Larry King: Legendary Broadcaster and Host of Larry King Live Dies at 87

Larry King was an American television and radio host who conducted tens of thousands of interviews over six decades and was best known for hosting Larry King Live on CNN. Born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger on November 19, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, he became one of the most recognizable voices and faces in broadcasting.

King began his career as a disc jockey in Miami in 1957 and launched a nationwide overnight radio call-in show in 1978. He hosted Larry King Live on CNN from 1985 to 2010, a run recognized by Guinness World Records. He won Peabody Awards for both his radio and television shows, in 1982 and 1992.

King adopted his stage name minutes before going on the air for the first time, inspired by a liquor store ad in the Miami Herald. He was married eight times to seven women and had five children, two of whom died within weeks of each other in 2020. He died of sepsis in Los Angeles on January 23, 2021, at age 87, after being hospitalized with COVID-19. Remembered for his curiosity and his suspenders, he put countless guests at ease.

Achievements: Began his career as a disc jockey in Miami Beach (1957), launched a nationwide radio call-in show (1978), hosted Larry King Live (1985-2010), won Peabody Awards (1982, 1992).

Birth: November 19, 1933 - Brooklyn, New York City.

Profession: Radio and television host and author.

Interesting Facts: His first celebrity interview was with singer Bobby Darin. He changed his name after a Miami station manager thought his birth surname was too hard to pronounce.