Ever since its debut in 2000,Curb Your Enthusiasmhas branded itself as a cult favorite. The reason? It delivers an unhinged and biting satire of everyday social cues and mannerisms. Led by comedy legend Larry David, who plays a semi-fictionalized version of himself, the hit HBO sitcom is all about having a laugh as Larry gets into some well-intentioned misadventures and somehow makes things worse with his ways.
Curb Your Enthusiasmwas a standout because it never relied on complicated plots or subtexts – it simply threw Larry intothe most awkward and believable situationsin Los Angeles. With no laugh track to guide reactions, the series’ own ability to churn out hilarious scenarios was genuinely remarkable.
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Central toCurb Your Enthusiasm’ssuccess were the talented performers that showed up in Larry’s world. Of course, no one was more maladjusted and egoistical than Larry David himself, but supporting players like Richard Lewis, Ted Danson, Jeff Garlin and Cheryl Hines as his long-suffering wife elevated the absurdity. Along with some mainstays, there wereintegrated cameos from big name comediansas well as actors who were yet to hold their own. This list focuses on just that. We have narrowed down 12 actors who got early spots onCurb Your Enthusiasmand were then launched into unexpected stardom.
12Anton Yelchin
In Episode 33, “The Blind Date,”Anton Yelchindelivered a memorable and hilarious performance as Stewart, Cheryl’s cousin. On a couple of occasions, he would refuse to give up the secret of his card tricks, and even when Larry got angry, he wouldn’t budge. He was just a teenager at the time, but Yelchin stole his scenes with effortless comic timing and the ability to hold his own against series veteran Larry David.
Yelchin Found Success in Star Trek
After his introduction to American audiences onCurb, Yelchin went on to prove himself asone of the most talented performersof his generation. His most acclaimed outing was in theStar Trekreboot, a role that established him as a skilled actor. Yelchin also stars in movies likeAlpha Dog,Green Room, andLike Crazy. Tragically, Yelchin would suddenly pass away in mid 2016, with his last film role being in 2017’sWe Don’t Belong Here.
11Kaitlin Olson
Before spending over a decade honing her skills playing a character who is equal parts pathetic and outrageous (yes, we’re talking aboutSweet Dee onIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia),Kaitlin Olsonhad viewers do a double take on her brief but remarkable turn as Cheryl’s sister, Becky, in Episode 8, “Beloved Aunt.” She originally had a smaller role that saw her butting heads with Larry over relationship squabbles. Only recently, she returned for a longer stint and dated Larry for a brief period of time in Season 10, starting with Episode 98, “Elizabeth, Margaret, and Larry.”
It’s Always Sunny for Kaitlin Olson
Olson’s razor-sharp humor and confidence came to define her career, before she was eventually chosen to play Dee on FX’s longest-running series. She would later star in movies likeThe Heatwith Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy, as well asLeap Yearwith Amy Adams. Olson would even get a lead role in her very own series,The Mick, which ran for a modest two seasons on Fox.
10Bobby Lee
Bobby Lee, a stand-up comedian and actor, popped up in a hilarious role as a Korean bookie named Sung in Episode 49 ofCurb Your Enthusiasm, which was also titled “The Korean Bookie.” Even in a tiny part, watching Lee screw Larry over was genuinely funny and infectious. It is true that his comedic stylings were beyond honed by the timeCurb Your Enthusiasmcalled him in. After all, Lee was quite well-known on the LA stand-up circuit, and he was the first Asian cast member onMADtv.
Bobby Lee Has Explored Multiple Roles
But in the years since, Lee has transformed into an unstoppable scene-stealing comedian whosefearless improv skillsgarnered massive acclaim. He has had small roles in a series of comedies. As one third of the beloved no-holds-barred podcastTigerBelly, he has also proven himself as someone whose opinions on pop culture and life are worth tuning in for.
He is also the co-host of theBad Friendspodcast with Andrew Santino (Ricky Stanicky), and he’s currently slated to play the role of Larry in Eli Roth’s upcoming film adaptation of theBorderlandsvideo game series. One of his latest roles was in the Johnny Knoxville dramedySweet Dreams.
9Oscar Nunez
You probably know him as the smartest guy in one of the most hilarious workplace comedy sitcoms of all time. But beforeOscar Nunezbecame Oscar Martinez, he delivered an understated performance as a parking lot attendant onCurb Your Enthusiasm. Coincidentally, it also doubled as his first-ever television role. Episode 5, “Interior Decorator,” sees Nunez putting on a thick Mexican accent and arguing with Larry about the most trivial matters. In this case, a series of errors puts Larry in a pickle when he can’t get his car parked.
Oscar Nunez Found Success in The Office
Nunez then found mainstream success inThe Office, where he was endlessly entertaining, vibing along with the surrounding zaniness at Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch. In acclaimed films likeThe Proposal,The 33,andThe Lost Cityas well, he has continued to lend his humor. Even thoughCurb Your Enthusiasmwas relatively early in his career, it helped Nunez prove his potential. His latest television role was in the now-canceled AMC seriesLucky Hank, where he starred alongside Bob Odenkirk.
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8Melissa McCarthy
One of the most versatile actresses of our time and recipient of two Primetime Emmy Awards,Melissa McCarthyis an essential part of modern cinema and television. In Episode 37, “The Surrogate,” McCarthy played the role of a salesperson at a toy store. She has an awkward interaction with Larry where she is all smiles while listening to him talk about biracial dolls.
