Larry's odyssey in the realm of entertainment commenced when he was merely eleven years of age, utterly captivated by a mesmerizing magician's display at a Cub Scout gathering. As he entered the threshold of adolescence, by the tender age of fourteen, he had already embarked on a professional journey as a magician, and within the span of six years, he had successfully carved out a reputation for himself as one of the most sought-after and dynamic young performers in the Minneapolis and St. Paul metropolitan areas.
As Larry's fascination with the mystical arts continued to unfold, he stumbled upon a previously unknown affinity for the realm of sales. This newfound passion was sparked by the charismatic carnival pitchmen who, with their silver tongues and sleight of hand, effortlessly convinced crowds to part with their hard-earned cash. Inspired by these masters of persuasion, Larry crafted a sales pitch around a trick deck of cards, which he then used to enthrall audiences at fairs and festivals across the land.
With his entrepreneurial spirit burning brighter than ever, Larry embarked on a journey that would take him to the very pinnacle of the sales world. He began working alongside a seasoned career pitchman, who introduced him to a plethora of innovative products that would captivate the hearts and wallets of consumers for years to come.
Among these products were the legendary Ginsu knives, known for their razor-sharp blades and durability; the Roll-A-Matic kitchen mops, designed to make quick work of even the most stubborn messes; and the Miracle Slicer, a culinary marvel that could effortlessly slice through even the toughest ingredients.
Over the course of the next two decades, Larry would continue to work with these products, honing his sales skills and developing a reputation as a master pitchman in his own right. His journey was one of constant learning, growth, and adaptation, as he navigated the ever-changing landscape of the sales world with ease and aplomb.
Larry's academic journey began at the University of Minnesota, where he pursued a degree in theatre arts, laying the foundation for a future career that would blend creativity with technical expertise. Subsequently, he enrolled at the Brown Institute, where he delved into the realm of television production, acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the medium. During his time at the Institute, Larry had the opportunity to hone his skills as a cameraman, working alongside the esteemed ABC and PBS affiliates in the Twin Cities.
Larry embarked on a promising career in the entertainment industry, securing a position with renowned magician Mark Wilson, where he served as a technical advisor for various film and television projects that featured magic as a central component. His expertise and knowledge in the field of magic were instrumental in ensuring the seamless integration of this captivating art form into the narrative of these productions.
Larry's aspiration to become a skilled actor drove him to intensely study the art of acting through rigorous classes, extensive movie analysis, and profound plays. He sought out the tutelage of renowned instructors such as Stella Adler, Robert Lewis, and Jose Quintero, mastering the nuances of dramatic acting under their guidance.
Yet, it was during a comedy improvisation workshop that Larry underwent a transformative experience as a performer. This workshop served as the catalyst for the creation of Tap City, an improvisational troupe that he not only directed but also performed in weekly at the iconic Comedy Store in Hollywood.
Larry, a talented yet financially struggling actor, supplemented his income by working occasional fairs and trade shows as a charismatic pitchman, showcasing his impressive ability to engage and persuade audiences.
As fate would have it, his big break arrived when he secured one of the lead roles in his first television series, an NBC sitcom aptly titled Brothers and Sisters. Although the show unfortunately only lasted for a single season, it served as a pivotal stepping stone, granting Larry access to a plethora of guest-starring opportunities on an array of popular television programs.
Some of the notable shows he appeared on include Charlie's Angels, where he brought his unique charm to the iconic crime-fighting franchise; Happy Days, a classic sitcom set in the 1950s; Knight Rider, a high-octane action series featuring a talking car; Mork and Mindy, a beloved comedy that launched the career of Robin Williams; The A-Team, a action-packed drama about a group of ex-soldiers; Matlock, a courtroom drama starring Andy Griffith; Night Court, a humorous take on the legal system; Beverly Hills 90210, a popular teen drama; Boston Public, a gritty drama set in a high school; The O.C., a teen drama that followed the lives of teenagers in the wealthy and complex community of Newport Beach; Raising The Bar, a legal drama that explored the world of law; Desperate Housewives, a mysterious and intriguing drama about the lives of suburban housewives; Mad Men, a critically acclaimed drama set in the 1960s advertising world; Everybody Loves Chris, a popular sitcom about a teenage boy navigating high school and family life; and many more.
