At the time of his death in January 2021, Larry King net worth was estimated to be around $50 million, though some reports suggest it was as high as $144 million. He was married to Shawn Southwick King from 1997 until his passing, although they had filed for divorce in 2019. Born on November 19, 1933, King was 87 years old when he passed away on January 23, 2021, with sepsis as the official cause of death. A renowned broadcaster, he was best known for hosting Larry King Live on CNN from 1985 to 2010, one of the longest-running and most popular talk shows featuring interviews with celebrities, politicians, and world leaders. He also maintained an active presence on YouTube, sharing engaging conversations with a diverse range of guests. Throughout his career, King conducted numerous memorable interviews, including conversations with Marlon Brando, Nelson Mandela, and Jerry Seinfeld, which were celebrated for their depth and unique insights into the lives of his guests.
Larry King Information
Larry King Net Worth
At the time of his death, Larry King’s net worth was estimated at $50 million. His wealth came from multiple sources, reflecting his long and successful career in media.
Television Hosting
One of the biggest contributors to King’s wealth was his work as a television host. His most famous show, Larry King Live, ran on CNN from 1985 to 2010, making him one of the most recognizable figures in broadcasting. After leaving CNN, he continued hosting with Larry King Now on Ora TV and later on RT America, further adding to his financial success.
Radio Broadcasting
Before his television fame, King had a successful career in radio broadcasting. His radio show, The Larry King Show, aired nationally from 1978 to 1994 and played a significant role in building his reputation and financial stability.
Book Sales
King was also a prolific author, writing multiple books on broadcasting, politics, and personal experiences. His books, including How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere and My Remarkable Journey, were well-received and generated additional income.
Endorsements and Guest Appearances
King’s recognizable voice and persona made him a sought-after figure for endorsements and guest appearances. He appeared in commercials, documentaries, and TV shows, earning lucrative deals that contributed to his net worth.
Financial Struggles
Despite his earnings, King faced financial struggles at times. His multiple divorces resulted in costly divorce settlements, and he was involved in legal battles that impacted his finances. However, his legacy as a pioneering broadcaster remains undisputed.
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Early Life and Career Beginnings
Larry King, born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger on November 19, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, came from humble beginnings. His early life was marked by hardship, especially after the death of his father when King was just a child. The loss had a profound impact on his family, forcing his mother to rely on government assistance to support him and his brother. Despite these challenges, King developed a strong passion for broadcasting from an early age, which would shape his future career.
Moving to Miami for a Broadcasting Career
Eager to break into the industry, King moved to Miami, Florida, where opportunities in radio were more accessible. Miami had a growing media scene, and he believed it was the perfect place to start his career. Without formal training, he took on various odd jobs at radio stations, waiting for his big break.
First Job as a Radio Disc Jockey
In 1957, King landed his first official job in radio as a disc jockey for WAHR (now WMBM) in Miami Beach. He worked as a cleaner and assistant at the station before finally getting an on-air shift. This opportunity allowed him to develop his distinctive voice and interviewing skills, setting the stage for his future success.
Transition into Interviews and Talk Shows
As King gained confidence and recognition, he moved beyond playing music and started conducting interviews with guests, a format that would later define his career. His ability to connect with people and ask insightful questions quickly made him a popular voice on the airwaves. This transition from radio disc jockey to interviewer marked the beginning of his rise in the broadcasting industry, paving the way for his legendary career in television.
Larry King Iconic Talk Show
One of the most significant breakthroughs in Larry King’s career came in 1978 when he launched The Larry King Show, a nationally syndicated radio talk show. His unique interviewing style quickly gained popularity, earning him a loyal audience. However, his most famous and enduring work was Larry King Live on CNN, which ran from 1985 to 2010. This show cemented his reputation as one of the most respected and influential interviewers in the world.
The Success of Larry King Live
Larry King Live became a global phenomenon, setting itself apart with a diverse range of guests. Unlike other talk shows that focused on a single genre, King invited politicians, celebrities, world leaders, and everyday people to share their stories. The show’s success was largely due to King’s ability to engage his guests in comfortable yet thought-provoking conversations, making them open up in ways they rarely did elsewhere. His relaxed, yet direct questioning style made the interviews compelling and insightful.
Notable Interviews
Over the years, King conducted some of the most memorable interviews in television history. His guest list included some of the most powerful and influential figures in the world.
Interviews with U.S. Presidents
King interviewed nearly every U.S. president from Richard Nixon to Barack Obama. Some of his most famous presidential interviews included:
- Barack Obama – Discussed his presidency and policies in a candid conversation.
