Larry King was a legendary American television and radio host, journalist, and author known for his iconic suspenders, gravelly voice, and unparalleled interview skills. He became a household name through his long-running CNN program “Larry King Live.” His direct questioning style made him a favorite among celebrities and world leaders.
In 2026, he would have been 93 years old. He was born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger on November 19, 1933. His birthplace is Brooklyn, New York. He stood approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. He weighed around 72 kg (159 lbs).
He conducted over 50,000 interviews during his career. He hosted “Larry King Live” on CNN from 1985 to 2010. He won two Peabody Awards, an Emmy, and 10 Cable ACE Awards. He passed away on January 23, 2021, at age 87. His estimated net worth at the time of his death was $50 million.
Larry King Wiki/Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name / Real Name | Lawrence Harvey Zeiger |
| Stage Name | Larry King |
| Date of Birth | November 19, 1933 |
| Date of Death | January 23, 2021 |
| Age at Death | 87 years old |
| Age in 2026 | Would have been 93 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Radio host, television host, journalist, author, spokesman |
| Category | Journalist |
| Education | Lafayette High School |
| Spouse | Shawn Southwick (m. 1997, sep. 2019) |
| Children | 5 (Larry Jr., Kelly, Andy, Chaia, Chance, Cannon) |
| Career Start | 1957 |
| Career End | 2021 |
| Major Works | “Larry King Live” (CNN), “The Larry King Show” (radio) |
| Achievements | 2 Peabody Awards, 1 Emmy, 10 Cable ACE Awards |
| Net Worth | $50 million (at death) |
| Primary Income Source | Broadcasting, hosting, book deals, speaking engagements |
Larry King Real Name
Larry King‘s full birth name is Lawrence Harvey Zeiger. He is professionally known by his stage name, Larry King. His real name appears on all official documents.
He legally changed his name in 1957. His station manager suggested he change his name. He wanted a name that sounded less “ethnic.” He chose “Larry King” from an advertisement in the Miami Herald. The ad was for King’s Wholesale Liquor. He adopted the name professionally and legally.
His surname Zeiger is of Jewish origin. He was born to Orthodox Jewish parents. He has embraced his stage name fully. It has become synonymous with his broadcasting persona. He never hid his real name. It is a point of connection to his heritage.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lawrence Harvey Zeiger |
| Stage Name | Larry King |
| Name Origin | Jewish |
| Professional Name | Larry King |
Larry King Early Life and Education
Larry King was born in Brooklyn, New York on November 19, 1933. He was raised in a Jewish household. His parents were Orthodox Jewish immigrants. They came to the United States from Soviet Belarus. He was one of two sons.
His father was Aaron Edward Zeiger. He was a restaurant owner and defense-plant worker. His mother was Jennie (née Gitlitz). She worked as a garment worker. When King was nine, his father died of a heart attack. This was a traumatic event. His family had to go on government welfare. He was greatly affected by his father’s death. He lost interest in his schoolwork.
He attended Lafayette High School in Brooklyn. He graduated from high school. He then worked to help support his mother. He always desired to work in radio. He was determined to succeed.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York |
| Father | Aaron Edward Zeiger (restaurant owner) |
| Mother | Jennie (Gitlitz) Zeiger (garment worker) |
| Siblings | One brother |
| High School | Lafayette High School |
Larry King Parents and Siblings
Larry King‘s father was Aaron Edward Zeiger. He was a restaurant owner and defense-plant worker. His mother was Jennie (née Gitlitz). She worked as a garment worker. Both parents were Orthodox Jewish immigrants. They emigrated from Soviet Belarus in the 1920s.
He had one brother. His brother’s name is not widely publicized. His brother also faced the hardships of their father’s death. They grew up together in Brooklyn. Their family went on welfare after their father died.
He was very close to his mother. She supported him during difficult times. He has spoken about his family’s struggles. His family background shaped his resilience. He remained connected to his Jewish roots.
| Family Member | Relationship | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Edward Zeiger | Father | Restaurant owner, died when Larry was 9 |
| Jennie (Gitlitz) Zeiger | Mother | Garment worker |
| Brother | Sibling | Not publicly named |
Larry King Educational Qualification
Larry King‘s formal education was limited. He attended Lafayette High School in Brooklyn. He was a student there. He did not pursue higher education. He did not attend college.
He graduated from high school. He lost interest in his schoolwork after his father died. He was more focused on supporting his family. He worked to help his mother financially.
