Larry Michael Hankin is an American comedian, actor, writer, producer, director and artist, who is most probably notably recognised for his role as Charley Butts in “Escape From Alcatraz”. However, among the younger generation, he will be best known for his role as Old Joe in “Breaking Bad”. Yet in his career as an actor that spans over five decades, Larry has played many parts and a great variety of performances. What people would be wondering the most is where Larry Hankin is today. If so, read on as we discuss the career and future plans of this veteran actor.
Early life and family
Larry was born on the 31st of August 1940 and will be turning 80 later this year. He is a native New Yorker who was born and raised in ‘The Big Apple’, but unfortunately not much else is known about his childhood or any of his close relatives. It is not even known who his parents were, but they’re probably no longer alive. Considering that he is a veteran himself, it is no surprise that his most ancient history would be covered in dust and secrecy.
Educational background
As much as Larry’s childhood is a mystery, so is the history of his earliest education. It is known though that Larry had graduated from Syracuse University in New York State, where he attended with fellow artists and life-long friends Carl Gottlieb and Frank Langella. Larry holds a degree in Industrial Design, and is a multi-talented artist who started his career in the entertainment business as an illustrator before turning to acting.
Career
After Larry graduated from college, he settled in Greenwich Village New York City with his friend Carl Gottlieb, the writer behind the film “Jaws”, and took up stand-up comedy at local coffee houses.
He subsequently did opening acts for legends such as Woody Allen and Miles Davis, gaining some fame with the Greenwich crowds. From there he travelled to Chicago where he joined ‘Second City’, but didn’t stay long, taking-off with six other members of the comedy club to start a new act in San Francisco. It was called ‘The Committee’, and was mostly an improv comedy act.
After his success as a comedian, Larry travelled to Los Angeles, where he experienced a bit of bad luck, being homeless before being discovered as an actor. Penny Marshal cast Larry in a dancing act on “Laverne and Shirley”, and from there he became a working actor in Hollywood.
Fans have plenty to be thankful for in regards to Larry’s discovery since he played a great variety of memorable characters. His first major motion picture credit was in 1979 alongside Clint Eastwood in “Escape From Alcatraz”, since when he has appeared in numerous comedic and dramatic roles in television.
Larry invested his first big pay check on a gamble for the production of “Solly’s Diner”, a short film which he wrote and directed, and also played the major role in. His gamble paid off, and the film was nominated for an academy award.
Larry has since appeared in over 150 films and shows, including the memorable character Mr Heckles in “Friends”, Monica and Ross’ downstairs neighbour. He also appeared in shows such as “Seinfeld”, “Star Trek Voyager”, “CSI”, and in most recent times, “Breaking Bad” and the Netflix original film “El Camino”. He also made an appearance in “Home Alone” as Officer Balzak.
Larry has recently taken to YouTube as a new medium, on which he uploads his own short films depicting the life of Emmet Deemus, in a couple of different settings. He has also written a book of satire and a few other publications. Apart from this, Larry also makes a life as a photographer and painter, selling most of his productions via his own dedicated website ‘The real Larry Hankin’.
Hobbies, favourite things and interesting facts
Not much has gone on record about Larry’s personal preferences.
Even his Facebook page remains vague on the details of his likes and dislikes, but in an interview on YouTube, Larry mentioned that he has ADHD disorder. He also mentioned that, like the character Emmet, Larry had been a motorcyclist for some time in his youth.
Relationships
Larry’s romantic involvements in the past, as well as the present, has been kept secret, and is safely hidden from public knowledge. It is not known if he has ever married, neither is it known if he has any children. To date, it is suspected that Larry is single and has had few to no relationships.
Physical characteristics
- Date of Birth: 31 August 1940
- Hair colour: Grey
- Eye colour: Brown
- Height: 6ft 4ins (1.93m)
- Weight: 147.7 lbs ( 67kgs)
- Shoe Size: Unknown
- Star Sign: Virgo
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Caucasian
Net worth
As an actor, writer, producer and director, Larry has raked in an estimated net worth of over $400,000 as of 2020.