Larry King

Larry King (born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger on November 19, 1933) was an iconic American radio and television personality whose career spanned more than six decades. Raised in Brooklyn, New York, he overcame early hardship after his father's death and his family's reliance on government welfare, eventually finding a passion for broadcasting while working odd jobs to support his mother. His first on‑air opportunity came in 1957 at Miami’s WAHR, where he was thrust into the DJ slot after an announcer quit, earning $50 a week and quickly adopting the stage name Larry King, inspired by a liquor store advertisement. King’s natural curiosity and relaxed interview style earned him a loyal following, leading to local fame with shows like Miami Undercover and a sports commentary role for the Miami Dolphins. In 1978 he launched the nationally syndicated Larry King Show on the Mutual Broadcasting System, a midnight‑to‑5:30 a.m. call‑in program that grew from 28 affiliates to over 500, cementing his reputation as a master of open‑ended questioning and giving voice to a diverse array of callers.

The breakthrough onto television arrived in June 1985 when CNN hired him to host Larry King Live, a nightly interview program that ran until 2010 and featured more than 30,000 interviews with politicians, entertainers, and everyday experts. His approachable demeanor, highlighted by bold, direct questions and an aversion to reading guests’ books beforehand, made the show a trusted platform for breaking news and cultural moments, including Ross Perot’s 1992 presidential announcement. King also ventured into digital media with Larry King Now and Politicking with Larry King on Hulu, Ora TV, and RT America, remaining active until his final days. Over his lifetime he authored several books, earned two Peabody Awards, an Emmy, and countless honors, and conducted an estimated 60,000 interviews, leaving an indelible mark on modern broadcasting.