The Remarkable Journey Of Larry King: A Life In Broadcasting (1933-2021)

Larry King was a household name in the world of broadcasting, known for his unique interview style and engaging personality. His journey from a young boy in Brooklyn to a legendary talk show host is both inspiring and fascinating. In this article, we will explore the life of Larry King, his career milestones, personal life, and the legacy he left behind.

Who Was Larry King?

Larry King was born on November 19, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York. He began his career in broadcasting in 1978 when he started a nightly coast-to-coast radio talk show, The Larry King Show, on the Mutual Radio Network. His talent caught the attention of Ted Turner, who hired King to host his own talk show, Larry King Live, on CNN in 1985. After an impressive 25-year run, King announced in 2010 that he would be stepping down from his role as host.

Early Life

Born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger, Larry King was the son of Jewish immigrants Edward Zeiger and Jennie Gitlitz. His father was a bar owner, and his mother worked as a garment worker. Tragedy struck when King was just nine years old, as his father died from heart disease. Following his father's death, King's mother struggled to support him and his younger brother, Marty, often relying on welfare. Despite his dreams of becoming a radio host, King's emotional stability was shattered, and he struggled in school.

Radio Career

A chance encounter with a CBS television announcer led King to pursue a career in radio. The announcer advised him to move to Florida, where he landed his first job at Miami radio station WAHR (now WMBM). Initially, King performed odd jobs and cleaned the station. However, after a male announcer quit, King took over his slot. Impressed by his work, his manager moved King to the 9:00 AM to noon shift, where he also hosted two afternoon newscasts and a sportscast, all for a modest salary of $55 per week.

At that time, King went by the name Larry Zeiger, but the station's general manager felt it was too ethnic and difficult to remember. Minutes before going on air, King decided to change his last name to "King" after seeing an advertisement for King's Wholesale Liquor. This name change marked the beginning of his rise in the South Florida radio scene, leading to his first television show in 1960 and a newspaper column in the Miami Herald.

Television Career

In December 1971, King faced a setback when he was charged with grand larceny by a former business partner, resulting in the loss of his jobs. Although he was acquitted in 1972, he was left with significant debt and a tarnished reputation. King worked hard to rebuild his career, contributing to magazines and working in West Coast radio. By the late 1970s, he made a comeback in Miami broadcasting, eventually starting a nightly talk show on the Mutual Radio Network.

Larry King Live, which debuted on CNN in 1985, became the first international TV call-in show. Over 25 years, the program attracted a loyal audience as King interviewed a variety of guests, from presidents to celebrities. His direct and non-confrontational style resonated with viewers, and the show became a staple for those seeking a platform to discuss important issues.

Other Projects

In addition to his broadcasting career, King appeared in several films and television shows, often as himself. He provided voice work for animated films like Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, and Bee Movie. King's passion for health advocacy emerged after he suffered a heart attack in 1987, leading him to write multiple books on heart disease. His autobiography, My Remarkable Journey, was published in 2009.

'Larry King Now'

After leaving CNN, King launched his web series, Larry King Now, in 2012. This show continued his legacy of engaging interviews, allowing him to connect with a new generation of viewers in a digital space.

Death

Larry King passed away on January 23, 2021, at the age of 87. Although no official cause of death was announced, it was reported that he had contracted COVID-19 weeks before his passing. His death was announced by Ora Media, expressing profound sadness over the loss of their co-founder and friend. King's ability to ask straightforward and direct questions made him a beloved figure, and many remember him for his unique interviewing style.

Personal Life

King was known for his multiple marriages, having been married a total of eight times, including twice to the same woman. His first marriage was to his high-school sweetheart, Freda Miller, at the age of 19. Throughout his life, he fathered four children. In 1997, he married his seventh wife, Shawn Southwick, in a hospital room just days before heart surgery. Together, they had two children, Chance and Cannon. Although they separated in 2010, they later reconciled for the sake of their children.

Quick Facts

• Name: Larry King
• Birth Year: 1933
• Birth Date: November 19, 1933
• Birth State: New York
• Birth City: Brooklyn
• Birth Country: United States
• Gender: Male
• Best Known For: Hosting Larry King Live for 25 years.
• Industries: Film, Radio, Television
• Death Year: 2021
• Death Date: January 23, 2021
• Death State: California
• Death City: Los Angeles

King's life was a testament to resilience, dedication, and a passion for communication. His legacy continues to inspire both aspiring broadcasters and audiences worldwide.