34 Facts About Larry King

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Larry King, a legendary figure in broadcasting, had a life filled with fascinating moments. Let's dive into some intriguing facts about his early years and how he started his career.

1. 01Birth Name: Larry King was born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger on November 19, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York.
2. 02Family Background: His parents were Orthodox Jews who had emigrated from Belarus.
3. 03Early Tragedy: At age nine, his father died of a heart attack, which deeply affected him and his family.
4. 04First Job: Larry's first job in broadcasting was as a janitor at a small radio station in Miami.
5. 05Name Change: He changed his last name from Zeiger to King in 1957, inspired by an ad for King's Wholesale Liquor.

Rise to Fame

Larry King's rise to fame was marked by his unique interviewing style and ability to connect with guests from all walks of life.

6. 06Radio Show: He started his first radio show, "The Larry King Show," in 1978, which was broadcast on the Mutual Broadcasting System.
7. 07CNN Debut: In 1985, he began hosting "Larry King Live" on CNN, which became one of the network's most popular programs.
8. 08Interview Style: Known for his straightforward, conversational interviewing style, he often said he prepared as little as possible to keep the conversation natural.
9. 09Notable Guests: Over his career, he interviewed over 50,000 guests, including every sitting U.S. president from Gerald Ford to Barack Obama.
10. 10Awards: King received numerous awards, including two Peabody Awards and an Emmy.

Personal Life

Larry King's personal life was as colorful as his professional one, filled with marriages, children, and health battles.

11. 11Marriages: He was married eight times to seven different women.
12. 12Children: King had five children, two of whom were adopted.
13. 13Health Issues: He faced several health challenges, including a heart attack in 1987, which led to quintuple-bypass surgery.
14. 14Heart Foundation: After his heart surgery, he founded the Larry King Cardiac Foundation to help those without insurance afford heart procedures.
15. 15Legal Troubles: In 1971, he was arrested on charges of grand larceny, which were later dropped, but the incident temporarily derailed his career.

Memorable Interviews

Larry King conducted some of the most memorable interviews in television history, often making headlines.

16. 16Marlon Brando: In 1994, Marlon Brando famously kissed King on the lips during an interview.
17. 17OJ Simpson: He interviewed O.J. Simpson multiple times, including during the infamous trial.
18. 18Frank Sinatra: One of his favorite interviews was with Frank Sinatra, who rarely gave interviews.
19. 19Vladimir Putin: King interviewed Russian President Vladimir Putin twice, in 2000 and 2010.
20. 20Paris Hilton: After her release from jail in 2007, Paris Hilton chose Larry King for her first post-incarceration interview.

Legacy and Impact

Larry King's impact on journalism and broadcasting is undeniable, leaving a lasting legacy.

21. 21Longest-Running Show: "Larry King Live" holds the record for the longest-running show with the same host in the same time slot.
22. 22Retirement: He retired from "Larry King Live" in 2010 but continued to work on other projects.
23. 23Digital Media: After leaving CNN, he launched "Larry King Now" on Hulu and RT America.
24. 24Cultural Icon: King appeared as himself in numerous TV shows and movies, including "Ghostbusters" and "The Simpsons."
25. 25Influence: Many modern talk show hosts, including Jimmy Fallon and Conan O'Brien, cite King as an influence.

Final Years and Death

Larry King's final years were marked by continued work and personal losses, culminating in his death in 2021.

26. 26Continued Work: Even in his 80s, King continued to work, hosting "PoliticKING" on RT America.
27. 27Personal Losses: In 2020, he lost two of his children, Andy and Chaia, within weeks of each other.
28. 28COVID-19: In January 2021, King was hospitalized with COVID-19.
29. 29Death: Larry King passed away on January 23, 2021, at the age of 87.
30. 30Tributes: Tributes poured in from around the world, with many praising his contributions to journalism.

Fun Facts

Larry King's life was filled with quirky and fun facts that added to his unique persona.

31. 31Suspenders: He was famous for his suspenders, which became his trademark look.
32. 32Voice Acting: King lent his voice to animated characters in films like "Shrek 2" and "Bee Movie."
33. 33Baseball Fan: A lifelong baseball fan, he was often seen at Los Angeles Dodgers games.
34. 34Autobiographies: King wrote several autobiographies, sharing stories from his incredible life and career.

Larry King's Legacy

Larry King left an indelible mark on the world of broadcasting. His unique interview style, characterized by straightforward questions and genuine curiosity, made him a beloved figure. Over his career, he conducted over 50,000 interviews, chatting with everyone from world leaders to everyday folks. King's ability to connect with people from all walks of life set him apart. His show, "Larry King Live," became a staple of American television, running for 25 years. Beyond TV, he authored several books and made numerous guest appearances in movies and TV shows. His influence extended far beyond the screen, inspiring countless journalists and broadcasters. Larry King's legacy is a testament to the power of genuine conversation and the impact one person can have on the world. His voice may be silent now, but his contributions to media and culture will be remembered for generations.