Let's Talk About Larry King

 

He hosted over 50,000 interviews but Larry King's career was not without its challenges. He had struggles with personal issues and faced setbacks and controversies, but he would always remain committed to his craft and to his audience. King's impact on American broadcasting cannot be overstated. He helped to shape the way that news and information are presented and consumed in the United States and around the world. 

Larry King was a legendary figure in broadcasting who changed the face of American media with his unique interviewing style and his ability to relate to people from all walks of life. Born on November 19, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, King got his start in the 1950s as a radio host. His career as a broadcaster spanned more than six decades, during which time he hosted numerous popular radio and television shows. His crowning achievement was Larry King Live on CNN, which aired for 25 years and was one of the most watched and influential programs in broadcasting history. King's long-running show featured interviews with some of the world's most famous people, including presidents, celebrities, and business leaders. In addition to his television career, King was also a prolific author, writing more than a dozen books about his life and career. He was a beloved and respected figure in the media industry, and his legacy will live on for generations to come. 

Entertainment Tonight dubbed him the "master interviewer," and he has had cameos in over 20 films, from Ghostbusters to The Stepford Wives (2004). King has also been in TV shows like Law and Order, Boston Legal, The Practice, Arli$$, Murphy Brown, and Frasier. 

An interesting day in Larry King's life happened when he had only recently moved to Miami in 1958 and was still getting to know the area. Little did he know that his first major brush with the city would come in the form of a fender-bender. While the accident itself was not that serious, the other motorist in the accident happened to be: none other than the up-and-coming politician John F. Kennedy. According to King, Kennedy was understandably angry and asked him, "Early Sunday morning, no traffic, not a cloud in the sky — I'm parked here and you run into me? How could that be?" King never forgot the incident and he often laughed about it as he retold it in interviews, always in awe of the fact that he'd had a brush with history. 

Larry King's dedication to his craft, his authenticity, and his ability to connect with people made him a true legend in the industry. Larry King passed away on January 23, 2021, at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and inform generations to come. His voice will be remembered as one that represented the best of American broadcasting and journalism. 

Thanks for reading, 

Tom