Garry Shandling Dead, 1949 – 2016

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Actor-comedian Garry Shandling has died. He was reportedly rushed to a Los Angeles hospital today where he was later pronounced dead. The cause of death was reportedly a massive heart attack.

Update (March 29): Shandling hosted a weekly pick-up game of basketball for friends. His pals paid tribute to him with a final get-together at his court on March 27 and filmmaker Judd Apatow posted a group pic on his Instagram account with the caption: “One last game of basketball at Garry’s house to say goodbye.”

Comedian Richard Lewis was a regular and despite a broken wrist was there for the get-together. So was Kathy Griffin. And a guy with a leaf blower. While not everyone looks dressed for a spirited game of 3-on-3, it’s the thought that counts.

One last game of basketball at Garry’s house to say goodbye.

A photo posted by Judd Apatow (@juddapatow) on Mar 27, 2016 at 10:49pm PDT

Fellow actors and comedians – including Kathy Griffin who was with him four days ago – quickly took to social media to mourn his passing (see below).

Here’s The Larry Sanders Show‘s star’s hysterical network television debut from 1981 on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

Griffin was with Shandling and his former Larry Sanders Show castmate Bob Odenkirk – star of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul – this past Sunday.

Sunday, my longtime friend Garry Shandling was here, making every1 laugh. I loved him. I’ll miss our talks the most. pic.twitter.com/Ud8AQXNBXN

— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) March 24, 2016

The Larry Sanders Show ran on HBO from 1992 to 1998. Among the series’ dozens of celebrity guests were numerous musicians: Elvis Costello, Tom Petty, Beck, Ben Folds Five, Colin Hay, Warren Zevon and Sting.

Here’s Costello’s performance…

pic.twitter.com/IEkzbx6GBv

— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) March 24, 2016

RIP the great Garry Shandling. Surely, one of the most influential comedians of a generation.

— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) March 24, 2016

I can’t believe this. Very sad to say goodbye so abruptly. https://t.co/F89LbZXaER

— Mr. Bob Odenkirk (@mrbobodenkirk) March 24, 2016

Garry Shandling was a very special comedian with a beautifully unpredictable mind. He even voluntarily offered jokes and ideas for Oscars.

— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) March 24, 2016

Saddened over Garry Shandling. He was a comedy idol of mine. He leaves behind the greatest single-camera comedy of all time. #LarrySanders

— Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) March 24, 2016

Goodbye Gary Shandling thank you for your kindness and your generosity and for making me laugh so damn much

— Amy Schumer (@amyschumer) March 24, 2016

R.I.P. Garry Shandling. I am so saddened to hear this. Brilliantly funny and such a great guy. He will be so missed.

— Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) March 24, 2016

RIP Garry Shandling. #Irreplaceable

— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) March 24, 2016

Absolutely can’t process the loss of Garry Shandling. Such a genius, such a wonderful man, such an inspiration. I was so honored to know him

— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) March 24, 2016

RIP Garry Shandling, 66.
A very, very funny man.

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 24, 2016

Total f’ing drag about Garry Shandling. A swell guy, and as funny as they come.

— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) March 24, 2016

Garry, You were so kind, so funny, so smart. You were my mentor. You were family. This is all… https://t.co/IXeqSCZxjg

— Kevin Nealon (@kevin_nealon) March 24, 2016

The King family is shocked & saddened by Garry Shandling’s passing. Brilliant, funny & genuinely kind. A very rare combination.

— Larry King (@kingsthings) March 24, 2016