Hollywood Embraces Mahjong: Larry David Leads the Charge in a Post-Pandemic Revival

Larry David, known for his role in promoting pickleball on Curb Your Enthusiasm, is now making waves in the world of mahjong. In a recent commercial for the YES Network, David finds himself in a frenzy when he cannot locate a game on television. He exclaims, “I won’t watch it. I’ll play mahjong! I don’t care.” This moment led to a viral exchange with Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay, who questions David’s interest in the game, prompting David’s memorable retort: “What, are you too cool for mahjong?”

A New Wave of Enthusiasts

David and his wife, Ashley Underwood, are reportedly learning mahjong in Montecito. The area is also home to Meghan Markle, who plays with her own “mahj squad,” including fashion designer Tracy James Robbins, cosmetics entrepreneur Victoria Jackson, and former WME agent Jennifer Rudolph Walsh. Godmothers bookstore in Summerland, co-owned by Jackson and Walsh, offers mahjong games and lessons.

Mahjong, a game with roots in 1800s China, saw a revival in the 1920s when Joseph Park Babcock, a Standard Oil executive, returned from China and collaborated with Abercrombie & Fitch to sell imported sets. He taught the game to Hollywood icons like Douglas Fairbanks, and soon, President Warren G. Harding and First Lady Florence Harding were playing in the White House. In 1926, Fred and Adele Astaire were photographed at a mahjong table in London while promoting the musical Lady, Be Good!

The Post-Pandemic Mahjong Boom

Currently, mahjong is experiencing another surge in popularity, particularly in Hollywood. This resurgence is attributed to a post-pandemic desire for social interaction, alongside the influence of celebrities showcasing their love for the game and the aesthetic appeal of collectible tile sets. However, some critics argue that the American adaptation of mahjong may stray too far from its Asian origins.

Suzanne Todd, a veteran producer who has organized mahjong games since 2003, notes that the game has become a social necessity. She states, “It feels like once you start, that it’s required. It’s that sharing of actual air space together.” Todd also highlights the trend of “hot girls having grandma hobbies,” indicating a shift in social dynamics.

The Allure of Collectible Tiles

The fascination with mahjong tiles has reached new heights. Todd mentions that “people collect tiles like they collect Birkin bags.” Initially, there were only two companies producing tiles, but now, owning a specific set has become a status symbol. High-end Crisloid sets, originally priced between $2,000 and $3,000, can now fetch up to $20,000 on the secondary market.

Co-founders of Mahj to Go, Lynne Spillman and Heidi Brooks, have been seen playing with celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and Cindy Crawford. Blake Lively even had her Oh My Mahjong set delivered to a courthouse in Manhattan to practice during her legal battles. A Hollywood mahjong instructor notes that many mothers in Malibu aspire to join Julia Roberts’ mahjong group, highlighting the competitive nature of the game among the elite.

Cultural Sensitivity and Evolution

The rapid commercialization of mahjong by predominantly white-owned American companies has raised concerns about cultural appropriation. These companies often replace traditional Asian symbols with various motifs, leading to accusations of whitewashing. The Hallmark Channel’s film All’s Fair in Love & Mahjong, which faced backlash for its lack of Asian representation, exemplifies this issue.

Despite the criticism, the game continues to thrive across cultures. Cari Kuprenas, a Chinese American mahjong instructor, reflects on her journey learning the game 20 years ago. She now teaches celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker and Jessica Seinfeld. Kuprenas emphasizes the game’s origins, stating, “This game has its origins in China but, in 1937, Jewish women made their version of it and that’s what we’re all playing. And I’m Chinese.”

The Game’s Unique Dynamics

Kuprenas describes mahjong as a blend of luck and skill, stating, “It’s 70 percent luck and 30 percent skill. So if I taught you tomorrow, you could beat me, even though I’ve been playing for decades.” This accessibility contributes to the game’s appeal, making it attractive to a wide audience.

In June, Kuprenas and public relations expert Carol Bell will launch a podcast titled Mahj in the Wild. Among the initial guests will be Jared Eng, founder of Just Jared, and Eileen Foliente, former membership director at San Vicente Bungalows. Their Mahjong Megachurch club aims to teach the traditional Taiwanese version of the game to a broader audience.

Maria Shriver and Hoda Kotb have also engaged with mahjong, learning from instructors at a retreat in Los Cabos. Shriver emphasizes the cognitive benefits of the game, encouraging women to learn mahjong for brain health.

Social Strategy in Gameplay

While many participants claim their mahjong groups are focused on enjoyment, Eng notes the underlying social dynamics. He describes it as a “little Hollywood,” where players are aware of who is present while concentrating on the game. Eng states, “In mahjong, you’re reading people and building alliances. You are paying attention to dynamics. It’s social strategy disguised as a game.”

As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.

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Published on 2026-05-23 21:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk