Never has a comedian worked an expletive with such finesse as Susie Essman has on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, now in its’ fifth season. As Susie Greene, Essman regularly serves up a tray of “You fat f$@#!” to her Curb husband, Jeff (played by Jeff Garlin).
Essman favors playing abrasive characters and also plays tough as Lt. Carbone in the feature film, The Man. While the noxious Susie Greene aims herself at anyone who crosses her, the warm and fuzzy side of Essman was always reserved for her beautiful Shih Tzu, Maggie, who, sadly, departed Essman’s life recently.
Essman grew up in Mount Vernon, New York and became a favorite on the stand-up comedy circuit. Maggie came about when comedienne Joy Behar played matchmaker and, before you could say pet carrier, Essman was on a plane to a California breeder to collect her five month old pup.
Essman says Maggie was very friendly and would flop at the feet of unsuspecting doormen to await belly rubs. She openly talks about Maggie with the honesty and ease that comes only from knowing someone well. When asked for a one word description, she delivered an atypical answer that seemed typical for Essman, “She was a blob. She was the laziest dog in existence. I would throw a ball and she would look at me like, Are you nuts?” All of this was said while a very obvious fact went unsaid, but was heard loud and clear. Essman loved this dog like crazy.
“They have such a short life span. Maybe that’s why they’re so wonderful.”
Maggie left Essman at the age of twelve and Essman feels it is important to note that she did not die young. “She lived out her lifespan. This is a cosmic trick that (the universe) plays on us. They have such a short life span. Maybe that’s why they’re so wonderful. It’s mushed into such a short time.”
Essman recognizes qualities similar to people and dogs. If Susie Greene from Curb Your Enthusiasm were a stray dog, would anyone rescue her? Essman returns a thoughtful analysis, “Susie Greene is fiercely loyal. She doesn’t turn on you unless provoked. If you treat her right, she is fine. So maybe she would be a good dog for someone.”
In the category of “this feels right”, it seems like the universe has lined up nicely for Essman. She has a wonderful career that is undoubtedly her calling, and her time with Maggie could not have been more right.
– Sue Schwartz
DOG BLESS YOU, MAGGIE.