On January 23, the world lost a broadcasting icon. Legendary talk and radio show host Larry King passed away at the age of 87, according to a confirmation by Closer Weekly. Larry, a man who spent six decades interviewing everyone from presidents to celebrities, had been hospitalized earlier in the month with complications from COVID-19.
A Life in Broadcasting: Larry King’s Legacy
“With profound sadness, Ora Media announces the passing of our co-founder, host, and cherished friend Larry King,” said a statement from his representatives, delivered to Closer Weekly. “This morning, at the age of 87, Larry left us at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.”
For over six decades, Larry King was more than just a broadcaster—he was an institution. Whether on radio, television, or digital media, his interviews became the gold standard for journalism. Over the years, he conducted thousands of interviews, earning countless awards and global admiration. Yet, despite his fame, Larry always viewed himself as a conduit, never overshadowing his guests. “The true stars of my programs were always the people I interviewed,” the statement explained.
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Master of the Interview: The Larry King Style
Larry’s approach to interviewing was simple yet effective. He believed in asking short, direct, and uncomplicated questions, allowing his guests to shine. “Concise questions usually provide the best answers,” the statement elaborated. “Larry firmly believed this, and he was absolutely right.”
His style resonated with audiences worldwide, making him a household name. For 25 years, his presence graced three iconic programs: Larry King Live on CNN, Larry King Now with Ora Media, and Politicking With Larry King. These interviews remain a vital part of history, frequently referenced by media outlets globally as they document the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
A Fighter Until the End: Larry’s Health Battles
Born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger in Brooklyn, Larry King wasn’t just a broadcasting legend—he was also a fighter. Throughout his life, he battled numerous health issues, including type-2 diabetes, prostate cancer, and multiple heart attacks. His health challenges inspired him to create the Larry King Cardiac Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to those without medical insurance. This foundation was born out of his own experience undergoing quintuple bypass surgery in 1987.
In 2020, Larry endured immense personal loss when two of his adult children passed away within weeks of each other. His son Andy, 65, died from a heart attack, and his daughter Chaia, 51, lost her battle with lung cancer. He leaves behind his sons Larry King Jr., Cannon Edward King, and Chance Armstrong King, as well as his estranged wife Shawn Southwick, from whom he filed for divorce in 2019.
The Beginning of a Broadcasting Icon
Larry King’s journey in broadcasting began in 1957 when he took a job as a radio host at WAHR-AM in Miami, Florida. It was during this time that he changed his last name from Zeiger to King, marking the start of a legendary career that would span six decades.
