on and The Goldbergs, including periods of severe distress, while emphasizing recovery through and from past drug and alcohol use.

Influences and comedic style

Key inspirations

Garlin traces his initial interest in comedy to seeing Jimmy Durante perform live at age eight, prompting him to ask his parents if it was a viable profession, to which they affirmed, solidifying his career aspiration. Early exposure to 1970s stand-up specials by Robert Klein and George Carlin further shaped his appreciation for the craft as a disciplined job. He credits Richard Pryor with embodying "pure artistry, pure emotion, hard laughs and true, true brilliance," highlighting Pryor's emotional depth and technical skill as a benchmark for comedic storytelling. The British comedy troupe Monty Python profoundly impacted Garlin, whom he describes as having "changed my life," alongside other UK influences like the original The Office, Fawlty Towers (his favorite English production), The Mighty Boosh, The Goon Show, and Ealing Comedies, which he regards as touchstones for absurd and character-driven humor. Additional formative figures include Jack Benny, Bob Newhart, and Second City Television, reflecting his affinity for observational and sketch-based styles developed through Chicago's improv scene. Garlin's improvisational approach draws heavily from jazz musicians, including , , , and , whose rhythmic spontaneity informs his onstage rhythm and rejection of pre-written material in favor of real-time creation. This mirrors his training, where he honed unscripted performance, emphasizing emotional authenticity over polished routines. Later, influenced practical elements like performing in a suit to enhance perceived funniness.

Signature approaches

Garlin's signature comedic approaches are deeply rooted in , influenced by his training in Chicago's improv community, where he prioritizes spontaneity and collaborative scene-building over scripted precision. In performances and on shows like , he relies on minimal outlines—typically 6-7 pages detailing plot points with little predetermined —allowing actors to generate lines organically through "yes, and" techniques, which involve accepting a partner's idea ("yes") and building upon it ("and") to advance the narrative without negation or denial. This method fosters unselfish play, where the goal is to enhance others' contributions via rather than dominating the scene, resulting in authentic, first-draft authenticity that Garlin credits for the raw energy of improvised works. He applies these principles to stand-up, treating routines as fluid, stream-of-consciousness explorations rather than rigid joke structures, rejecting formulaic setups in favor of personal, relatable anecdotes delivered in the moment. In directing, as seen in projects like (2013), Garlin insists on 100% from actors without scripts or outlines provided in advance, capturing minimalistic performances where performers intervene only as instincts demand to maintain natural flow. Complementing this is his advocacy for subtlety and understatement, avoiding forced humor in favor of authentic, understated delivery that lets everyday absurdities emerge organically. This holistic emphasis on presence, collaboration, and restraint distinguishes his style, enabling that feels improvised yet purposeful across , writing, and production.

Reception and legacy

Critical assessments

Garlin's portrayal of Jeff Greene on (2000–2024) has been lauded for its improvisational authenticity and embodiment of exasperated frustration, with critics noting his chemistry with amplified the show's cringe-comedy dynamics. His ability to riff off David's unscripted prompts contributed to the series' reputation for organic awkwardness, as evidenced by recurring scenes where Garlin's character navigates marital and professional tensions with resignation. However, some assessments highlight limitations in his dramatic range, observing that his on-screen persona often defaults to loud outbursts and physicality, which, while effective in ensemble , can feel repetitive outside the format. In sitcom roles like Murray Goldberg on The Goldbergs (2013–2023), Garlin received mixed evaluations for channeling a curmudgeonly paternal , praised for grounding the show's nostalgic humor amid family chaos but critiqued for phoned-in delivery in later seasons. Reviewers noted his gruff, improvisational style suited the character's resistance to pop culture excesses, yet the role's reliance on recycled antics led to perceptions of stagnation, with Garlin himself admitting disdain for the repetitive scripting. Post-departure CGI recreations of his likeness drew backlash for undermining narrative coherence, underscoring how his physical presence anchored the performance's authenticity. Garlin's stand-up specials, such as Our Man in Chicago (2019), have elicited polarized responses, with audiences appreciating his conversational riffs on personal anecdotes like and relationships but faulting the lack of polished structure or punchlines. Critics described sets as meandering monologues prioritizing persona over crafted jokes, often devolving into audience interaction without resolution, as in his 2011 show where fat-themed material felt underdeveloped despite droll impressions. Earlier reviews of live performances echoed this, valuing the intimacy of his unfiltered style—likened to chatting with friends—but lamenting inconsistent humor density, with some labeling it as aimless rambling unfit for sustained specials. Film appearances, including voice roles as the bumbling captain in (2008) and Buttercup in (2010), garnered acclaim for infusing animated characters with hapless charm, enhancing ensemble dynamics without overshadowing leads. Live-action parts, such as in (2004), faced harsher scrutiny for one-note comedic timing that clashed with broader narratives, though peers credit his improv background for elevating supporting turns in indie efforts. Overall, assessments position Garlin as a niche improv specialist whose strengths in reactive humor thrive in collaborative TV but falter in solo formats demanding tighter execution.