His real education came from life experience. He learned through his work in radio. He was a self-taught broadcaster. He had a natural curiosity. He was a lifelong learner.
| Education Level | Institution | Details |
|---|---|---|
| High School | Lafayette High School | Graduated |
| Higher Education | None | Pursued radio career instead |
Larry King Before Fame
Larry King was a young man with a dream before fame. He always wanted to work in radio. He started his career in Miami, Florida. He landed a job at a local radio station.
He started at WAHR in 1957. He was initially hired for odd jobs. He cleaned up around the studio. An announcer quit abruptly. He got his chance to be on air. His first broadcast was on May 1, 1957. He was a disc jockey on the 9 a.m. to noon slot. He was paid $50 a week.
His station manager suggested a name change. He needed a name that sounded less “ethnic.” He legally changed his name to Larry King. He picked it from an advertisement. He began conducting interviews on a mid-morning show. He would interview whoever walked into the restaurant. His big break was coming.
| Period | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1957 | WAHR | First radio job, $50/week |
| 1957 | Name Change | Changed to Larry King |
| 1958-1961 | Pumpernik’s Restaurant | Hosted interview show |
Larry King Career
Larry King‘s career spanned over six decades. He started in Miami radio in the 1950s. He became a local interviewer. He worked at WIOD in Miami. He was also a color commentator for the Miami Dolphins.
In 1978, he gained national prominence. He hosted “The Larry King Show” on the Mutual Broadcasting System. It was an all-night nationwide call-in radio program. He became a household name on radio. In 1982, the show won a Peabody Award.
His biggest fame came on television. From 1985 to 2010, he hosted “Larry King Live” on CNN. The show had over 6,000 episodes. It was CNN’s longest-running program. He interviewed every U.S. president from Gerald Ford to Barack Obama. He also interviewed countless celebrities and newsmakers.
He remained active after leaving CNN. He co-founded Ora TV in 2012. He hosted “Larry King Now” from 2012 to 2020. He also hosted “Politicking with Larry King”. He remained active until his death in 2021. He conducted over 50,000 interviews in his career.
| Year | Career / Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1957 | Radio Debut | WAHR, Miami |
| 1978 | “The Larry King Show” | National radio program |
| 1982 | Peabody Award | For “The Larry King Show” |
| 1985-2010 | “Larry King Live” | CNN’s longest-running show |
| 2012 | Ora TV | Co-founded with Carlos Slim |
| 2012-2020 | “Larry King Now” | Hulu, Ora TV, RT America |
Larry King Family
Larry King was married eight times to seven women. His first wife was Freda Miller in 1952. They were married for a short time. His second wife was Annette Kaye. They had a son named Larry Jr. His third wife was Alene Akins. They had two children: Andy and Chaia. They later remarried and divorced again.
His fourth wife was Mickey Sutphin. They had a daughter named Kelly. His fifth wife was Sharon Lepore. His sixth wife was Julie Alexander. His seventh wife was Shawn Southwick. They married in 1997. They had two sons: Chance (born 1999) and Cannon (born 2000). They separated in 2019.
He had five children in total. He also had nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His children Andy and Chaia died within weeks of each other in August 2020. His family was very important to him. He loved his children and grandchildren.
| Family Member | Relationship | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Shawn Southwick | Spouse | Married 1997, separated 2019 |
| Larry Jr. | Son | With Annette Kaye |
| Kelly | Daughter | With Mickey Sutphin |
| Andy | Son | With Alene Akins (deceased 2020) |
| Chaia | Daughter | With Alene Akins (deceased 2020) |
| Chance | Son | With Shawn Southwick |
| Cannon | Son | With Shawn Southwick |
Larry King Wife
Larry King was married eight times to seven women. His final marriage was to Shawn Southwick. They were married in 1997. They separated in 2019. She was his wife at the time of his death.
He had several other wives. He married Freda Miller in 1952. He married Annette Kaye in 1961. He married Alene Akins twice. He married Mickey Sutphin in 1963. He married Sharon Lepore in 1976. He married Julie Alexander in 1989.
He had a complex personal life. His relationships were often in the public eye. He was a devoted father to his children. He valued his family deeply. His personal life was a key part of his story.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Shawn Southwick |
| Marriage Year | 1997 |
| Previous Spouses | 7 (including Annette Kaye, Alene Akins, Mickey Sutphin, Julie Alexander) |
| Children | 5 |
Larry King Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Larry King was 87 years old when he died. He was born on November 19, 1933. He died on January 23, 2021. In 2026, he would have been 93 years old. He lived a long and productive life.
