FISH IN THE DARK's Larry David Will Not Be Returning to the Great White Way: 'I'm Not Going to Re-Up for This'

Larry David isn't mincing words when he says he's not coming back to Broadway after his run in FISH IN THE DARK.

"It was an experience. Much like the Army," he told the New York Post. "But I didn't re-up for that, and I'm not going to re-up for this."

He was offered "several million dollars" to take the play to Los Angeles for a short run, but he declined. "The word 'no' has never come out of my mouth faster," he said.

Current star of FISH IN THE DARK, Jason Alexander, had a firm grasp of David's feelings about Broadway, telling the Post: "I think, if he dug down deep, he might tell you he enjoyed opening night. But the minute the first performance was over, he was done. I think -- I hope -- he will continue to write plays. But if you did not see Larry David at the Cort Theatre, you are not going to see him on Broadway again."

When the news came out that Alexander would take over the lead, David reportedly told the cast, "You finally have the chance to work with a real actor!"

Expanding upon this to the Post, David said, "I suppose on paper I'm a real actor, but not in my head. Much to my horror, my acting teacher of 40 years ago, Bill Esper, showed up one night. He seemed to enjoy my performance, but he's probably a good actor himself. I was inspired to become a comedian because I was a bad actor."

What do you think? Should David stick to writing or try to battle his reservations about taking the stage? Tell us in the comments below!

Larry David's record-breaking hit comedy Fish In the Dark, starring Jason Alexander and directed by Anna D. Shapiro, runs through Saturday, August 1 at the Cort Theatre (138 West 48 Street). The production began performances on Monday, February 2 with the highest advance sale for any play in Broadway history and went on to break three Cort Theatre box office house records.

FISH IN THE DARK also stars Glenne Headly, Rosie Perez, Jayne Houdyshell, and Ben Shenkman, heading a cast of 18. The production has scenic design by Todd Rosenthal, costume design by Ann Roth, lighting design by Brian MacDevitt, sound design by Rob Milburn & Michael Bodeen and original music by David Yazbek.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus