Larry David Reflects on 1994 Encounter with O.J. Simpson

Larry David, co-creator of “Seinfeld” and creator of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” shared an unsettling experience from 1994 in his authorized biography, “Emperor Of Nothing: The Making of Larry David.” Written by Blake J. Harris, the biography reveals David’s unexpected encounter with O.J. Simpson on the day of the infamous murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.

On June 12, 1994, David was breakfasting at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles with his then-wife Laurie, newborn daughter Cazzie, and comedy writer Alan Zweibel. Zweibel’s wife, Robin, joined them. This breakfast became memorable for Zweibel as it occurred the day of the tragic event. He recalled, “I will never forget that breakfast with Larry, or the date, because that night O. J. Simpson killed Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman.”

We saw him in the dining room the day of the murder! — Larry David

The biography reveals that Zweibel interacted with Simpson twice that day. Both had connections dating back to Simpson’s time at the University of Buffalo and his hosting of “Saturday Night Live” in 1978. “I spent a lot of time with O.J. that week and in subsequent years,” Zweibel noted.

Later that afternoon, Zweibel also saw Simpson at his daughter’s school dance recital. “Our daughters were both performing,” he explained, “and [on our way out], I again hear a familiar voice.” Simpson jokingly remarked, “Twice in the same day!” Those encounters with Simpson were chance, yet eerily memorable because of what transpired that night.

In 1994, Brown and her friend Ron Goldman were murdered. Simpson faced accusations but was acquitted in 1995. Additional reporting in October 2023 hinted at alternate theories involving potential accomplices and efforts to dispose of evidence, as reported by The New York Times.

Away from his recollections of the infamous events, Larry David’s biography also delves into his career before “Seinfeld.” Known for his unorthodox approach, David often walked off stage if audiences weren’t receptive, reflecting his struggles with performing. “I had a bad temper,” he recounted. “If the audience didn’t like me, I didn’t see the need to continue torturing them or let them torture me.”

David’s early career was defined by unpredictable gigs and resistance to his mother’s push for him to secure a stable job, like becoming a postal worker. “She wanted me to be a mailman,” David shared. Recalling his humorous take on why he couldn’t be a postman, he said, “The hail would have done me in, you know? I’m not gonna be delivering in hail.”

“Emperor Of Nothing: The Making of Larry David” was released on October 20, providing a deeper look into the life and career of the esteemed comedian.