13 Best 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' Guest Stars

Seeing another season of HBO and Larry David's hilarious comedy Curb Your Enthusiasm seems like a distant hope as the most recent Season 9 aired in 2011. But it's nice to flip through a few episodes on HBOGo (or HBONow) in honor of its 15th anniversary and see just how and why it is still considered one of funniest comedies of the 2000s. It's not just thanks to Larry David's biting comedy or his ridiculous quirks. It's thanks to the many incredible talents David surrounds himself with during any given episode. From Cheryl Hines' work as Larry's now ex-wife to Richard Lewis playing a more over-the-top version of himself, Curb always manages to bring out the best in funny men and women. That's why the show was always able to get the most uproarious and best guest stars throughout its run so far, guest stars on Curb Your Enthusiasm that make it better in every way.

Guest stars really did make the comedy in Curb Your Enthusiasm. Think about it, without having fellow comedians, actors and other side characters, how could Larry David's brand of angry, sarcastic comedy really land? It couldn't and wouldn't work as well. So on its anniversary, let's take a journey back through nine seasons of perfect guest stars on Curb and continue feeble hope that we will one day see a new season of the show again.

1. Bob Odenkirk

His name is Porno Gil and his clips, including one about Tobasco sauce during sex, were a little too raunchy to post here. Can you imagine a better guest star? Odenkirk is consistently a genius.

2. Julia Louis-Dreyfus

This should really be credited as the full cast of Seinfeld, who came together for a "reunion" episode of the show. And it is quite simply the best episode of Curb to date.

3. Tim Meadows

Tim Meadows plays Hal, a man Larry offends. But of course when it's time for Larry to apologize, he accidentally switches phones with Leon who gets Hal instead.

4. Stephen Colbert

Colbert and Larry meet on the street before Larry's big Broadway debut in The Producers, and Colbert wants Larry's help to take a picture. Of course he refuses and then the above scene happens.

5-7. Dustin Hoffman, Bea Arthur & Sacha Baron Cohen

Best to watch why these three hilarious celebrities appear on one episode together. Hint: Arthur played Larry's mother in Heaven and the other two stars are "guides" for Larry.

8. Christian Slater

Christian Slater is a caviar hog. That's literally the entire premise of Slater's guest appearance, and it's perfect.

9. Ben Stiller

Ben Stiller and Larry David are cast in Mel Brooks' The Producers on Broadway together. And hilarious drama ensues with the culmination being that Stiller eventually has to quit. Stiller appears on more than one episode, and every one is worth it.

10. Ricky Gervais

It's really hard to explain the point of most guest star appearances on Curb Your Enthusiasm, which is exactly the only thing you can say about Gervais' appearance. His storyline is specifically about how hard French bread is and how that plays into something Larry later does for Ricky on the subway.

11. Michael J. Fox

Just know that the whole episode featuring Michael J. Fox is literally entitled "Larry vs. Michael." And watch these scenes to understand why it's so funny.

12. Shaquille O'Neal

Shaq isn't in the episode for long but when Larry accidentally trips him during a Lakers game, it's absolutely hilarious and his presence is felt throughout.

13. Catherine O'Hara

Long story short, O'Hara plays a crazy person to perfection. She's always funny and this episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm is no different.

Images: HBO (6)