Larry King

Lawrence Harvey Zeiger (born November 19, 1933, – January 23, 2021), professionally known as Larry King, was an American television and radio host born in Brooklyn, New York. King became one of the most iconic figures in broadcasting history, hosting the nightly talk show Larry King Live on CNN for 25 years (1985-2010), during which he interviewed presidents, celebrities, athletes, and newsmakers. His distinctive interviewing style—conversational, respectful, and genuinely curious—made him accessible to audiences and guests alike. Before his CNN prominence, King had an extensive radio career spanning decades, earning recognition as one of the greatest radio broadcasters of all time. He conducted interviews with virtually every major public figure of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, influencing how celebrity and news interviews were conducted on television. King's longevity in broadcasting—spanning more than six decades—was remarkable, and he continued working into his late 80s. His influence extended to pop culture, with his distinctive suspenders, fedora hat, and cadence becoming iconic symbols of broadcast journalism. King received numerous awards and honors, including induction into the Television Hall of Fame. His legacy represents a golden era of American broadcast journalism and the power of the individual interviewer to shape public discourse.