Introduction:
Larry Hankin is an American actor, comedian, and writer who has been in the entertainment industry for over four decades. Though he is a well-known figure in the industry, he is often underappreciated for his versatile acting skills and versatility.
From playing small but memorable roles in popular TV shows and movies to being a stand-up comedian and director, Hankin has done it all. This blog post celebrates his unforgettable roles in some of the most popular TV shows of all time, including Breaking Bad and Friends.
The Unforgettable Roles of Larry Hankin: From ‘Breaking Bad’ to ‘Friends’
1. Breaking Bad:
One of Hankin’s most memorable performances was in one of the most critically acclaimed shows of all time, Breaking Bad. In the show, Larry played Old Joe, the owner of a junkyard who helped Walt and Jesse’s criminal activities by providing them with discarded RVs and other equipment. His character added a much-needed comedic relief to the intense, dramatic show.
2. Friends:
Hankin’s performance in Friends was equally memorable. He played Mr. Heckles, the crotchety old neighbor of Rachel and Monica who frequently complained about the noise they made. One of his most memorable quotes from the show was, “You owe me five dollars for the cat. Oh, and congratulations on your engagement. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.”
3. Seinfeld:
Hankin also appeared in Seinfeld, one of the most popular sitcoms in history. He played a recurring role as Tom Pepper, a friend of Kramer’s, who is known for being a bit strange. One of his most memorable moments in the show was when he shared his “patented move” with Jerry, called the “spit pod.”
4. Escape from Alcatraz:
In this classic movie, Hankin played Charley Butts, a criminal who had escaped from Alcatraz once before. He was only in the movie for a short time, but his portrayal of Butts left a lasting impression on the audience.
5. Home Alone:
In Home Alone, Hankin played a small role as Officer Balzak, a police officer who checks on Kevin’s house after the Wet Bandits are caught. Hankin’s performance in the movie was brief but memorable, and he added a bit of levity to the tense situation.
6. Billy Madison:
Hankin’s performance in Billy Madison wasn’t very long, but it was noteworthy. He played Carl Alphonse, a man who called Billy Madison out for his academic achievements and taught him a valuable lesson about education.
7. Planes, Trains and Automobiles:
In this classic movie, Hankin played a taxi driver who takes Steve Martin’s character on a wild ride through the streets of Chicago. Though his role was small, he added an extra element of humor to the already hilarious movie.
8. Larry Hankin’s Comedy Career:
Besides being an actor, Hankin was also a stand-up comedian and has performed on multiple TV shows, including The Tonight Show. In addition, he has directed and written several short films, including Slayground and The Borrowers.
FAQs:
1. Who is Larry Hankin?
A: Larry Hankin is an American actor, comedian, writer, and director who has been in the entertainment industry for over four decades.
2. What are some of his most unforgettable roles?
A: Some of his most unforgettable roles are Old Joe in Breaking Bad, Mr. Heckles in Friends, and Tom Pepper in Seinfeld.
3. In which movies has Larry appeared?
A: Larry has appeared in movies like Escape from Alcatraz, Home Alone, and Billy Madison.
4. Apart from acting, what else has Larry done in the entertainment industry?
A: Larry has also worked as a stand-up comedian and has directed and written several short films.
5. What character did Larry play in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles?
A: Larry played a taxi driver who took Steve Martin’s character on a wild ride through the streets of Chicago.
6. What is Larry Hankin’s most famous quote?
A: One of Larry’s most famous quotes is “You owe me five dollars for the cat. Oh, and congratulations on your engagement. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.” from Friends.
7. What is Larry Hankin’s legacy in the entertainment industry?
A: Larry’s legacy in the entertainment industry is his versatile acting skills and his memorable performances in some of the most popular TV shows and movies of all time.
Conclusion:
Larry Hankin’s unforgettable performances in some of the most popular TV shows and movies have made him a household name in the entertainment industry. From his hilarious portrayal of Mr. Heckles in Friends to his comedic portrayal of old Joe in Breaking Bad, Hankin has proven that he is one of the most versatile actors in the business. Along with his acting skills, he is also a comedian, writer, and director, cementing his legacy in the entertainment industry.