Challenges Faced by David Letterman: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and David Letterman faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

David Letterman is an influential American television host, comedian, writer, and producer known for his long tenure in late-night television. He hosted 'Late Night with David Letterman' on NBC starting in 1982, then moved to CBS with 'Late Show with David Letterman,' ending his run in 2015. Letterman surpassed Johnny Carson to become the longest-serving late-night talk show host in American television history, hosting a total of 6,080 episodes.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1981: Letterman stops drinking alcohol

In 1981, David Letterman stopped drinking alcohol, after being a "horrible alcoholic" since the age of 11 or 13.

May 1988: Letterman stalked by Margaret Mary Ray

Beginning in May 1988, David Letterman was stalked by Margaret Mary Ray, a woman with schizophrenia, who stole his Porsche, camped on his tennis court, and broke into his house.

October 1998: Death of stalker Margaret Mary Ray

In October 1998, Margaret Mary Ray, David Letterman's stalker, died by suicide at age 46. Letterman expressed compassion for her to The New York Times.

January 14, 2000: Letterman Undergoes Emergency Heart Surgery

On January 14, 2000, a routine checkup revealed a severely obstructed artery in David Letterman's heart, leading to emergency quintuple bypass surgery at New York Presbyterian Hospital. During his recovery, friends of Letterman, including Norm Macdonald, Drew Barrymore, and Robin Williams, introduced reruns of the Late Show.

2000: Emergency Heart Surgery

In 2000, David Letterman had an emergency quintuple-bypass heart surgery. He later hosted a doctor and nurse who'd helped perform the surgery that saved his life. He became close friends with them.

March 2002: Letterman Considers Offer from ABC

In March 2002, as David Letterman's contract with CBS neared expiration, ABC offered him the time slot for Nightline with Ted Koppel. He considered the offer but ultimately re-signed with CBS.

February 2003: Letterman Uses Guest Hosts Due to Shingles

In February 2003, David Letterman used several guest hosts (including Bill Cosby, Brad Garrett, and Whoopi Goldberg) on the show because he was diagnosed with a severe case of shingles.

2005: Restraining order against Letterman

In 2005, a woman obtained a restraining order from a New Mexico judge against David Letterman, claiming he sent her coded messages via his television program, which caused her bankruptcy and emotional distress.

2005: Kidnapping plot against Letterman's son

In 2005, police discovered a plot to kidnap David Letterman's son and demand a $5 million ransom.

2007: Late Show went off air

In 2007 Late Show with David Letterman went off air for eight weeks during November and December because of the Writers Guild of America strike.

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January 2, 2008: Late Show Returns After WGA Strike

On January 2, 2008, Late Show returned to the air after eight weeks due to the Writers Guild of America strike. David Letterman surprised the audience with a newly grown beard.

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January 7, 2008: Letterman's Beard Shaved Off

On January 7, 2008, David Letterman's beard, grown in solidarity with the Writers Guild of America strike, was shaved off during the show.

October 1, 2009: Letterman announces blackmail attempt

On October 1, 2009, David Letterman announced on his show that he had been the victim of a blackmail attempt regarding his sexual relationships with female employees.

October 2, 2009: Joe Halderman indicted

On October 2, 2009, Joe Halderman pleaded not guilty to a charge of attempted grand larceny.

March 2010: Joe Halderman sentenced

In March 2010, Joe Halderman pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months in prison, followed by probation and community service.

August 17, 2011: Death threat against Letterman

On August 17, 2011, an Islamist militant posted a death threat against David Letterman on a website frequented by Al-Qaeda supporters, calling on American Muslims to kill him for joking about the death of Ilyas Kashmiri.