McCarthy Became a Household Name
Not a household name at the time, McCarthy infused her character with the same inquisitive charm, compassion, and intelligence that would define her in The WB’s hit comedy drama,Gilmore Girls. Following that,McCarthy has won credits in hits likeBridesmaids,Spy,Ghostbusters, and more. Today, she continues to expand the idea of what female stars can accomplish, with her latest role being in Donna Stankowski’s 2024 Netflix comedyUnfrosted.
7Bob Odenkirk
A then little-knownBob Odenkirkdelivered a pitch-perfect performance inCurb Your Enthusiasmas Gil, a former adult film star who offered Cheryl an unfiltered glimpse into his career while sitting next to her at a dinner party. The episode was, quite unsurprisingly, titled “Porno Gil,” and it showed Odenkirk’s mastery of bizarre characterization and timing. Though he had a brief stint onSaturday Night Liveas well as his own show on HBO with David Cross,Mr. Show with Bob and David, his career really started to take off after his brief time onCurb Your Enthusiasm.
Bob Odenkirk Became a “Criminal” Lawyer
Odenkirk then took those skills to new heights with his career-definingrole as Saul GoodmanonBreaking Bad. A perfect comedic foil to the drug-making antics of Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and Jesse (Aaron Paul), Odenkirk’s performance is easily one of the most well-regarded aspects of the series as a whole. Odenkirk was so popular, his character even got his own spin-off series,Better Call Saul, which allowed him to channel both comedy and drama in an unforgettable lead role. Odenkirk has also starred in a bunch of other shows and movies, including FX’sFargoandNobody. His genius for making characters feel real continues to mesmerize us.
6Stephen Colbert
In Episode 40 ofCurb Your Enthusiasm, “Opening Night,”Stephen Colbertplayed an aggressive New York tourist who asks Larry to take a picture of him with his wife. But an argument erupts between the two after Larry fails and Colbert’s character puts a curse on him. With the subtle hilarity he infused in that brief exchange, Colbert left viewers wanting to see more of his unique and sharp sense of humor.
Colbert Took Over Late-Night
Of course, Colbert soon rocketed to superstar statuswhen he started hostingThe Colbert Reportin 2005. Through the show, he reinvented political satire in a way that’s just as commanding and relevant today. Currently, Colbert hostsThe Late Show, and has been doing so after taking over for David Letterman in 2015. Naturally, when Larry showed up as a guest onThe Late Show, the two looked back on their time working together.
5Doug Benson
Doug Bensonhas a very small role inCurb Your Enthusiasm’sEpisode 16, “The Acupuncturist,” where he plays Barry’s cousin. He wasn’t an established name then, which is why Benson’s character was easily missable. But since then, he has endeared himself to audiences with his iconic comedic sensibilities.
A Cameo Exploded Into Something Much Greater
He starred in the movieSuper High Me, which isa cult favoriteand enthusiastic documentary surrounding weed culture and its physiological effects. Benson went on to host numerous podcasts likeDoug Loves MoviesandGetting Doug with High, where he pushed the boundaries of the medium and explored thought-provoking ideas, proving comedy can be about and achieve much more. He would also drift in and out of the world of television and film, voicing Bane inThe Lego Batman Movieand starring as himself in the FX seriesYou’re the Worst.
4Jorge Garcia
In Episode 36, “The Car Pool Lane,”Jorge Garciaplayed a drug dealer. The conversation between Jorge’s character and Larry revolves around smoking cannabis to help with his eyesight, which is a classicCurb Your Enthusiasmscenario. From Larry’s over-the-top hilarity to Garcia’s deadpan reaction, every aspect of the episode is unique and effortless.
Jorge Garcia Found Success in Lost
In a matter of months, Garcia found worldwide fame bystarring inLost, where he brought heart and humor as lottery winner Hugo “Hurley” Reyes. He was also a member of the main cast inHawaii Five-0, playing the role of Jerry Ortega alongside other talents like Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Cann. In movies likeDeck the HallsandThe Ridiculous 6, Garcia balanced his dramatic skills with earnest laughter, with his latest role in the Max-exclusive seriesBookieleaning more heavily into the latter.
When Curb Your Enthusiasm Saved an Innocent Man from the Death Penalty
Curb Your Enthusiasm may be over, but we’re remembering when Larry David’s HBO show became the legal evidence that saved a man facing death row.
3Zachary Levi
Another star who earned fame after his appearance onCurb Your EnthusiasmisZachary Levi. In a tiny but memorable role in “Opening Night” as an “unreliable” Bellman who simply wouldn’t get a tip from Larry, he delivered every line with a smooth and inventive charm. The episode also features Jerry Seinfeld’s first-ever appearance inCurb Your Enthusiasm.
Zachary Levi Became a Superhero and a Spy
Levi has since become a familiar face, starring as Chuck Bartowski in the seriesChuck, a spy-themed comedic drama about an average next-door nerd who ends up working for the CIA. Levi is also known for starring as the titularShazam!in the DC hit film and its sequel,Shazam! Fury of the Gods. In projects likeTangledandThe Star, he lent his immensely likable voice and wit to the characters of Flynn and Joseph, respectively. His latest role saw himreplacing Mel Gibson’s performancein the long-awaited sequel toChicken Run,Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.
