Larry King
Learn about Larry King’s remarkable journey: from Brooklyn roots to broadcasting legend. Read his biography, career highlights, interview philosophy, and best quotes.
Introduction
Larry King was one of America’s most iconic and enduring voices in broadcasting. As a television and radio host, interviewer, and author, he mastered the art of conversation, engaging millions through his straightforward, curiosity-driven approach. His career spanned more than six decades—marked by tens of thousands of interviews, charm, resilience, and a deep respect for his guests. Even after his passing, his method and legacy continue to influence media, journalism, and public dialogue.
Early Life and Family
Larry King was born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger on November 19, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York. Jennie (née Gitlitz) and Aaron Zeiger, were immigrants from what is now Belarus. Jennie worked as a garment worker; Aaron ran a restaurant and worked in defense plants.
When Larry was nine, his father died of a heart attack. This tragedy forced his mother, Larry, and his younger brother to rely on government welfare support to survive.
He grew up in modest circumstances in Brooklyn. His schooling was unremarkable, and he did not attend college.
Youth & Early Career
After high school, King began working to support his family.
In 1957, he got his break at a small Miami radio station, WAHR (now WMBM), initially doing menial tasks—cleaning, miscellaneous maintenance—but soon was put on the air when a regular announcer abruptly quit.
The name “Larry King” itself was a creation for show: his general manager considered “Zeiger” too complicated, so King chose “Larry” (a simpler first name) and “King” (inspired by a liquor wholesale company name he saw).
He gradually became a radio talk host in Miami. Over time, his show grew in listenership and reputation.
Career and Achievements
National Radio Breakthrough
By 1978, King had moved onto the national stage, hosting The Larry King Show on the Mutual Broadcasting System, an overnight call-in radio show broadcast across the U.S.
Television Stardom: Larry King Live
In June 1985, King launched Larry King Live on CNN, which would go on to become his most famous platform.
His show holds the distinction of being one of the longest-running programs with the same host, network, and time slot.
One memorable moment: in 1992, Ross Perot publicly announced his presidential campaign on Larry King Live.
Late-Career & Digital Shift
After leaving CNN in 2010, King continued to host Larry King Now (2012–2020) on digital platforms (Ora TV, Hulu, etc.). Ora TV with his wife, Shawn Southwick-King.
King also wrote books, columns (for USA Today), and remained active in media commentary.
Personal Life, Health & Challenges
King married eight times to seven women, with varied personal stability across his life. five children.
In 1987, King had a major heart attack and underwent quintuple bypass surgery. He quit smoking after that event—he had been a heavy smoker (about three packs a day).
King also faced other health challenges over his life. In late 2020, he contracted COVID-19, which preceded his death from sepsis on January 23, 2021, in Los Angeles.
He is often remembered for his resilience: despite health issues, personal setbacks, and the shifting media landscape, he remained active almost until the end.
Legacy and Influence
Larry King’s influence on journalism and broadcast media is profound:
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He helped define the modern televised interview — conversational, accessible, human.
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Many later interviewers adopted or adapted his approach of letting guests tell their stories, rather than engaging in adversarial debates.
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His sheer volume of interviews (tens of thousands) provides a rich archive of public discourse over decades.
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He showed adaptability by transitioning from radio to television to digital platforms in the evolving media era.
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His books, columns, and public commentary further cemented his role as a cultural figure, not just a talk show host.
He is often referenced as the “king of talk” and remains a model for interviewers and communicators seeking to prioritize curiosity over showmanship.
Personality, Style & Philosophy
King’s hallmark was his humility and curiosity. He would often say “I never learned anything when I was talking”, emphasizing listening above all.
He shunned elaborate preparation. In fact, he sometimes declined to read guests’ books or fully research their background, so that he wouldn’t know more than the audience — believing that allowed him to ask questions more in line with what viewers might wonder.
King was friendly, warm, nonjudgmental, and open. He believed that respect and genuine interest were keys to conversation.
He also recognized limits: he acknowledged luck in success, and often attributed his longevity to continuing to show up and being willing to listen and learn.
Famous Quotes of Larry King
Here are several quotes that reflect his philosophy, wit, and insight:
“I never learned anything while I was talking.” “You cannot talk to people successfully if they think you are not interested in what they have to say or you have no respect for them.” “The first rule of my speaking is: listen!” “The secret of success is an absolute ungovernable curiosity.” “There is nothing in your destiny, nothing in your future that you cannot accomplish.” “Those who have succeeded at anything and don’t mention luck are kidding themselves.” “We met in an airport… Harrison Ford and I…” (on chance conversations)
These lines show his commitment to listening, his humility, his belief in curiosity, and his respect for others’ voices.
Lessons from Larry King
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Listening matters more than speaking.
His career reminds us that insight often emerges from silence, attentive inquiry, and letting others speak. -
Curiosity is a superpower.
A relentless desire to learn drives connection, depth, and relevance. -
Authenticity endures.
King didn’t pretend to be the smartest; he was real, caring, and human — people respected that. -
Adapt or fade.
He successfully evolved through radio, television, and digital media, staying relevant across generations. -
Resilience in adversity.
Facing health crises, personal loss, and public scrutiny, and still returning to his work—he demonstrated perseverance. -
Respect for the guest is key.
He treated his subjects not as adversaries or “content,” but as people with stories worth hearing.
Conclusion
Larry King’s legacy is not measured solely by the number of interviews he did but by how he conducted them: with curiosity, respect, humility, and a firm belief in the power of conversation. He showed that interviewing isn’t about showcasing the host — it’s about letting the guest’s story shine.
Through decades of changing media landscapes and personal challenges, King remained a steady, human voice. For those who study journalism, communication, or human interaction, his methods and principles remain instructive and inspiring.