Chapo Trap House 947 - Laugh Now, Cry Later feat. Larry Charles (6/30/25)
Jul 1, 2025
Comedy writer and director Larry Charles, known for his iconic work on Seinfeld and Borat, joins the discussion to delve into his memoir, Comedy Samurai. He shares hilarious yet poignant tales from post-war Brooklyn, the chaos surrounding a Secret Service encounter, and the role of drugs in shaping comedy. Larry also reflects on the unique bond between laughter and tragedy, the ethical complexities of comedy, and the evolution of humor within the American cultural landscape. Prepare for insights that transcend mere laughs!
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Humor as Childhood Armor
- Larry Charles used humor to survive harsh childhood violence in Brooklyn.
- Catch-22 showed him humor is possible even about death and war.
Brooklyn's Comedy Incubator
- Brooklyn's high comedy output stemmed from dense immigrant populations debating ethics.
- Talmudic traditions and absurdity awareness fueled a unique comedic sensibility.
Andy Kaufman’s Radical Comedy
- Andy Kaufman performed avant-garde anti-comedy that often provoked boos.
- Larry Charles embraced his risky, original style during their Fridays show.
