(HBO cable series; guest starred 1997-98)

Garry Shandling produced, wrote and starred as caustic television host Larry Sanders in this award winning comedy series for HBO. Because the premise was built around a struggling late night talk show, the series lent itself comfortably to lots of starry guests, and over the years almost everybody in the entertainment industry appeared on the show in some capacity.

Bruce Greenwood signed on for the next to last season to play Network Vice President Roger Bingham, who's been sent in to help increase Larry's soft ratings but ends up with Larry's ambitious girlfriend Alex (Melinda McGraw). Probably brought in to bring that particular storyline to a close, the plot was open ended enough to have him return for the final season, where Roger is a key player in Larry's eventual demise. Although Greenwood plays the same character in the second season, both his storyline and look are quite different where a more arrogant and distant Roger Bingham instigates the various changes that ultimately induce Larry's resignation.

Garry Shandling had already decided to end the show that year. Though ratings and critical response remained extremely high for cable, he felt the show had run its course and he was ready to move on. In addition to Shandling, the series featured Jeffrey Tambor as his insecure and somewhat dim-witted side kick and Rip Torn (who won two Emmys for the role) as his placating friend and savvy producer Arthur.

It remains a favorite, even in re-runs and several episodes (including those with Greenwood) are readily available on video.

Brillstein-Grey Entertainment / Partners with Boundaries Productions