‘There’s nothing interesting about me – and no interest in me’: how Larry David’s new biography nearly didn’t happen

Larry David's begrudgingly authorised biography, Emperor of Nothing, reveals the comedy titan's reluctance to share his life story.

The full report

The Guardian — Culture reports that author Blake J Harris convinced Larry David to tolerate him, despite the comedian's initial refusal. Harris's second book, The History of the Future: Oculus, Facebook, and the Revolution That Swept Virtual Reality, had been published the previous year, and he had gained a platform on rightwing media. Glenn Beck, a rightwing commentator, even asked Harris to consider writing his biography, which Harris politely declined. However, Harris started to ponder whether there was a public figure he would like to spend years researching and writing about.

Harris had an epiphany while taking a shower, thinking about the way Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm had shaped his sense of humour and worldview. He decided to write about the man behind them, Larry David. Harris had previously written a lengthy piece for ESPN to mark the finale of The League, a sitcom written and directed by Jeff Schaffer, who would become David's chief collaborator on Curb Your Enthusiasm. Schaffer liked Harris's proposal because he felt there should be a biography of his mentor, arguably the most significant comedy writer in American television history.

Larry David was initially hesitant, sending Harris a five-word email:

Oh Jesus. If we must.

and later telling Harris that he immediately regretted agreeing to the book. However, Harris's approach proved successful, and the two began a conversation about the New York Yankees, a shared interest that helped Harris make a good impression on David. The biography, Emperor of Nothing, is a 576-page tome that captures the spirit of the comedy great in ways that suggest Harris understands the Davidian shtick so well.

The biography, which is the first authorised account of David's life, is a testament to Harris's persistence and creativity in convincing David to share his story. Despite David's initial reluctance, Harris was able to build a rapport with him and gain his trust, resulting in a book that is both a biography and a tribute to David's comedic genius.