Comedy Samurai

Forty Years of Blood, Guts, and Laughter

By: Larry Charles

Narrated by: Larry Charles

From Peabody, Golden Globe, and Emmy Award-winning writer and director Larry Charles, a rollicking journey through modern American comedy, as he shares behind-the-scenes stories from his life's work.

To tell Larry Charles's life story is to tell the story of modern American comedy. Over the last 40 years, few comedians have been a part of so many iconic, beloved projects. Larry was one of the original writers and producers on the first five seasons of Seinfeld, directed over 20 episodes each of Curb Your Enthusiasm and Entourage, and served as the showrunner for Mad About You. His film directing credits include Borat, Bruno, and The Dictator, Bill Maher’s Religulous, and Bob Dylan’s Masked andAnonymous.

In Comedy Samurai, Charles pulls back the curtain on the making of his successful projects, offering sharp, never-before-told anecdotes about Jerry Seinfeld, Sacha Baron Cohen, Bill Maher, Nic Cage, Mel Brooks, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, and Larry David, among many others.

Perfect for fans of Seinfeldia and lovers of comedy in general, Larry promises to offer new insights about many of the most beloved shows, films, and actors of all time.

A superlative memoir of a brilliant and adventurous career.

I can’t think of a show business memoir I have ever read that is as fascinating and honest and eye-opening as this one. And harrowing — Larry Charles has not only done amazing work in his career, he has repeatedly pushed himself to the limit of pain and endurance and risk. His stories are harrowing and fascinating and often hilarious. He should get an award for sheer guts for the situations he has put himself in. And this memoir spares no one, not even himself. He praises and criticizes with equal clear-eyed honesty. I can’t recommend this book highly enough. And he reads it well - definitely listen rather than read.

LC brings the funny

Larry gives great insight on comedy and his career journey. Even moments of sadness paint a life of happiness and risk taking.

Larry’s Revenge …Ewe

I was looking forward to learning what Larry Charles’ long history of work was like.

The first half was “okay”. But it turned into a revenge book when he got into his work with SBC. I felt like he’s been waiting for years to slam him publicly to try to make himself look better. It seemed “extra” and made Larry look like an “a$$”

Also he took stabs at actors like Robert Redford, saying he had “work done” when there’s no credible evidence like it’s some juicy celebrity gossip. First who cares, and it’s not your story to tell Larry.

Considering his indefinitely and indulgence of his own bad behavior, he has no freeness of speech about what others did.

I actually gave up on this when I had 2 hours to go. He’s just not a nice guy who thinks he’s special.

Essential Insight from one of the few people left that cares about making Art

Incredible stories behind making his classic comedic contributions, and horrifying anecdotes about how the machinations of budgets and fame make decent entertainment nearly impossible in the US.

Pretty, Pretty, Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Good

Great stories and behind the scenes insights on some of the best comedy franchises of the last 40 years. Larry does a fine job narrating, as well. If you're into Seinfeld, Curb, Borat and/or Dylan give this a listen!