David Letterman's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

David Letterman is an influential American television host, comedian, writer, and producer known for his long tenure in late-night television. He hosted 'Late Night with David Letterman' on NBC starting in 1982, then moved to CBS with 'Late Show with David Letterman,' ending his run in 2015. Letterman surpassed Johnny Carson to become the longest-serving late-night talk show host in American television history, hosting a total of 6,080 episodes.

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 been nominated for 52 Emmy Awards throughout his career as a performer, producer, or writer, winning two Daytime Emmys and ten Primetime Emmys.

1996: Letterman ranked 45th on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time

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

January 14, 2000: Letterman Undergoes Emergency Heart Surgery

On January 14, 2000, a routine checkup revealed a severely obstructed artery in David Letterman's heart, leading to emergency quintuple bypass surgery at New York Presbyterian Hospital. During his recovery, friends of Letterman, including Norm Macdonald, Drew Barrymore, and Robin Williams, introduced reruns of the Late Show.

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

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

2000: Emergency Heart Surgery

In 2000, David Letterman had an emergency quintuple-bypass heart surgery. He later hosted a doctor and nurse who'd helped perform the surgery that saved his life. He became close friends with them.

2002: "The Late Show with David Letterman" Ranked Seventh

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

Loading Video...

2004: Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing wins Indianapolis 500

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

September 7, 2007: Dedication of David Letterman Communication and Media Building at Ball State

On September 7, 2007, David Letterman visited Ball State University for the dedication of the David Letterman Communication and Media Building. The $21 million facility opened for the 2007 fall semester, and Letterman delivered an emotional speech.

2011: Letterman receives the Johnny Carson Award for Comedic Excellence

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 was a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors, recognized as one of television's most influential personalities.

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.