- George W. Bush – Addressed key moments of his administration.
- Bill Clinton – Talked about politics, personal challenges, and the economy.
- Donald Trump – Appeared multiple times, both as a businessman and later as a political figure.
Conversations with Legendary Celebrities
King was also known for interviewing Hollywood icons and music legends, capturing their personal and professional lives in a way few others could. Some of his most unforgettable celebrity interviews included:
- Frank Sinatra – One of Sinatra’s rare in-depth TV interviews.
- Marlon Brando – Featured a famous moment where Brando kissed King on the lips.
- Lady Gaga – Shared insights about fame, music, and personal struggles.
Exclusive Dialogues with World Leaders
King’s influence extended beyond Hollywood and Washington, as he spoke with some of the most powerful world leaders of the time. These included:
- Vladimir Putin – One of the few Western journalists to interview the Russian president.
- Nelson Mandela – Discussed his time in prison and South Africa’s future.
- Fidel Castro – Engaged in a rare and historic conversation with the Cuban leader.
The Legacy of Larry King Live
King’s ability to connect with people from all walks of life made his show a must-watch for millions. He mastered the art of asking simple yet powerful questions, allowing his guests to speak freely without feeling pressured. This approach set him apart from other journalists and talk show hosts, making Larry King Live a historic program in the world of television journalism. Even after retiring from CNN, King continued conducting interviews through digital platforms and online media, ensuring that his impact on the industry remained strong.
Wives and Personal Life
Larry King’s personal life was as eventful as his career, marked by eight marriages to seven women. Despite his numerous relationships, he often expressed his desire for lasting love. Throughout his life, he was open about his marriages, divorces, and the lessons he learned from them.
Early Marriages and Family Beginnings
King’s first marriage was to Freda Miller in 1952, when he was just 19 years old. However, the union was annulled a year later, reportedly due to objections from their families. His second marriage was to Annette Kaye in 1961, though it was brief. However, it resulted in the birth of his oldest son, Larry King Jr., whom King did not meet until his 30s.
Marriages to Alene Akins – Twice
One of King’s most notable relationships was with Alene Akins, a former Playboy bunny. He married her twice—first in 1961, divorcing in 1963, and then remarrying her in 1967 before finally parting ways in 1972. Their marriage brought two children into King’s life, including their daughter Chaia King, who sadly passed away in 2020.
Later Marriages and Longest Relationship
King had several other marriages, including Mickey Sutphin (1964–1967), Sharon Lepore (1976–1983), and Julie Alexander (1989–1992). However, his longest and most well-known marriage was to Shawn Southwick, a singer and actress. They wed in 1997 and had two sons, Chance and Cannon. Despite their seemingly strong bond, they filed for divorce in 2019, though they remained close until King’s passing.
Candid Reflections on Love and Marriage
King frequently spoke openly about his personal life, acknowledging that his career often took priority over his relationships. He admitted that while he loved the idea of marriage, he sometimes rushed into it without fully considering its implications. In interviews, he humorously reflected on his eight marriages, noting that he was “not good at being alone.”
Despite his tumultuous love life, King maintained strong relationships with his children and valued family deeply. His personal experiences, both joyful and challenging, added depth to his on-air persona, making him one of the most relatable and human figures in broadcasting.
Larry King on YouTube
After stepping away from CNN in 2010, Larry King seamlessly transitioned into the digital world by embracing online media platforms. Understanding the shift in how audiences consumed content, he co-founded Ora TV, a digital streaming network, and launched Larry King Now, a talk show that aired on YouTube, Hulu, and RT America.
Adapting to the Digital Age
King recognized that traditional television was no longer the sole medium for engaging audiences. With YouTube becoming a dominant platform for interviews and discussions, he saw an opportunity to reinvent his format while maintaining his signature interviewing style. His YouTube channel allowed him to continue hosting high-profile guests, discussing current events, and exploring trending topics in a more flexible, digital-first format.
Larry King Now – A Digital Success
Larry King Now followed the same in-depth, no-nonsense interview style that made him famous. The show featured a diverse range of guests, including politicians, Hollywood stars, athletes, and influencers. Some of his most notable interviews included:
- Actors and Musicians: Lady Gaga, Matthew McConaughey, and Kevin Hart
- Political Figures: Bernie Sanders, Al Gore, and Meghan McCain
- Internet Celebrities: PewDiePie, Logan Paul, and other YouTube stars
Keeping Conversations Relevant
King’s ability to stay engaging and relevant was evident in his YouTube presence. He adapted his interviews to fit the fast-paced digital world, often covering viral trends, social media phenomena, and internet culture. Unlike traditional television, YouTube allowed King’s content to be accessible anytime, anywhere, reaching a global audience.
