Jeff Garlin, known for his relaxed improvisational style and distinctive baritone voice, has made a significant mark in the entertainment industry both as a comedian and an actor. Garlin grew up in Morton Grove, Illinois, in a Jewish family. As a child, he had a passion for sports but had to give up his athletic pursuits due to Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a heart defect that causes an elevated resting heart rate. Determined to overcome this challenge, Garlin flew to Oklahoma to undergo an innovative surgery for the syndrome, which ultimately proved successful and has since helped millions of others. In his early twenties, Garlin moved to Chicago, a pivotal decision that would shape his career. He began performing stand-up comedy and joined the renowned improv troupe, The Second City. During this time, he worked in the troupe's box office alongside Stephen Colbert. His Chicago years were also marked by a friendship with Conan O’Brien, with the pair becoming roommates in Wrigleyville, Illinois. Garlin collaborated with a host of comedians, including Denis Leary, Larry David, and Jon Stewart, contributing to their stand-up specials and material development. Garlin's most iconic role is that of Larry David’s affable and supportive manager on the HBO series "Curb Your Enthusiasm." The show’s entirely improvised format showcased Garlin's comedic talents and has led to further supporting roles in series like "Arrested Development," "The Goldbergs," and "Mad About You," in addition to numerous cameos on various television shows. Despite his professional successes, Garlin faced significant personal health challenges. Before filming the first season of "Curb Your Enthusiasm," he suffered a stroke at the age of 37, which temporarily affected his speech and served as a critical wake-up call. Since then, Garlin has been open about his struggles with weight and type II diabetes. He has compared his addiction to sweets with alcoholism and focused his memoir, “My Footprint: Carrying the Weight of the World,” on his journey towards a healthier lifestyle and new dietary habits.