Larry King, born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger on November 19, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, was a towering figure in American journalism. With a career spanning over six decades, King became a household name, renowned for his distinctive style and influential role in shaping modern broadcast journalism. This article delves into the life of Larry King, exploring his early life, rise to fame, and the highlights of his illustrious career.
Early Life and Background
Larry King was born to immigrant parents in Brooklyn, New York. His father, Edward Zeiger, was an Austrian immigrant who ran a restaurant, and his mother, Jennie, was of Belarusian descent. Both of his parents were Jewish, and this cultural background played a significant role in shaping King’s early life. However, tragedy struck the family when King was just nine years old—his father passed away from a heart attack at the age of 44. This event profoundly affected King’s family, leaving them in a difficult financial situation.
King’s early life in Brooklyn was marked by the struggle of growing up in a single-parent household. After his father’s death, King and his brother were raised by their mother, who worked tirelessly to provide for them. Despite these challenges, King was determined to make something of himself. He graduated from high school but decided not to pursue higher education, instead opting to enter the workforce to support his family.
The Beginnings of a Legendary Career
Larry King’s passion for radio and broadcasting was evident from a young age. His dream of working in radio persisted throughout his adolescence, and in his early 20s, he finally got his break. In 1957, King began his career in Miami, Florida, as a disc jockey at a small radio station. It was during this time that he adopted the name “Larry King,” a moniker suggested by his station manager who believed that “Zeiger” was too ethnic and difficult to remember for American audiences.
King’s first radio show aired on May 1, 1957, and his salary was a modest $55 per week. However, this humble beginning was the start of a meteoric rise in the world of broadcasting. King’s natural talent for conversation and his ability to engage with listeners quickly set him apart from his peers. His early shows featured interviews with a wide range of guests, including athletes, entertainers, and everyday people, showcasing King’s versatility and charisma.
The Rise to Fame: “The Larry King Live” Era
The 1980s marked a turning point in Larry King’s career. After years of working in local radio and television, King was offered a national platform that would change his life forever. In June 1985, CNN launched “The Larry King Live,” a nightly talk show that would become one of the most-watched programs in the United States. The show’s format was simple yet effective—King would conduct live interviews with prominent figures from various fields, including politics, entertainment, and sports.
“The Larry King Live” quickly became a cultural phenomenon. King’s interview style, characterized by short, direct questions and a conversational tone, resonated with viewers. He had a unique ability to make his guests feel at ease, often leading to candid and revealing conversations. This approach made “The Larry King Live” the go-to show for celebrities, politicians, and newsmakers who wanted to connect with the American public.
One of the key factors behind the success of “The Larry King Live” was its location. The show was initially broadcast from Washington, D.C., giving it a sense of gravitas and authority. King’s proximity to the White House allowed him to secure interviews with every U.S. president from Richard Nixon to Barack Obama, further cementing his status as a leading figure in American media.
By the late 1990s, “The Larry King Live” was attracting millions of viewers each night. In 1998, the show reached its peak, with an average of 1.64 million viewers per episode—a record for CNN at the time. King’s ability to draw in high-profile guests, combined with his unpretentious interviewing style, made him a beloved figure in households across the country.
A Shift in the Landscape: The Later Years
As the new millennium approached, the media landscape began to change. The rise of cable news networks and the internet brought new challenges and opportunities for broadcasters. For Larry King, these changes meant adapting to a rapidly evolving industry.
In 1997, “The Larry King Live” studio was moved from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles. This shift marked a change in the show’s tone and content. While the program continued to feature political figures and serious discussions, there was a noticeable shift towards lighter, entertainment-focused content. This change was met with mixed reactions from King’s loyal audience. Some viewers missed the hard-hitting political interviews that had defined the show in its early years, while others appreciated the broader range of topics.
Despite these changes, Larry King remained a dominant force in television. He continued to host “The Larry King Live” until 2010, making it the longest-running talk show with a single host in American history. Over its 25-year run, the show featured over 50,000 interviews, making King one of the most prolific interviewers of all time.
Personal Life and Legacy
Larry King’s professional success was matched by a complex and often tumultuous personal life. King was married eight times to seven different women, a fact that became a subject of media fascination. His marriages were often short-lived, with many lasting just a few years. Despite the ups and downs in his personal life, King remained a devoted father to his children and a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
King’s health also became a topic of public concern in his later years. In 1987, he suffered a heart attack, an event that led him to become an advocate for heart health awareness. King underwent several medical procedures over the years, including heart surgery, but he remained active in his career well into his 80s.
In 2020, Larry King faced another health scare when he was hospitalized with COVID-19. He battled the virus for several weeks before passing away on January 23, 2021, at the age of 87. His death marked the end of an era in American broadcasting, but his legacy continues to live on.
The Enduring Legacy of Larry King
Larry King’s impact on journalism and television cannot be overstated. He was a pioneer in the field of broadcast journalism, setting a standard for interviews that emphasized clarity, simplicity, and authenticity. King’s approach to interviewing—asking straightforward questions and allowing his guests to speak for themselves—was revolutionary at the time and continues to influence broadcasters today.
King’s contributions to journalism were recognized with numerous awards throughout his career, including two Peabody Awards and an Emmy. He was also inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame and the Broadcasters Hall of Fame, cementing his place in the pantheon of American media legends.
Beyond his professional achievements, Larry King was known for his generosity and philanthropy. He established the Larry King Cardiac Foundation in 1988 to help those without insurance afford life-saving heart procedures. Through his foundation, King was able to give back to the community that had supported him throughout his career.
Conclusion
Larry King’s life was a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. From his humble beginnings in Brooklyn to his rise as a media icon, King never lost sight of his love for broadcasting. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life made him a beloved figure in American culture, and his influence on journalism will be felt for generations to come.
In remembering Larry King, we honor not just the man who asked the questions, but the man who listened—giving a voice to countless individuals and bringing their stories to the world. His legacy is one of curiosity, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to the truth. Larry King may be gone, but his voice will continue to echo in the annals of journalism history.
