Larry King's Biography

Larry King, born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger on November 19, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, was one of the most iconic American media personalities of the 20th and early 21st centuries. Best known for his long-running CNN show 'Larry King Live,' he became famous for his signature suspenders, casual yet probing interview style, and ability to draw out stories from world leaders, celebrities, and everyday people alike. King's broadcasting career began in Miami radio in the late 1950s and skyrocketed with his overnight coast-to-coast radio show, 'The Larry King Show.' He later transitioned to television, launching 'Larry King Live' in 1985, where he interviewed over 50,000 guests until 2010. He was celebrated for his direct questions, open mind, and willingness to let guests speak freely, earning him accolades including Emmy and Peabody Awards. Beyond TV and radio, King co-founded Ora TV, producing digital content and podcasts. Despite personal controversies and a complex marital history, Larry King's professionalism and gravitas made him a trusted interviewer and pop culture fixture. At the time of his death in 2021, his net worth was estimated at $50 million. Larry King's legacy endures as a trailblazer in modern broadcasting, remembered for his timeless advice: 'I never learned anything while I was talking.'