His height was 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm). His weight was approximately 72 kg (159 lbs). He had an average build. His physical appearance was iconic. He was known for his signature suspenders, glasses, and gravelly voice.
His eye color was brown. His hair color was brown (graying). He had a distinctive and recognizable look. His style was professional and classic. He was a familiar face on television.
He maintained his appearance for his brand. He was a public figure. His look was professional and approachable. He was a trusted journalist.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Weight | 72 kg (159 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Brown (graying) |
| Build | Average |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Distinctive Features | Suspenders, glasses, gravelly voice |
Larry King Social Media Presence
Larry King was not active on social media late in his life. He was active before his death in 2021. He had a verified Twitter account. He used it to share news and updates. He also had a Facebook page.
His social media presence was managed by his team. He did not post frequently himself. He preferred traditional media. He focused on his broadcasting work. He let his interviews speak for themselves.
His legacy continues on social media. Fans share his clips and memories. His work is still widely discussed. His impact on journalism is remembered. His social media presence is posthumous.
| Platform | Presence |
|---|---|
| Verified (inactive) | |
| Official page (inactive) | |
| Not publicly active |
Larry King Awards and Achievements
Larry King achieved significant recognition. He won two Peabody Awards. He won an Emmy Award. He won 10 Cable ACE Awards. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 32nd Annual News and Documentary Emmys.
He was a respected figure in broadcasting. He received numerous honors throughout his career. He was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame. He was also a Radio Hall of Fame inductee. His achievements are extraordinary.
He conducted over 50,000 interviews. He interviewed every U.S. president from Gerald Ford to Barack Obama. He was a pioneer in the talk show format. He set new standards for broadcast journalism.
| Category | Year(s) | Award / Recognition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peabody Awards | 1982, 1992 | 2 wins | Excellence in broadcasting |
| Emmy Awards | Various | 1 win | Outstanding achievement |
| Cable ACE Awards | Various | 10 wins | Best Interviewer, Best Talk Show |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | 2011 | Emmy Award | News and Documentary Emmys |
Larry King Net Worth
Larry King‘s net worth at the time of his death in 2021 was estimated at $50 million. Some sources reported a higher figure of $150 million. However, the most consistent estimate is $50 million. His wealth came from his broadcasting career.
He earned substantial income from his CNN show. He also earned from radio, book deals, and speaking engagements. He co-founded Ora TV in 2012. This venture added to his wealth. He was a savvy businessman.
His probate estate was reported around $2 million. This did not include assets held in trusts. His true net worth was higher. He left a handwritten will. He sought an equal split of his fortune among his five children.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Broadcasting | CNN “Larry King Live” |
| Radio | “The Larry King Show” |
| Books | Over 20 books published |
| Speaking Engagements | Paid appearances |
| Ora TV | Co-founded in 2012 |
Larry King Nationality and Religion
Larry King was American by nationality. He was born in Brooklyn, New York. He was proud of his American identity. His journalism represented American values. He was a trusted American broadcaster.
His ethnicity was Jewish. He was born to Orthodox Jewish parents. His parents immigrated from Soviet Belarus. He was raised in the Jewish faith. He identified with his Jewish heritage.
His religion was Jewish. He was a member of the Jewish community. He spoke about his faith on occasion. His beliefs were a part of his identity. He respected all faiths.
His nationality was a key part of his identity. He represented the United States in broadcasting. He was a proud American journalist. He remained connected to his roots. He was a symbol of American journalism.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Jewish |
| Ethnicity | Jewish |
Larry King Public Image
Larry King was known as an iconic broadcaster and talk show host. He was the man with the suspenders and gravelly voice. His image was professional and approachable. He was seen as an expert interviewer. He was a powerful and influential figure.
He was known for his direct questioning style. He asked the obvious questions. He was a great listener. He let his guests speak. He was dedicated to his craft.
He was also seen as a private person. He kept his personal life relatively private. This earned him public respect. He was not a tabloid figure. He maintained a clean reputation.
He was admired by colleagues and viewers. He interviewed thousands of guests. He was seen as a role model. His peers held him in high esteem. His public image was very positive.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Personality | Professional, approachable, private |
| Interview Style | Direct questions, great listener |
| Reputation | Iconic broadcaster, talk show host |
| Public Perception | Trusted, respected, legendary |
Larry King Legacy and Impact
Larry King‘s impact on journalism is profound. He was a pioneer in the talk show format. He brought interviews to the masses. He set new standards for broadcast journalism. His influence is undeniable.
