Comedian actor Garry Schandling, popularly known for his works in 'It's Garry Schandling's Show' and 'The Larry Sanders Show,' passed away on Thursday due to a heart attack. 

Schandling was 66 years old.

The cause of death was still undisclosed but a LAPD spokesperson revealed that Schandling had a medical emergency and died at a Los Angeles hospital on Thursday. 

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Schandling did not have any previous illnesses or anything significant that could have contributed to his condition prior to his death.

Raised in Tucson, Arizona, Schandling started out as a student majoring in electrical engineer before finishing a marketing degree at the University of Arizona. When Schandling moved to Los Angeles, he ventured into scriptwriting and created scripts for 'Sanford and Son' and 'Welcome Back, Kotter.'

Schandling appeared as a guest host on the 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson' and was in consideration to become Carson's replacement.

The 'Larry Sanders Show'was picked up by Showtime in 1986 when Shandling became a host of the 'The Garry Shandling Show 25th Anniversary Special.'

'Larry Sanders Show' became a hit and was nominated for 18 Emmys, along with Peter Tolan, who won an Emmy in the series finale. The show made waves in TV comedy and inspired series such as 'Curb Your Enthusiasm.'

When David Letterman left NBC Network in 1993, Schandling was offered to take over the 'Late Night Show,' with a starting salary of $5 million. The comedian declined the offer.

Schandling tried his hand at hosting and hosted the Grammys in 1990, 1993 and 1994. He also hosted the Emmy Awards in 2000 and 2004.

Schandling was never married.

TagsGarry Schandling, Dead, 66 years old