Early Life and Education of David Letterman: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of David Letterman. From birth to education, explore key events.

David Letterman is an American television icon, renowned for his influential and lengthy career as a late-night talk show host. He helmed both "Late Night with David Letterman" on NBC and "Late Show with David Letterman" on CBS for a combined 33 years. In total, Letterman hosted an impressive 6,080 episodes, establishing him as the longest-serving late-night talk show host in American television history. His unique comedic style and innovative approach to the talk show format solidified his place as a major figure in entertainment.

Sections (6)

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

July 2, 1968: Letterman married Michelle Cook

On July 2, 1968, David Letterman married his college sweetheart, Michelle Cook, in Muncie, Indiana.

1977: Letterman and Michelle Cook divorced

In 1977, David Letterman and Michelle Cook divorced.

1981: Letterman stopped drinking

In 1981, at the age of 34, David Letterman stopped drinking, after being a "horrible alcoholic" since the age of 11 or 13.

February 1986: Letterman and Regina Lasko began dating

In February 1986, David Letterman and Regina Lasko started dating, while he was still living with Merrill Markoe.

1988: Letterman and Merrill Markoe ended relationship

In 1988, David Letterman and Merrill Markoe ended their cohabiting relationship.

1996: Letterman talked about his tinnitus experience

On the Late Show in 1996, David Letterman talked about his experience with tinnitus during an interview with William Shatner, who has severe tinnitus caused by an on-set explosion. Letterman stated that he hears a constant ringing in his ears.

Loading Video...

October 1998: Margaret Mary Ray's death

In October 1998, Margaret Mary Ray, who had stalked David Letterman since May 1988, died by suicide at the age of 46. Letterman expressed compassion for her, acknowledging her struggles with schizophrenia.

1999: Letterman purchased a ranch in Choteau, Montana

In 1999, David Letterman purchased a ranch in Choteau, Montana.

January 14, 2000: Emergency quintuple bypass surgery

On January 14, 2000, a routine checkup revealed that an artery in David Letterman's heart was severely obstructed, leading to emergency quintuple bypass surgery at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

February 21, 2000: Return to Late Show after bypass surgery

On February 21, 2000, David Letterman returned to the Late Show after recovering from bypass surgery, bringing the doctors and nurses who participated in his surgery and recovery on stage.

November 3, 2003: Birth of Harry Joseph Letterman

On November 3, 2003, Regina Lasko gave birth to David Letterman's son, Harry Joseph Letterman.

2005: Plot to kidnap Letterman's son discovered

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

September 7, 2007: David Letterman Communication and Media Building dedication

On September 7, 2007, David Letterman visited his alma mater, Ball State University, for the dedication of the David Letterman Communication and Media Building, a $21 million facility named in his honor. He delivered an emotional speech reflecting on his college struggles and his late father.

2008: Pregnancy of Bristol Palin

In 2008, Bristol Palin's pregnancy as an unmarried teenager caused some controversy during the United States presidential election.

March 19, 2009: Letterman and Lasko wed in Montana

On March 19, 2009, David Letterman and Regina Lasko wed in a quiet courthouse civil ceremony in Choteau, Montana.

June 2011: Death of Ilyas Kashmiri

In June 2011, Ilyas Kashmiri, an Al-Qaeda leader, was killed in a drone strike in Pakistan. David Letterman made a joke about his death, which led to a death threat against Letterman.

2012: Letterman's car collection reported

In 2012, it was reported that David Letterman's car collection included ten Ferraris, eight Porsches, four Austin-Healeys, two Honda motorcycles, a Chevy pickup, and one car each from Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, MG, Volvo, Cadillac and Pontiac. He also owned two electric vehicles, a Tesla Model S and a Mercedes.

April 3, 2014: Letterman announces his retirement

On April 3, 2014, David Letterman announced during the taping of his show that he would retire from hosting the Late Show by May 20, 2015.

October 17, 2014: Letterman shares a personal story about Foo Fighters' "Miracle"

On October 17, 2014, during a Late Show episode, David Letterman shared that the Foo Fighters' song "Miracle" held special meaning for him, as it was used in a souvenir video of him and his son skiing. This was the first time the band had heard this story.

Loading Video...

2015: Letterman discussed his anxiety

In 2015, David Letterman said he had been anxious, hypochondriacal, and an alcoholic for years, but became calmer through Transcendental Meditation and low doses of medication.