Larry was, for a brief period, one of the most recognizable cats in the country. He has not been seen since 2014. No one has ever been able to say with certainty what happened to him.
What follows is what's known.
Larry was, for a brief period, one of the most recognizable cats in the country. He has not been seen since 2014. No one has ever been able to say with certainty what happened to him.
What follows is what's known.
By 2010, Larry had become a genuine celebrity. His television show drew a large audience, and his catchphrase — "Meow's it going?" — was widely repeated and sold as a ringtone.
By 2010, Larry had become a genuine celebrity. His television show drew a large audience, and his catchphrase — "Meow's it going?" — was widely repeated and sold as a ringtone.
He starred in several films. His face was printed on merchandise. For a time, a Larry-branded popsicle was sold in grocery stores nationwide, before it was pulled from shelves.
He starred in several films. His face was printed on merchandise. For a time, a Larry-branded popsicle was sold in grocery stores nationwide, before it was pulled from shelves.
He appeared at award shows. He judged televised singing competitions. He cut the ribbon at the opening of a children's hospital wing. By most accounts, he was beloved.
The private accounts are less consistent.
He appeared at award shows. He judged televised singing competitions. He cut the ribbon at the opening of a children's hospital wing. By most accounts, he was beloved.
The private accounts are less consistent.
Downfall
The people who worked with him are reluctant to discuss it, and most decline outright. Those who have spoken describe a difficult and frequently intoxicated figure.
The people who worked with him are reluctant to discuss it, and most decline outright. Those who have spoken describe a difficult and frequently intoxicated figure.
He is said to have arrived at a morning rehearsal already drinking. He smoked constantly, including at public appearances. During one disagreement, he bit a producer.
He is said to have arrived at a morning rehearsal already drinking. He smoked constantly, including at public appearances. During one disagreement, he bit a producer.
There were a number of incidents. A few were reported. Most were not. Footage exists that has never been broadcast and, according to several people, never will be. By late 2013, the work had stopped coming. The calls dwindled, and then there was no one left to call.
There were a number of incidents. A few were reported. Most were not. Footage exists that has never been broadcast and, according to several people, never will be. By late 2013, the work had stopped coming. The calls dwindled, and then there was no one left to call.
Where Is He Now?
No one knows.
The last confirmed sighting was at a gas station outside Barstow, California, in the spring of 2014. He bought a carton of cigarettes and a bottle of water, paid in cash, and left heading east. There has been no verified contact since. No statement was issued. No service was held.
The theories vary. Some believe he is living somewhere remote, under another name. Others believe he is dead. Photographs surface from time to time; none have ever been confirmed to be him.
No one knows.
The last confirmed sighting was at a gas station outside Barstow, California, in the spring of 2014. He bought a carton of cigarettes and a bottle of water, paid in cash, and left heading east. There has been no verified contact since. No statement was issued. No service was held.
The theories vary. Some believe he is living somewhere remote, under another name. Others believe he is dead. Photographs surface from time to time; none have ever been confirmed to be him.
The last record of Larry is a remark from his final interview. Asked what he intended to do next with his life, he was quiet for a moment, then he said:
"I've gone through about eight of these. Thought I'd go find out about the ninth."
Then he left. As far as anyone has been able to establish, he kept going.