Larry David, the comedian and actor best known for creating and starring in the hit TV shows Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm, has a surprising connection to a prominent politician. He is a distant cousin of Bernie Sanders, the senator from Vermont and former presidential candidate.
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How Did Larry David Find Out About His Relation to Bernie Sanders?
Larry David discovered his relation to Bernie Sanders in 2017, when he participated in the PBS genealogy show Finding Your Roots. The show’s host, Henry Louis Gates Jr., revealed to David that he and Sanders share a common ancestor who lived in Eastern Europe in the 19th century. According to PBS, they are sixth cousins once removed
David was shocked and delighted by the news. He said, “I was very happy about that. I thought there must have been some connection.”
How Did Larry David Impersonate Bernie Sanders on Saturday Night Live?
Larry David’s relation to Bernie Sanders is not only a curious fact, but also a source of comedy. Since 2015, David has made recurring guest appearances on Saturday Night Live, where he impersonates Sanders with his signature voice and mannerisms. He has spoofed Sanders’ speeches, debates, rallies, and interviews, often poking fun at his policies, personality, and appearance.
David’s impersonation of Sanders is so convincing that even Sanders himself has praised it. He said, “He does me better than I do.” He also appeared alongside David on SNL in 2016, playing a relative of David’s character in a sketch.
What Do Larry David and Bernie Sanders Have in Common?
Larry David and Bernie Sanders may be distant cousins, but they also have some similarities in their backgrounds and careers. Both of them were born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, in Jewish families. Both of them attended public schools and later graduated from public universities. Both of them started their careers in the 1970s as outsiders and rebels in their respective fields: comedy and politics. Both of them achieved fame and success later in life, after decades of hard work and perseverance.
David and Sanders also share some views on social issues, such as health care, climate change, and income inequality. David is a democrat who supported Barack Obama and campaigned for him in 2008 and 2012. He also endorsed Sanders in 2016 and 2020, saying that he is “the only guy who’s talking about the issues that really matter to people.”
What Do Larry David and Bernie Sanders Think of Each Other?
Larry David and Bernie Sanders have expressed mutual admiration and respect for each other. They have met several times, both on and off screen, and have exchanged compliments and jokes.
David said that he likes Sanders because he is “honest” and “not beholden to anyone.” He also said that he feels a kinship with him because they are both “curmudgeons.”
Sanders said that he likes David because he is “very smart” and “very funny.” He also said that he feels a connection with him because they are both “proud of their heritage.”
Larry David and Bernie Sanders are two remarkable figures who have made an impact on American culture and politics. They are also two cousins who have a lot in common, despite their different paths in life. They are proof that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction, and sometimes fiction is funnier than truth.
