‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and ‘Super Dave’ Actor Bob Einstein Dies at 76

Bob Einstein, who portrayed memorable recurring character Marty Funkhouser on Larry David's Curb Your Enthusiasm, has died at age 76, according to Deadline. The actor, writer, and producer was reportedly diagnosed with cancer recently. He passed away on Wednesday (Jan. 2) in Indian Wells, California.

Einstein first made his appearance in Curb back in 2004, having just recently appeared in the show's ninth season. HBO confirmed that the show was returning for a tenth season soon, and it was reported that the show had already begun filming in October 2018. It is unclear if Einstein shot any scenes for the new season.

In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, David said, “Never have I seen an actor enjoy a role the way Bob did playing Marty Funkhouser on Curb. It was an amazing, unforgettable experience knowing and working with him. There was no one like him, as he told us again and again. We’re all in a state of shock."

In 1969, Einstein won an Emmy for his writing work on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, later winning an Emmy a second time in 1977 as a producer and writer on Van Dyke and Company. 

Bob Einstein's younger brother Albert Brooks paid his respects on Twitter, writing, "You will be missed forever."

Einstein also famously played George Bluth's surrogate Larry Middleman on Arrested Development, delivering a dry but comedic performance during the show's third season.

Einstein was the creator behind stuntman Super Dave Osborne. Super Dave anchored the early-’80s sketch comedy Bizarre as well as the late-’80s/’90s Showtime series Super Dave. Over the years, he brought back the character, notably in 2009’s Super Dave’s Spike-Tacular.

He previously appeared in numerous episodes of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, most recently sitting alongside Jerry Seinfeld for an episode from the ninth season in 2017.