He conducted over 50,000 interviews. He interviewed every U.S. president from Gerald Ford to Barack Obama. He also interviewed countless celebrities and newsmakers. He was a master of the interview format.
He received numerous awards. He won two Peabody Awards and an Emmy. He was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame. He left a lasting legacy. He will be remembered as a broadcast giant.
He also founded the Larry King Cardiac Foundation in 1988. He helped people without insurance afford heart treatment. He was a philanthropist. His legacy extends beyond broadcasting.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Journalism Influence | Pioneer of the talk show format |
| Cultural Impact | 50,000+ interviews |
| Legacy | Broadcast giant |
| Philanthropy | Larry King Cardiac Foundation |
Larry King Future Plans and Goals
Larry King remained active until his death in 2021. He was still hosting shows. He was still conducting interviews. He was still writing books. He was a dedicated journalist.
He had plans to continue his work. He was working on new projects. He was committed to his craft. He wanted to keep interviewing people. He was a true professional.
His death cut his plans short. He died from sepsis at age 87. He had been hospitalized with COVID-19. He recovered from the virus. But he died from complications. His potential was unfulfilled.
His legacy lives on through his work. His interviews are still watched. His books are still read. He is remembered as a great journalist.
| Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| Broadcasting | Continue hosting shows |
| Writing | Write more books |
| Interviews | Conduct more interviews |
Also Check:- Bill Ritter Journalist Net Worth, Age, Family & Wiki/Bio
Larry King Books and Publications
- The Larry King Story (1978)
- Tell It to the King (1988)
- Mr. King, You’re Having a Heart Attack (1989)
- The Best of Larry King Live (1993)
- Anything Goes! (2000)
- Taking on the World (2002)
- My Remarkable Journey (2009)
- Truth Be Told (2011)
- The People’s Princess (2021) (posthumous)
Larry King Lesser-Known Facts
- His real name is Lawrence Harvey Zeiger.
- He legally changed his name to Larry King in 1957.
- He chose the name from an advertisement for King’s Wholesale Liquor.
- His father died of a heart attack when he was nine years old.
- He grew up on government welfare.
- He was initially hired to clean a radio station.
- His first broadcast was on May 1, 1957.
- He was paid $50 a week for his first radio job.
- His first interview was with a waiter at a restaurant.
- He conducted over 50,000 interviews in his career.
- He interviewed every U.S. president from Gerald Ford to Barack Obama.
- He was married eight times to seven women.
- He had five children.
- He had nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
- He founded the Larry King Cardiac Foundation in 1988.
- He co-founded Ora TV with Carlos Slim in 2012.
- He was hospitalized with COVID-19 in January 2021.
- He died from sepsis on January 23, 2021, at age 87.
Larry King FAQs
Q: How old was Larry King when he died?
A: He was 87 years old when he died. He was born on November 19, 1933.
Q: What was Larry King’s net worth?
A: His net worth was estimated at $50 million at the time of his death.
Q: What was Larry King’s real name?
A: His real name was Lawrence Harvey Zeiger.
Q: How many times was Larry King married?
A: He was married eight times to seven women.
Q: How many children did Larry King have?
A: He had five children: Larry Jr., Kelly, Andy, Chaia, Chance, and Cannon.
Q: What was Larry King’s most famous show?
A: His most famous show was “Larry King Live” on CNN (1985-2010).
Q: How tall was Larry King?
A: He was 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall.
Q: What awards did Larry King win?
A: He won two Peabody Awards, an Emmy, and 10 Cable ACE Awards.
Conclusion
Larry King was a legendary broadcaster and an American icon. His journey from a poor Brooklyn kid to a global media star is inspiring. He was born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger on November 19, 1933. He died at 87 years old in 2021. He stood 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighed 72 kg.
His career began in 1957 as a radio disc jockey. He achieved fame with his 1978 national radio show. He hosted “Larry King Live” on CNN from 1985 to 2010. He conducted over 50,000 interviews. His estimated net worth was $50 million.
He was a devoted father and a philanthropist. He was a Peabody Award winner and a broadcast giant. His legacy as a journalism pioneer is already secure.
This mirrors the inspirational and detailed structure of the previous profiles, highlighting Larry King‘s journey from a struggling young man in Brooklyn to an iconic American broadcaster and talk show legend.
