IN THE MOMENT
When you head out to interview somebody, walk up to their front door and pluck up the courage to knock, it’s a lot like waiting in line for a rollercoaster. But on this occasion, our trepidation is dispelled when the door swings open and we’re greeted by the friendly, familiar face of Jeff Garlin, and welcomed into his Mulholland home.
You may know Garlin from any number of beloved TV and film projects. There’s long-running sitcom The Goldbergs, acclaimed cult comedy Arrested Development, Pixar smashes Wall-E and Toy Story 4, and then of course there’s Curb Your Enthusiasm – one of the most beloved TV shows in history, now in its 10th season, in which Garlin plays the manager of a perpetually obtuse Larry David. What you may not know about Garlin, however, is that he is a huge fan and student of the guitar.
At Garlin’s side is Sage, his constant cockapoo companion, who happens to be a TV star in her own right, having played the part of The Goldbergs’ pet Lucky from season three onwards. “She’s a bigger star than I am,” says Jeff.
Equal parts boisterous and gregarious, Garlin is excited to chat about comedy and guitars, as well as a few deeper and more philosophical subjects. His recent Netflix comedy special is entitled Our Man In Chicago but, although the actor and stand-up was born in the Windy City, Jeff’s musical epiphany actually occurred much further south.
You grew up in Chicago, a big music town.
“Yes but I moved to Florida in the 1970s when I was 12, so I was around the radio. My favourite music was R&B, like Marvin Gaye, Al Green and Earth, Wind & Fire.”
You were around when Tom Petty was happening.
“I discovered Petty from the movie , the song was . I love Tom Petty. I became a security guard for rock concerts – Tom Petty was on tour, I believe with Nick Lowe or Rock Pile – and my job when the girls ran on stage was to throw them off, but move them. I’ve since become friendly with Mike Campbell and pretty good friends with Benmont Tench. I had him on my podcast a
