When she's in character, Susie Essman viciously slams Larry David during episodes of HBO's acclaimed Curb Your Enthusiasm. But Essman isn't making a great creative leap as Curb's volatile Susie Greene. Essman, who's a female Don Rickles, recently talked about how much she likes working with Larry David and how she's not quite as crazy as the character she plays. - Ed Condran

Your standup persona is similar to your Susie Greene character. Did that help you get cast for Curb?

Absolutely. When Larry saw me, it was like, "bingo," she's the one." He saw me [do standup] before, but it wasn't until the Jerry Stiller roast that he realized that I was the one who was right for his show.

What's the best part about doing Curb?

I love the fact that I can do anything on the show. We're not tied to some horrible script, which is the problem with most sitcoms. It's great that we can just create on the spot. I would love to do some scripted material, but there's just not a lot of great scripted material out there. If there is one out there, sign me up. I can do script.

You tore into The Vagina Monologues off-Broadway.

Yeah. That was great to do since it's so well written. How could I not have enjoyed that?

The best part about seeing you or any other comic who is fast on their feet is watching improv happen.

I don't get the point of just going up there and doing an act. I live in the moment with an audience. Every moment is different. You can't get that time up there you share with an audience back after you're done. It comes and goes. I have so much fun up there not knowing what's going to happen in the next five minutes. What I like to do is create this whole family of people. When I perform, we're all in it together. For me, it's so much more fun like that.

What do your fans often say to you when you're offstage?

It's funny. People will come up to me and want me to insult them or a loved one like Susie does on the show.

Can you give an example?

They'll hand me their cell phone and say, "It's my husband. Call him a fat fuck." I don't really get fed up with it. I'm lucky I have such a cathartic role. We do many takes when I do an anger scene. Larry gets hysterical laughing when I yell at him. I curse him and he just breaks up and we have to do it over again. By the end of the day, I'm so relaxed, it's like primal scream therapy.

How much are you like Susie?

I'm more intellectual and analytical than Susie. I can get mad if I'm provoked, but I don't dress like her. I'm not Jappy like she is. But I like the character and I think that's why this show works so well. We like our characters. I enjoy being Susie and I know Larry loves being Larry on the show.

Wasn't your character pregnant a few seasons ago?

Yes. But it was never mentioned again. The reason I was pregnant was because Susie fell out of a window on sponge cakes. Then it was never mentioned again. There are some inconsistencies with the show but it's about the laughs.

Curb is outlined. How detailed is the outline?

It's very detailed. It's about seven pages. Each scene has two or three lines in the outline. It's all about the story. Larry is a genius when it comes to story. All the words just spill out of our mouths. We're never stuck or draw blanks. It flows.

Are you a prolific writer?

No. I'm not all that prolific of a writer. When I perform I bring out some of the "old faithfuls."

As in familiar material?

Yes. It's like when you go to a rock concert and you want to see your favorite group. You want to hear the songs that you're used to. I always try to do it a little different. And then there are the people who have never seen me before.

How long do you see yourself doing standup?

Hopefully, quite a while. George Burns was performing at 90-something. I remember seeing Henny Youngman onstage at 90. It's just something that you do for the rest of your life. There's no need to retire. Heavy lifting is not required.

Susie Essman
Jan. 25-26
Hilarities
2035 E. 4th St.
216.241.7425
Tickets: $28-$30