Industry impact

Garlin served as an and co-star on HBO's since its inception, contributing to its development of an improvisational format that relies on detailed outlines rather than scripted dialogue, enabling actors to generate lines spontaneously while adhering to character arcs. This method, honed through Garlin's background in improvisation, influenced subsequent unscripted-style sitcoms by emphasizing organic awkwardness and social discomfort over punchline-driven humor. He has credited himself with originating the core concept for the series during early discussions with . In directing capacities, Garlin helmed stand-up specials for comedians such as Jon Stewart and Denis Leary, shaping the visual and pacing elements of televised comedy performances by prioritizing raw, performer-led delivery over heavy editing. His multi-role involvement—spanning writing, producing, and directing—exemplifies a versatile model for comedians transitioning into behind-the-scenes influence, as seen in his adaptation of solo stage shows into books and specials. Garlin's tenure as Murray Goldberg on ABC's The Goldbergs from 2013 to 2021 helped sustain the across nine seasons, with his portrayal of a gruff, improvisational anchoring dynamics in a nostalgic setting. However, his December 2021 departure amid HR investigations into repeated complaints of , emotional misconduct, and inappropriate sexual remarks from crew members highlighted intensifying scrutiny on behavior in ensemble TV productions. The production resorted to body doubles for his remaining scenes, illustrating operational adaptations to such exits and broader industry shifts toward stricter conduct protocols post-#MeToo. Garlin contested the firing narrative, asserting voluntary exit and publicly decrying excessive on sets during stand-up routines shortly after. Co-star later described the removal as "a long time coming," reflecting peer perceptions of entrenched issues. This episode underscored tensions between traditional comedy's boundary-pushing ethos and evolving workplace norms, prompting discussions on accountability for lead s in network television.

Awards and nominations

Emmy and other recognitions

Garlin received Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding in a Comedy Series for his role as Jeff Greene in Curb Your Enthusiasm in 2002 and 2003. As an on the series, he accumulated additional nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series, including in 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024, for a total of 11 Primetime Emmy nominations linked to the program. He secured two Producers Guild of America Awards for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television, Comedy for Curb Your Enthusiasm, shared with other producers, in 2003 and 2005. Garlin earned Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series for Curb Your Enthusiasm in multiple years, including the 16th Annual Awards in 2010 and the 24th Annual Awards in 2018. Among other honors, Garlin received a nomination at the 2007 for his work in This Filthy World.

Stand-up and writing accolades

Garlin's stand-up career includes several self-written solo shows performed in Chicago's scene, such as I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With, Uncomplicated, and Concentrated, which showcased his improvisational style. He appeared in a self-titled half-hour stand-up special on , highlighting his early comedic persona rooted in personal anecdotes and observational humor. In 2009, Garlin released Young & Handsome: An Evening with Jeff Garlin, a full-length stand-up concert filmed at Chicago's , featuring routines on topics like family dynamics and . The special, distributed via DVD and streaming platforms, drew mixed critical reception for its conversational tone but lack of polished punchlines, with reviewers describing it as occasionally amusing yet not groundbreaking. No major industry awards or nominations were accorded specifically for his stand-up specials or performances. Garlin's writing credits encompass his solo shows and contributions to improvisational elements in series like , where he helped shape character-driven narratives through on-set collaboration. However, individual writing accolades, such as nominations, have not been recorded for him; recognition in this area stems indirectly from the series' overall honors, primarily attributed to lead writer .

