David Letterman's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of David Letterman.

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

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.

1981: Letterman's Emmy Nominations

Since 1981, David Letterman has been nominated for 52 Emmy Awards, winning two Daytime Emmys and ten Primetime Emmys for his work as a performer, producer, and writer.

1983: Academy Awards Highest Ratings Since 1983

Although Letterman attracted the highest ratings to the annual telecast since 1983, many felt that the bad publicity he generated caused a decline in the Late Show's ratings.

1993: Letterman Ranks Higher than Leno

From 1993 to 2009, David Letterman ranked higher than Jay Leno in the annual Harris Poll of Nation's Favorite TV Personality 12 times.

1996: Ranked on TV Guide's List

In 1996, David Letterman was ranked 45th on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time.

1998: Leno Ranks Higher Than Letterman

In 1998, Jay Leno ranked higher than David Letterman in the Harris Poll.

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.

2002: Late Show Ranked on TV Guide's List

In 2002, The Late Show with David Letterman was ranked seventh on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.

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2003: Letterman Ranked Second in Harris Poll

In 2003, David Letterman ranked second in the Harris Poll, behind only Oprah Winfrey.

2004: Letterman Ranked Second in Harris Poll

In 2004, David Letterman ranked second in the Harris Poll, behind only Oprah Winfrey.

2004: Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing wins Indianapolis 500

In 2004, the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team, co-owned by David Letterman, Bobby Rahal, and Mike Lanigan, won the Indianapolis 500 with driver Buddy Rice.

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.

December 2007: Worldwide Pants' contract negotiation with WGA East

In December 2007, Worldwide Pants Incorporated received significant attention after independently negotiating its own contract with the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE). This allowed David Letterman, Craig Ferguson, and their writers to return to work during the WGA strike.

2007: Leno Ranks Higher Than Letterman

In 2007, Jay Leno ranked higher than David Letterman in the Harris Poll.

2008: Leno Ranks Higher Than Letterman

In 2008, Jay Leno ranked higher than David Letterman in the Harris Poll.

2009: Letterman Ranks Higher than Leno

From 1993 to 2009, David Letterman ranked higher than Jay Leno in the annual Harris Poll of Nation's Favorite TV Personality 12 times.

2011: Receives Johnny Carson Award

In 2011, David Letterman became the first recipient of the Johnny Carson Award for Comedic Excellence at The Comedy Awards.

2012: Kennedy Center Honors Recipient

In 2012, David Letterman was a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors, recognized for his influence in television and his unconventional wit and charm.

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.