Larry's insatiable appetite for creative expression led him to venture beyond his initial area of expertise, casting a wide net to encompass various aspects of the film industry. He embarked on a quest for knowledge, enrolling in courses that delved into the intricacies of cinematography, screenwriting, lighting, editing, and directing. As he honed his skills, Larry's creative energy was channeled into directing two highly acclaimed plays in Los Angeles, where his talents were met with critical acclaim.
Undeterred by his success in the theatre, Larry continued to push the boundaries of his creativity, penning numerous film and video shorts that showcased his versatility as a writer, producer, and director. His prolific output also yielded several screenplays, each one a testament to his growing expertise in the art of storytelling. Moreover, Larry's contributions extended beyond the realm of writing, as he served as Associate Producer on one of his screenplays, Hot Moves, which made its theatrical debut in 1985, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.
Larry's initial foray into the world of television acting, courtesy of Turner Broadcasting's esteemed sitcom, ultimately served as a springboard for his subsequent transition into the realm of direction. His inaugural foray behind the camera, an episode of which he was entrusted with the helm, garnered him a coveted membership within the prestigious Directors Guild of America. This inaugural endeavour, met with widespread acclaim, subsequently led to his being commissioned to direct a second episode just a few weeks later, further solidifying his burgeoning reputation as a talented and in-demand director.
Larry's career trajectory continued to unfold in a remarkable manner, as he landed a significant role playing the son-in-law of a renowned actress on the ABC sitcom Life with Lucy, courtesy of the esteemed producers Aaron Spelling and Lucille Ball. Although this opportunity only lasted for a single season, it paved the way for Larry to make a memorable guest appearance on the Tonight Show, which was being broadcast live from a television studio.
That fateful evening, as Larry's charismatic personality and quick wit were being showcased on national television, a keen-eyed individual happened to be watching from the comfort of his own home. This person, none other than the renowned television producer Ralph Edwards, was so impressed by Larry's "magical" eight minutes on the Tonight Show that he was compelled to extend an offer for him to host the revamped version of the popular game show Truth or Consequences.
Larry has been a prominent figure in the world of television, hosting a plethora of exciting and entertaining programs since his initial rise to fame. One of his most notable endeavors is his weekly water-sports series, aptly titled Get Wet, which has been a staple on the Travel Channel for a considerable amount of time.
In addition to his work on Get Wet, Larry has also had the opportunity to host other game shows, including the California Lottery's Big Spin, and Trivia Track, which has been a hit on the Game Show Network.
But Larry's television appearances don't stop there. He has also made a notable appearance on the big screen, albeit in a rather unexpected capacity. In the Paramount film Star Trek: Insurrection, Larry played the role of an enemy alien, albeit one that was not easily recognizable as himself.
This unique and varied range of roles has cemented Larry's status as a talented and versatile television personality, with a career that continues to span multiple platforms and formats.
Larry has had a prolific career in the world of infomercials, serving as either the host or product expert for a multitude of successful campaigns over the past few years. Some of his most notable appearances include George Foreman's Party Grill and Rotisserie Oven infomercials, where he showcased the versatility and convenience of these products. Additionally, he has worked on various other notable infomercials, such as Wagner's Wall-Magic Home Decorating System, which revolutionized the way people approach interior design.
As his professional trajectory begins to loop back around to its inception, Larry finds himself eagerly anticipating the uncharted territories that lie ahead, with a sense of excitement and trepidation as he contemplates the uncertain yet thrilling prospects that the future may hold for him.
