News of Larry King’s demise has left many across the world shocked. From athletes to musicians, actors to politicians worldwide paid rich tributes after King passed away on January 23 at a Los Angeles hospital. He was 87-years-old.
King entertained audiences worldwide with his conversations with celebrities, athletes and leaders from across the world for nearly half a century. His interviewing style was one of a kind. He had a non-confrontational approach when it came to his interviews.
The coke-bottle glasses and the suspenders were his trademark. Known for his professionalism, King kept his questions direct and open-ended. He kept his guests at ease. The only other interviewer who comes closest to King is UK’s Graham Norton.
Brooklyn-born King started his career as a journalist in Florida and radio-broadcaster. In 1978, King began hosting the all-night radio show called The Larry King Show. In 1985, King joined CNN and was hosting the Larry King Live up until 2010.
King has interviewed world leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, US Presidents Bill Clinton, Gerald Ford, George Bush, former British PM Margaret Thatcher to name a few. He has also interviewed rising and upcoming talent, however, King is best known to interview the common man, share stories and discuss daily life.
Dubbed the ‘Muhammed Ali of the broadcast interview', King has hosted at least 50,000 interviews in his career. He co-founded and started his own production company, Ora TV in 2012. The company celebrated the 100th episode of Larry King Now, a show he started on CNN in 1985. The show has also aired on Hulu and RT America. King made it clear that he has no intention of ever retiring and will continue to do shows till his last breath.
King has won countless awards, including the Peabody Award for Excellence in broadcasting for his radio and TV shows. He has also appeared in camoes in multiple TV shows and movies as himself.
King has been married eight times to seven women and has five children, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. 2020 was a rough year for King as he lost two children within weeks. Their passing away affected King deeply.
King had several health problems over the years. Reportedly, King had tested positive for Covid-19 and hospitalised in Los Angeles on January 2, 2021.
