David Letterman's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

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

1981: Letterman's Emmy Nominations Begin

Since 1981, David Letterman has received 52 Emmy Award nominations as a performer, producer, or part of a writing team, winning two Daytime Emmys and ten Primetime Emmys.

1996: Letterman Ranked Among Greatest TV Stars

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

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.

2002: Late Show Ranked Among Greatest TV Shows

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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2004: Indianapolis 500 Win

In 2004, the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team, co-owned by David Letterman, 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 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.

December 2007: Worldwide Pants' Contract Negotiation with WGA

In December 2007, Worldwide Pants independently negotiated its own contract with the Writers Guild of America, East, allowing Letterman, Craig Ferguson, and their writers to return to work during the union strike.

2011: Letterman 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: Letterman Receives Kennedy Center Honors

In 2012, David Letterman received Kennedy Center Honors and was recognized as one of the most influential figures in television history.

April 7, 2017: Letterman Inducts Pearl Jam into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

On April 7, 2017, David Letterman gave the induction speech for the band Pearl Jam into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame at a ceremony held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York City.

May 16, 2017: Letterman Named Mark Twain Prize Recipient

On May 16, 2017, David Letterman was named the recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, awarded by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

October 22, 2017: Letterman Receives Mark Twain Prize

On October 22, 2017, David Letterman received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in a ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.