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 a renowned American television host, comedian, writer, and producer, best known for his influential late-night talk shows. He holds the record for the longest-serving late-night talk show host in American television history, having hosted a combined 6,080 episodes of 'Late Night with David Letterman' on NBC and 'Late Show with David Letterman' on CBS. His career spanned 33 years, from 1982 to 2015, solidifying his status as a major figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (6)

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

July 2, 1968: Marriage to Michelle Cook

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

1977: Divorce from Michelle Cook

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

1978: Relationship with Merrill Markoe Begins

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

1981: Letterman Stops Drinking Alcohol

In 1981, at the age of 34, David Letterman stopped drinking alcohol, stating he had been a "horrible alcoholic" who was drunk 80% of the time until that point.

February 1986: Relationship with Regina Lasko Begins

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

May 1988: Letterman Stalked by Margaret Mary Ray

Beginning in May 1988, David Letterman was stalked by Margaret Mary Ray, who stole his Porsche, camped on his tennis court, and broke into his house. This stalking drew national attention.

1988: Relationship with Merrill Markoe Ends

In 1988, David Letterman's cohabiting relationship with Merrill Markoe, head writer and producer on Late Night, ended.

August 1993: DL Foundation Founded

In August 1993, the DL Foundation was founded, which would later become the Letterman Foundation for Courtesy and Grooming (LFCG).

1995: Letterman's Volvo 960 Station Wagon Built

In 1995, Paul Newman built a Volvo 960 station wagon with a 380-horsepower racing engine for David Letterman.

1996: Discussion of Tinnitus on The Late Show

In 1996, David Letterman discussed his experience with tinnitus during an interview with William Shatner on The Late Show, noting that he hears a constant ringing in his ears.

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October 1998: Margaret Mary Ray's Death

In October 1998, Margaret Mary Ray, David Letterman's stalker, died by suicide at age 46. Letterman expressed compassion for her, calling it "a sad ending to a confused life."

1999: Purchase of Ranch in 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. He was rushed to New York Presbyterian Hospital for emergency quintuple bypass surgery.

February 21, 2000: Letterman Returns to Late Show after Surgery

On February 21, 2000, after recovering from heart surgery, David Letterman revived the late-night talk show tradition of guest hosts. He then brought the doctors and nurses who participated in his surgery and recovery on stage when he returned to the show.

2000: Emergency Heart Surgery

In 2000, David Letterman hosted the doctors and nurses who performed the emergency quintuple-bypass heart surgery that saved his life. He expressed that these people, once strangers, became his best friends.

2001: DL Foundation Renamed

Since at least 2001, the DL Foundation, founded in 1993, was known as the American Foundation for Courtesy and Grooming.

November 3, 2003: Birth of Son, Harry Joseph Letterman

On November 3, 2003, Regina Lasko gave birth to David Letterman's son, Harry Joseph Letterman, 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, leading to charges against Kelly Frank, a house painter who had worked for Letterman.

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

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

March 19, 2009: Marriage to Regina Lasko

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

2011: American Foundation for Courtesy and Grooming Renamed

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

2012: Letterman's Car Collection Reported

In 2012, it was reported that David Letterman owned an extensive car collection, including 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 Retirement

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

2015: Letterman Discusses Anxiety

In 2015, David Letterman opened up about his long-term anxiety, hypochondria, and alcoholism, and how he found relief through Transcendental Meditation and low doses of medication.