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 iconic American television host, comedian, writer, producer, and auto racing team owner best known for hosting late-night talk shows for 33 years. He began with 'Late Night with David Letterman' on NBC in 1982 and concluded with 'Late Show with David Letterman' on CBS in 2015. He hosted a total of 6,080 episodes, surpassing Johnny Carson as the longest-serving late-night talk show host in American television history.

Sections (6)

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

April 15, 1915: Harry Joseph Letterman Born

On April 15, 1915, David Letterman's father, Harry Joseph Letterman, was born. He later worked as a florist.

July 18, 1921: Dorothy Marie Letterman Mengering Born

On July 18, 1921, David Letterman's mother, Dorothy Marie Letterman Mengering (née Hofert), was born. She was a church secretary.

April 12, 1947: David Letterman Born

On April 12, 1947, David Michael Letterman was born. He is an American television host, comedian, writer, producer, and auto racing team owner.

July 2, 1968: Marriage to Michelle Cook

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

1969: Letterman Graduates from Ball State University

In 1969, David Letterman graduated from Ball State University with a degree from the Department of Radio and Television. He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.

1969: Letterman Begins Radio and TV Career

In 1969, David Letterman started his career as a radio talk show host on WNTS and as an anchor and weatherman on Indianapolis television station WLWI.

1969: Letterman decides to pursue TV career

In 1969, David Letterman was just out of college and unsure of his career path when he saw someone on TV and decided that's what he wanted to do.

February 13, 1973: Death of Harry Joseph Letterman

On February 13, 1973, David Letterman's father, Harry Joseph Letterman, passed away.

1973: Death of Letterman's father

In 1973, David Letterman's father died of a second heart attack at the age of 57.

1975: Letterman Moves to Los Angeles

In 1975, David Letterman moved to Los Angeles with his then-wife Michelle to pursue a career as a comedy writer.

1976: WLWI Changes Call Sign to WTHR

In 1976, Indianapolis television station WLWI, where David Letterman worked, changed its call sign to WTHR.

1977: Divorce from Michelle Cook

In 1977, David Letterman divorced his first wife, Michelle Cook.

1978: Cohabitation with Merrill Markoe begins

In 1978, David Letterman began a long-term cohabiting relationship with Merrill Markoe, the former head writer and producer on Late Night.

August 1980: The David Letterman Show Shortened

In August 1980, The David Letterman Show was shortened from 90 minutes to 60 minutes.

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1981: Letterman stops drinking alcohol

In 1981, at the age of 34, David Letterman stopped drinking alcohol. He described himself as a "horrible alcoholic" who had been drinking since around age 11 or 13 and stated that he was drunk 80% of the time before quitting.

June 1987: Late Night Adds Friday Broadcast

In June 1987, Late Night with David Letterman added a Friday night broadcast to its schedule.

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May 1988: Stalking by Margaret Mary Ray Begins

Beginning in May 1988, David Letterman was stalked by Margaret Mary Ray, who had schizophrenia and committed several acts of intrusion and theft at Letterman's property.

1988: Relationship with Merrill Markoe ends

In 1988, David Letterman's long-term relationship with Merrill Markoe ended. Markoe had significantly influenced Late Night, creating staples like "Stupid Pet/Human Tricks."

1992: Letterman Leaves NBC for CBS

In 1992, David Letterman left NBC after Jay Leno was chosen to host The Tonight Show. Letterman moved to CBS to host his own late-night show.

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August 1993: DL Foundation Founded

In August 1993, the Letterman Foundation for Courtesy and Grooming (LFCG) was founded as the DL Foundation. Its president and primary contributor was David Letterman, and its treasurer was Fred Nigro.

1995: Paul Newman builds Volvo 960 for Letterman

In 1995, Paul Newman had a 1995 Volvo 960 station wagon built for Letterman.

1996: Letterman discusses his tinnitus on Late Show

On the Late Show in 1996, David Letterman discussed his experience with tinnitus during an interview with William Shatner, who also has the condition. Letterman mentioned that he hears a constant ringing in his ears.

October 1998: Margaret Mary Ray Dies

In October 1998, Margaret Mary Ray, David Letterman's stalker, died by suicide at age 46. Letterman expressed compassion for her in a statement.

1999: Purchase of Ranch in Montana

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

January 14, 2000: Letterman Undergoes Emergency Quintuple Bypass Surgery

On January 14, 2000, a routine checkup revealed a severe artery obstruction in David Letterman's heart. He was rushed to New York Presbyterian Hospital for emergency quintuple bypass surgery.

February 21, 2000: Letterman Returns to Late Show After Bypass Surgery

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

2000: Letterman's Interview with Esquire

In 2000, David Letterman mentioned to Esquire that he admired his father's ability to tell jokes.

2001: Name Change to American Foundation for Courtesy and Grooming

Since at least 2001, the Letterman Foundation for Courtesy and Grooming (LFCG) was known as the American Foundation for Courtesy and Grooming.

November 3, 2003: Birth of son Harry Joseph Letterman

On November 3, 2003, David Letterman and Regina Lasko's son, Harry Joseph Letterman, was born. He was named after Letterman's father.

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. Kelly Frank, a house painter who had worked for Letterman, was charged in the conspiracy.

September 7, 2007: Letterman Visits Ball State for Building Dedication

On September 7, 2007, David Letterman visited Ball State University for the dedication of the David Letterman Communication and Media Building, a $21 million facility named in his honor. He gave an emotional speech and mentioned the top ten things about having your name on a building.

March 19, 2009: Marriage to Regina Lasko

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

2011: Name change of American Foundation for Courtesy and Grooming

In 2011, the American Foundation for Courtesy and Grooming changed to its current name, Letterman Foundation for Courtesy and Grooming (LFCG).

2012: Letterman Still Owned His Pickup Truck

As of 2012, David Letterman still owned the pickup truck that he used to move to Los Angeles in 1975.

2012: Extensive 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, and various other vehicles, including a Tesla Model S and a Mercedes.

April 3, 2014: Letterman Announces Retirement from Late Show by May 20, 2015

During the taping of his show on April 3, 2014, David Letterman announced that he had informed CBS president Les Moonves that he would retire from hosting Late Show by May 20, 2015.

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May 20, 2015: Final Broadcast of Late Show with David Letterman

On May 20, 2015, David Letterman hosted the final broadcast of Late Show with David Letterman on CBS, concluding his 33-year run as a late-night television host.

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2015: Letterman discusses his anxiety

In 2015, David Letterman spoke about his long-term struggles with anxiety, hypochondria, and alcoholism, stating he managed them through Transcendental Meditation and low doses of medication. He also mentioned his Presbyterian upbringing.

April 11, 2017: Death of Dorothy Marie Letterman Mengering

On April 11, 2017, David Letterman's mother, Dorothy Marie Letterman Mengering, passed away.

August 2021: Hospitalization After Head Injury

In August 2021, David Letterman was hospitalized in Providence, Rhode Island, after hitting his head on the sidewalk and falling unconscious. He later praised the care he received at Rhode Island Hospital.