Legacy in Online Broadcasting
Even in his later years, King remained curious and enthusiastic, embracing new media without losing his journalistic integrity. His YouTube success demonstrated that compelling conversations could thrive beyond cable television, proving that authentic storytelling would always have an audience—regardless of the platform.
Death and Cause
The world lost one of its most legendary broadcasters when Larry King passed away on January 23, 2021, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. His death marked the end of an era, as millions mourned the loss of a journalist who had shaped television and radio broadcasting for decades.
Health Struggles Leading Up to His Passing
In December 2020, King was hospitalized after contracting COVID-19, a virus that proved especially dangerous due to his age and underlying health conditions. Over the years, he had battled multiple serious illnesses, including:
- Heart disease – Underwent quintuple bypass surgery in 1987
- Lung cancer – Diagnosed in 2017 and successfully treated
- Stroke – Suffered a near-fatal stroke in 2019, leaving him with long-term health challenges
- Diabetes – Lived with Type 2 diabetes for many years
His hospitalization for COVID-19 was concerning, given his weakened immune system and history of health issues. While he initially showed signs of recovery, complications ultimately led to his passing.
Official Cause of Death – Sepsis
The official cause of Larry King’s death was sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s response to infection. His body struggled to fight off the complications stemming from COVID-19, leading to organ failure. Sepsis is particularly dangerous for elderly individuals with weakened immune systems, making his battle even more difficult.
A Legacy That Lives On
Despite his health struggles, King remained active and engaged in media until his final days. His passing was met with an outpouring of tributes from celebrities, politicians, and journalists, all recognizing his impact on broadcasting. Though he is no longer here, his interviews, insights, and legendary career continue to inspire future generations of journalists and broadcasters.
Legacy
Larry King’s career in broadcast journalism spanned over six decades, solidifying his place as one of the most influential interviewers in history. His unique ability to engage guests with straightforward yet insightful questions set a standard for talk shows and news interviews. His work earned him countless accolades and left an enduring impact on the media industry.
A Career Defined by Excellence
King’s approach to interviews was simple yet powerful—he let his guests do the talking, allowing their words to shape the conversation. Unlike many journalists, he avoided sensationalism or confrontation, instead focusing on genuine curiosity. His interviewing style became a blueprint for future broadcasters and talk show hosts.
His influence stretched beyond just television and radio—he helped shape the modern media landscape, proving that long-form conversations could captivate audiences across different platforms, including digital streaming and YouTube.
Prestigious Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, King received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to journalism, including:
- Two Peabody Awards – Among the highest honors in broadcasting, recognizing his excellence in reporting
- Emmy Award – Celebrating his outstanding work in television journalism
- A Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – A testament to his cultural significance in entertainment and media
These accolades not only honored his individual achievements but also highlighted his lasting impact on the industry.
An Unmatched Influence on Journalism
Few journalists have left a mark as profound as Larry King. His ability to connect with guests from all walks of life—from world leaders to everyday individuals—set him apart. Whether he was interviewing presidents, celebrities, or unknown heroes, he treated each guest with respect, curiosity, and fairness.
Even after his passing, King’s legacy continues to inspire aspiring journalists and broadcasters. His contributions to interviewing, storytelling, and media innovation remain unmatched, ensuring that his influence will be felt for generations to come.
Frequently asked questions
Lawrence Harvey Zeiger, born on November 19, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, was an American talk-show host who gained prominence for his conversational interview style. He began his career in radio in Miami in 1957 and later became a national figure with “The Larry King Show” and “Larry King Live” on CNN.
Before his first radio broadcast in 1957, Zeiger’s station manager suggested he change his name, considering “Zeiger” too ethnic and difficult to remember. He chose “Larry King” as his on-air name, which he used throughout his career.
King was known for his straightforward and non-confrontational interviewing approach. He preferred asking open-ended questions and emphasized listening to his guests, allowing them to share their stories without interruption. This style made his interviews feel more like conversations, putting guests at ease and encouraging them to open up.
Conclusion
Larry King was more than just a talk show host—he was a trailblazer in the world of broadcast journalism. His ability to engage in meaningful, thought-provoking conversations with a diverse range of guests made him a household name and a respected figure in media. For over six decades, he brought audiences closer to world leaders, celebrities, and everyday individuals, offering insights that shaped public discourse.