Are Larry David and Bernie Sanders Really Related? Know The Relationship

Larry David, the American comedian, actor, writer, producer, and all-around cultural icon, has left his mark on the world in several ways.

With a unique ability to stay true to himself, the Seinfeld star and his groundbreaking works make him such an inspiration to many.

Most known for Curb Your Enthusiasm, David has a shocking family tie with Bernie Sanders that may curb your thinking.

After David portrayed Sanders on Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 2016, many noted that the two looked similar. As a result, they questioned, "how closely are Larry David and Bernie Sanders related?"

Larry David Recruited to Play Bernie Sanders on ‘SNL’

On the SNL show in 2016, David spoofed his HBO sitcom Curb Your Enthusiasm and his Sanders impersonations titled 'Bern Your Enthusiasm.'

With his sitcom being promoted that night, David started the first Democratic primary debate with a skit and ended up playing Sanders throughout the 2015-2016 election cycle.

The comedian’s recruitment to play the then-Senator on SNL, according to him, came to action after the first debate between Sanders and Hillary.

He went on to explain that Lorne Michaels, the show's creator, received phone calls and emails all through the debate suggesting that the Seinfeld actor would be ideal for a sketch based on this trope.

The likeness between the two arrested the public's attention and made it easy to believe that the Senator and the comedian might be connected.

But, it took a long time for both David and Sanders to realize that they could be related and share the same family tree.

How Closely Are Larry David and Bernie Sanders Related?

If you've ever watched Curb Your Enthusiasm and thought that David and Sanders look alike, you're not alone. The news that they are related is true — but not by blood. It turns out that they are distant cousins.

When they were recording an episode of PBS' Finding Your Roots, the two were unaware of this information until it was revealed. The reaction Sanders had was of total astonishment.

He shared his experiences with people, telling him David pulled off a better "Bernie Sanders" than himself.

If you wonder, "how closely are Larry David and Bernie Sanders related?" they are cousins. (Source: Twitter)

Likewise, after he found out about the undiscovered branches of his family tree, the American comedian expressed his delight. “I thought there must have been some connection,” David shared.

All the specifics about how related they are have been quite private. However, David merely specifies that Sanders is “a third cousin or something.”

The Meet of Larry David and Bernie Sanders 

Both Sanders and David appeared on TODAY, where they looked to have known each other for a long time and are closely related.

The actor expressed his concerns about traveling places if his cousin gets elected president, which may be an arduous task for him but beneficial to the country.

And as a response, Sanders responds with a light-hearted quip, claiming credit for helping David land his place on SNL.

Despite their distant familial ties, the two appear to get along well and have a mutual appreciation for what they do.