I think it's one of the main negative emotional ingredients that

Yes — that quote is correctly attributed to Garry Shandling (1949–2016), the American comedian, writer, and actor best known for It’s Garry Shandling’s Show and The Larry Sanders Show.

“I think it's one of the main negative emotional ingredients that fuels show business, because there's so much at stake and the fear of failure looms large.”
— Garry Shandling

Context and Background

Garry Shandling made this observation in an interview reflecting on the emotional pressures and psychological complexity of the entertainment industry. Known for his introspective humor and self-aware style, Shandling often explored the tension between artistic ambition and insecurity — both in his personal reflections and through his television work, especially The Larry Sanders Show, which satirized the anxieties of fame and performance.

In this quote, he identifies fear of failure as a powerful but destructive motivator within show business — an emotion that drives creativity and ambition but also leads to burnout, ego struggles, and self-doubt.

Interpretation

• “Negative emotional ingredients” — suggests that much of show business runs on unhealthy motivations like anxiety, competition, and self-comparison.

• “So much at stake” — highlights the high emotional and reputational risks inherent in performing arts.

• “Fear of failure looms large” — acknowledges how even successful artists wrestle with insecurity and the need for validation.

Summary

Garry Shandling’s quote captures his characteristic blend of insight and vulnerability. As someone who deeply analyzed both the comedy world and human behavior, he recognized that the same fears that drive ambition can also undermine happiness. His reflection serves as both a critique of Hollywood’s emotional costs and a universal truth about the fragility of success and self-worth.