Larry Breeding (September 28, 1946 â September 28, 1982) was an American actor who had starring roles in the NBC sitcom Who's Watching the Kids? (1978âÂÂ79) and the CBS comedy The Last Resort (1979âÂÂ80). He also appeared in Laverne & Shirley and numerous guest roles on network television during the late 1970s and early 1980s. A charismatic performer with a dry wit and self-effacing humor, Breeding was regarded by critics as a rising comic actor before his career was cut short by his death in a 1982 automobile accident.
Larry Breeding was born in Winchester, Illinois, and grew up on his familyâÂÂs farm, affectionately called "Belly Acres." His father was a farmer who later became a banker, and his mother a homemaker. Breeding frequently cited his rural upbringing for instilling his work ethic and humor, saying, "My father always wanted to give his children things he never had⦠growing up in Illinois, I always ranked âÂÂmice over money.âÂÂ"
He attended MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois, graduating with a degree in theatre. During summers, he apprenticed at the Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan, Illinois, a well-known regional venue where he worked from 1968 to 1969. His early stage experience there, he later said, âÂÂtaught me more than any classroom ever could.âÂÂ
Before gaining attention on television, Breeding worked extensively in national advertising, appearing in over 150 commercials for products such as Haggar slacks, Chevrolet, and Dr. Pepper. His role as the âÂÂHaggar slacks manâ made him a familiar face to American audiences. He also modeled professionally and held various jobs, including walking dogs and selling neckties at Saks Fifth Avenue while pursuing acting in New York.
BreedingâÂÂs first film appearance came in The Happy Hooker (1975), playing one of the âÂÂJohnsâ opposite Lynn Redgrave. He also gained early stage credits in Chicago and on Broadway before relocating to Los Angeles in the late 1970s.
In 1978, Breeding was cast by NBC president Fred Silverman in the sitcom WhoâÂÂs Watching the Kids?, produced by Garry Marshall. The series, centered on struggling performers in Las Vegas, featured Jim Belushi, Caren Kaye, and Marcia Lewis alongside Breeding as Larry Parnell.
Breeding remained philosophical about the showâÂÂs failure, calling it âÂÂshotgun television. His easy charm and SilvermanâÂÂs support, however, led to further opportunities.
In 1979, Breeding earned his breakthrough role as Michael Lerner, a waiter and medical student, in the CBS comedy The Last Resort, produced by Gary David Goldberg and MTM Enterprises (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Lou Grant). The ensemble cast included Stephanie Faracy, Robert Costanzo, and John Fujitake.
Critics described the show as âÂÂbright, fast, and refreshing,â and BreedingâÂÂs performance as âÂÂboyish but clever.â Breeding, who had appeared in three failed pilots before, quipped that he was a âÂÂflop-upâÂÂâÂÂan actor who âÂÂmoves up regardless of how bad his last show was.âÂÂ
BreedingâÂÂs humor and self-awareness made him a favorite among writers. He credited his stage training for his improvisation skills, saying, âÂÂOn stage, if you canâÂÂt remember your lines, you still have to go on. ThatâÂÂs why television feels like play rather than work.âÂÂ
In 1982, he joined the cast of Laverne & Shirley for several episodes as Mike Bailly, LaverneâÂÂs boyfriend, reuniting him with Penny Marshall, who had attended his Illinois stage performances earlier that year.
Breeding was also active in summer theatre, performing in the play Deathtrap at the Little Theatre on the Square, where Penny Marshall traveled to see him perform.
BreedingâÂÂs comedic approach was described as dry, intelligent, and self-aware. He preferred âÂÂobservational humor to sarcasm,â striving to make his characters relatable without cynicism. Critics frequently compared him to Tony Randall and praised his blend of warmth and wit.
Breeding married actress Anne Bloom in May 1979. The couple lived in the Hollywood Hills, where, according to Breeding, âÂÂI get up in the morning, see the Hollywood sign, and it yells, âÂÂWork! Work! You have to pay for me!âÂÂâÂÂ
He was known among peers for his humor and generosity, and remained active in theatre and comedy until his death.
Larry Breeding died in a traffic accident in Los Angeles, California, on September 28, 1982, his 36th birthday. According to the Los Angeles Times, his car, a 1974 Jensen, struck a center divider at Franklin Avenue and Vine Street in Hollywood.