“The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson”
Shandling first made a name for himself doing stand-up on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” frequently serving as guest host on the NBC late-night show. Leading up to Carson’s retirement in 1992, Shandling was one of the names rumored to replace him.
“It’s Garry Shandling‘s Show”
Beginning in 1985, Shandling co-created and starred in the Showtime series “It’s Garry Shandling‘s Show,” the fourth-wall-breaking sitcom that went on to be nominated for four Prime-Time Emmy Awards. Shandling himself received a writing nod in 1988.
“The Larry Sanders Show”
Shandling’s biggest and most influential role was as the creator and star of HBO’s “The Larry Sanders Show.” The show’s powerhouse comedy lineup also included Jeffrey Tambor, Janeane Garofalo and Bob Odenkirk.
“What Planet Are You From?”
In this comedy gem, Shandling played an alien sent to earth with one mission–have sex. His all-male planet can no longer reproduce and all their hopes for a future rest with him.
“Iron Man 2″/”Captain America: The Winter Soldier”
Shandling also appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in both “Iron Man 2” and “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” as the self-interested Senator Stern.
“Town & Country”
In 2001, Shandling starred alongside Warren Beatty, Diane Keaton and Goldie Hawn in the noted box-office flop “Town & Country,” playing the husband caught in a tryst with a cross-dressing man.
“The X-Files”
A small but memorable role for Shandling came in the seventh season of the first run of Fox’s “The X-Files.” The actor appeared in one episode with Tea Leoni as the Hollywood version of David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson‘s Mulder and Scully.