Larry King, the iconic broadcaster known for his interviews with celebrities and world leaders, has seemingly disappeared from the spotlight in recent years. Once a mainstay on television screens across America, the whereabouts and current activities of the legendary talk show host have left many fans and industry insiders wondering: Whatever happened to Larry King?
Larry King’s Early Life
Larry King, one of the most iconic figures in American broadcasting, was born on November 19, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in a humble background in Brooklyn, Larry had always been fascinated by radio and the power of storytelling. His love for broadcasting began during his childhood in Brooklyn, where he would spend hours glued to the radio, marveling at the voices that captured his imagination.
Childhood in Brooklyn
Larry King’s childhood in Brooklyn was a formative period in his life. Raised in a working-class family, he experienced firsthand the challenges and realities of everyday life. Despite this, Larry’s curiosity and passion for the world outside his Brooklyn neighborhood knew no bounds. The radio became his window to the world, introducing him to different cultures, ideas, and perspectives that would later shape his career.
Entry into Broadcasting
Larry King’s entry into broadcasting came at the tender age of 23 when he got a job as a staff announcer at a small radio station in Miami. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would span over six decades. His charming voice and natural curiosity quickly set him apart, and it wasn’t long before he found his place in the world of broadcasting.
Larry King’s First Job in Radio
Larry King’s first job in radio laid the foundation for his future success. He worked as a disc jockey and eventually got his own talk show, ‘The Larry King Show.’ His ability to connect with people from all walks of life and his unique interviewing style made him an instant hit. Little did he know that this would be the start of an illustrious career that would solidify his place in broadcasting history.
Larry King’s Career Highlights
Larry King Live
One of Larry King’s most significant career highlights was his tenure as the host of the groundbreaking show, ‘Larry King Live.’ The show, which aired on CNN for 25 years, revolutionized the talk show format. Larry’s conversational style and ability to make his guests feel comfortable enabled him to extract some of the most candid and memorable interviews in television history.
Famous Interviews on Larry King Live
Throughout his career, Larry King interviewed countless famous personalities, from world leaders to Hollywood celebrities. Some of his most notable interviews include sitting down with iconic figures such as Nelson Mandela, Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, and Elizabeth Taylor. These interviews not only showcased Larry’s in-depth research and preparation but also highlighted his talent for drawing out intimate moments and captivating stories from his guests.
Awards and Recognition
Larry King’s exceptional contributions to the field of broadcasting were acknowledged with numerous awards and recognitions. He was the recipient of two Peabody Awards and ten CableACE Awards. In 2011, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Larry’s impact on the media landscape would forever be engraved in the history books.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Legal Trouble in the ’70s and its Impact
Larry King’s career was not without its fair share of controversies and legal issues. Back in the 1970s, he faced allegations of grand larceny and fraud related to financial transactions. Although he was acquitted of the charges, this period of legal trouble had a profound impact on his personal and professional life. It served as a turning point, inspiring Larry to reconsider his priorities and make significant changes moving forward.
Public Feuds and Criticisms
Larry King’s prominent role in the media spotlight also made him a target for criticism and public feuds. From heated exchanges with guests on his show to disagreements with fellow journalists, his outspoken nature left no shortage of controversial moments. While some viewed these incidents as a sign of his passionate commitment to his craft, others saw them as a downside to his often combative style of interviewing.
Larry King’s Private Life
Marriages and Divorces
Larry King’s private life was just as eventful as his career. He tied the knot a total of eight times, with seven marriages to seven different women. His first marriage occurred in 1952, and he went on to have several high-profile marriages, including to Alene Akins, Mickey Sutphin, and Shawn Southwick. Although his relationships were often under public scrutiny, Larry always remained hopeful in his pursuit of love.
Larry King’s Children
Larry King was a proud father to five children from his various marriages. His children, Larry Jr., Cannon, Chance, Danny, and Andy, played important roles in his life. Larry’s dedication to his role as a father was evident, as he always made an effort to bring his children into the spotlight and include them in his life’s journey.
Connections to Celebrity Culture
Given his long-standing career and countless high-profile interviews, Larry King became intricately connected to celebrity culture. His close relationships with Hollywood stars and influential figures exposed him to the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. However, despite his connections, Larry always remained grounded and committed to his craft of honest and engaging interviews.
Larry King’s Health Struggles
Battles with Heart Disease
Larry King’s health struggles, specifically with heart disease, were well-documented. He suffered several heart attacks throughout his lifetime, prompting him to undergo various heart procedures. His resilience and determination to live life to the fullest, despite his health challenges, was an inspiration to many.
Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
In 2017, Larry King revealed that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer. He underwent successful surgery to remove the tumor, and his openness about his diagnosis served as a reminder of the importance of regular check-ups and early detection. Larry faced his cancer battle with characteristic optimism and a fighting spirit.
COVID-19 Complications
The COVID-19 pandemic, which engulfed the world in 2020, posed a new and unexpected challenge for Larry King. Unfortunately, he contracted the virus and battled its complications. Tragically, on January 23, 2021, Larry King succumbed to the disease, leaving behind a legacy that would forever be remembered.
Larry King’s Philanthropy
Establishment of the Larry King Cardiac Foundation
Larry King’s own health struggles inspired him to establish the Larry King Cardiac Foundation. The foundation aimed to provide financial assistance to individuals who lacked access to quality cardiac care. Larry’s philanthropic efforts in the realm of heart health and his commitment to helping others underscored his compassionate nature and desire to make a lasting impact beyond his broadcasting career.
Other Charitable Endeavors
In addition to his work with the Larry King Cardiac Foundation, Larry King engaged in various other charitable endeavors. He actively supported causes related to education, animal rights, and social justice. Larry saw his platform as not only a means to entertain but also as a vehicle for promoting positive change in society.
From Traditional Media to Digital Platforms
Move to Ora TV
As the landscape of media evolved, Larry King embraced the transition from traditional television to digital platforms. In 2012, he co-founded Ora TV, a digital television network that allowed him to continue doing what he loved most – conducting meaningful interviews. This move showcased Larry’s adaptability and willingness to embrace new technologies in order to continue connecting with his audience.
Larry King Now and Politicking
With Ora TV, Larry King launched his show, ‘Larry King Now,’ which served as a continuation of his interview style and allowed him to delve into a variety of topics with guests from around the world. One of his more recent ventures was the show ‘Politicking,’ where he explored the world of politics and engaged influential figures in insightful discussions. Larry proved that his appeal crossed generations and mediums, capturing the attention of both traditional enthusiasts and digital natives.
Larry King’s Retirement
Leaving Larry King Live in 2010
After an incredible 25-year run, Larry King announced his retirement from his iconic show, ‘Larry King Live,’ in 2010. The decision marked the end of an era and the passing of the baton to a new generation of broadcasters. Larry’s retirement left a void in the world of talk shows, as his distinctive interviewing style and ability to connect with viewers became synonymous with late-night television.
Post-retirement Specials and Interviews
Although retired from his nightly show, Larry King never fully stepped away from the limelight. He continued to host specials and conduct interviews on various platforms. His post-retirement work demonstrated that his passion for storytelling and engaging conversations remained as strong as ever, providing his fans with the opportunity to enjoy his unique brand of journalism.
Remembering Larry King
Tributes from Journalism and Hollywood
Following Larry King’s passing, an outpouring of tributes poured in from the journalism and Hollywood communities alike. Colleagues, friends, and familiar faces from the industry paid homage to his remarkable career, highlighting his influence on journalism and the lasting impression he left on those who had the privilege of knowing him. Larry King’s ability to connect with people and the impact he made on the lives of those he interviewed was acknowledged by the individuals who knew him best.
Larry King’s Impact on Media
Larry King’s impact on media cannot be overstated. He was a trailblazer who redefined the art of the interview. His conversational style, genuine curiosity, and ability to create a comfortable atmosphere for his guests set a new standard for talk shows. He became an inspiration for aspiring broadcasters and a beloved figure to millions around the world. Larry King’s enduring legacy lies not only in his wealth of memorable interviews but also in his ability to humanize the celebrities, newsmakers, and everyday people he encountered.
Death of Larry King
Cause of Death: COVID-19 Complications
On January 23, 2021, Larry King passed away at the age of 87 due to complications related to COVID-19. His death came as a shock to fans around the world who had grown accustomed to his indomitable spirit and enduring presence. The news of his passing served as a somber reminder of the ongoing global pandemic and the far-reaching impact it had on individuals from all walks of life.
Legacy and Public Reaction to His Death
The public reaction to Larry King’s passing was a testament to the profound impact he had on people’s lives. Social media feeds were flooded with tributes, testimonials, and fond memories shared by individuals whose lives had been touched by his interviews. Larry’s legacy as a broadcasting icon and an empathetic interviewer will continue to resonate, reminding future generations of the power of genuine conversation and compassionate storytelling.
As Larry King’s remarkable journey through life, broadcasting, controversies, and philanthropy comes to an end, his contributions to the media world will forever remain etched in the annals of history. Whether as a radio host, television personality, or digital pioneer, Larry King’s impact transcends time and continues to shape the future of the industry he loved so dearly.