Filmography

Feature films

Garlin began appearing in feature films in the early 1990s, typically in supporting comedic roles that leveraged his improvisational style and physical presence. His early credits include small parts in films like Hero (1992), where he played a news vendor, and I Love Trouble (1994) as Dr. Ramirez. Over time, he transitioned to more prominent supporting roles in comedies such as Daddy Day Care (2003), portraying Phil, a father navigating childcare challenges.
YearTitleRoleNotes
1992HeroNews VendorSupporting role
1994I Love TroubleDr. RamirezSupporting role
1995The Computer Wore Tennis ShoesAgent ReeseSupporting role
1997Dear GodFBI AgentMinor role
1997Grosse Pointe BlankDr. OatmanSupporting role
1998SenselessArlo the RealtorSupporting role
1999Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged MeCyclopsCameo role
2000What Planet Are You From?KenSupporting role
2000Little NickyRefereeMinor role
2001Bubble BoyPopSupporting role
2002Run Ronnie RunTerrySupporting role; directed by Bob Odenkirk
2002The Third WheelMichaelSupporting role
2003Daddy Day CarePhilSupporting role
2003A Mighty WindGeorge MenschellSupporting role in mockumentary
2004SleepoverJaySupporting role
2004After the SunsetRonMinor role
2005Fun with Dick and JaneGrocery Store ManagerSupporting role
2005The RingerSteve BarkerSupporting role
2006The Shaggy DogElliotSupporting role
2006I Want Someone to Eat Cheese WithJames AaronLead role; also director, writer, producer
2008The RockerStanSupporting role
2010The Bounty HunterSidSupporting role
2012Safety Not GuaranteedMr. BrittSupporting role
2012Adventures in the Sin BinDean TheatardSupporting role
2013Dealin' with IdiotsMax MorrisLead role; also director, screenwriter
2014LaggiesDadSupporting role
2017Handsome: A Netflix Mystery MovieGene HandsomeLead role; also director, screenwriter, executive producer
2017The HouseTomSupporting role
2018Dragged Across ConcreteMr. EdMinor role
2022BabylonDon WallachSupporting role
2022Studio 666ArtieSupporting role
Garlin also directed and starred in independent comedies like I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With (2006), which drew from his stand-up persona in depicting personal insecurities, and Dealin' with Idiots (2013), focusing on youth sports frustrations. His later roles, such as in Babylon (2022), showcased versatility in ensemble casts exploring Hollywood's excesses.

Television series


Garlin achieved prominence in television through his portrayal of , the exasperated best friend and manager to Larry David's character, in the HBO series . The improvised comedy aired from October 15, 2000, to April 7, 2024, spanning 12 seasons and 120 episodes. In addition to acting, Garlin served as an for the series.

From 2013 to 2021, Garlin starred as Murray Goldberg, the frugal and often irritable father, in the ABC sitcom The Goldbergs, inspired by creator Adam F. Goldberg's real family. He appeared in 169 episodes across the first nine seasons but departed midway through production of Season 9 on December 17, 2021. The exit followed an internal investigation prompted by multiple employee complaints about Garlin's on-set conduct, including inappropriate sexual comments, horseplay, and off-color jokes. Garlin declined to sign company-wide protocols aimed at modifying his behavior, opting instead to leave voluntarily, though co-star described the development as "a long time coming" due to ongoing tensions. The character's storyline was resolved by killing off Murray in the Season 10 premiere.
Garlin has made recurring and guest appearances in other series, including the role of Mort Meyers, the Bluth family lawyer, in across its original run (2003–2006) and revivals (2013, 2018–2019). Earlier credits encompass guest spots as Marvin in (1992–1995, three episodes) and supporting roles in shows like and .
Years ActiveTitleRoleEpisodes
2000–2024Curb Your EnthusiasmJeff Greene120
2013–2021The GoldbergsMurray Goldberg169
2003–2019Arrested DevelopmentMort MeyersRecurring (specific count unavailable)

Voice work and other media

Garlin provided the voice of Captain B. McCrea, the obese commander of the spaceship, in Pixar's (2008). He voiced the unicorn Buttercup in (2010) and reprised the role in (2019). In (2011), Garlin lent his voice to Otis, a . His other animated film credits include Perry Babcock, a , in (2012). Beyond feature films, Garlin has contributed voices to television and shorts, such as in episodes of and , though these roles were limited. In non-acting media, Garlin hosted the podcast By the Way, In Conversation with Jeff Garlin, which featured informal discussions with entertainment figures and ran from around 2013. He co-hosted The History of Curb Your Enthusiasm with Susie Essman starting in 2024, providing episode recaps of the HBO series. Garlin appeared as a guest on NPR's Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! in September 2013. Garlin authored the nonfiction book Curbing It (2012), detailing his efforts to address personal habits like through behavioral changes. He also wrote My Footprint: Carrying the Weight of the World, focusing on environmental impact and lifestyle adjustments.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.