MovieChat Forums > The Larry Sanders Show (1992) Discussion > Arthur = Peter Lassally?

Arthur = Peter Lassally?

posted 13 years ago by eStreetBeat
1 reply | jump to latest

Anyone know how much (if any) of the Arthur character is based on famed late night producer Peter Lassally? The New York Times anointed him the "host whisperer" for his work with Carson and Letterman. More recently, he's credited with bringing Craig Ferguson to the late night scene.

Also, if I'm not mistaken, Lassally's somewhat legendary amongst show biz insiders for his work as Carson's button man -- the guy who ruthlessly enforced the king's rule. For example, he handled the "punishing" of Joan Rivers for her perceived betrayal of Carson when she supposedly went behind his back to launch her own late night show.

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[–] bgva 13 years ago

I just recently read the book "The Late Shift" and watched the movie, but I believe Artie was based on Fred DeCordova, who also produced "The Tonight Show" during the Carson era. That's according to Wiki.

Interestingly enough, just last week, I watched the episodes revolving around Larry's quitting and moving to Montana. A lot of "Late Shift" references in that story arc, including a direct reference to Jay Leno hiding in a copy room to eavesdrop on a conference call. Just minutes later, Larry hides in a closet to eavesdrop on Artie and the network exec.

Oh stewardess...I speak jive.