Larry King was a celebrated American author, radio, and television host known for his long and successful career in interviewing. He received numerous awards for his work, including two Peabodys, an Emmy, and 10 Cable ACE Awards, along with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the News and Documentary Emmys. His career spanned decades, during which he conducted over 50,000 interviews across radio and television.
November 19, 1933: Larry King's Birth
Larry King was born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger on November 19, 1933, in New York City.
1952: King Marries Freda Miller
Larry King married his high school sweetheart, Freda Miller, in 1952 at the age of 19. The marriage ended the following year.
May 1, 1957: Larry King's First Broadcast
Larry King made his broadcasting debut on May 1, 1957, as a disc jockey at WAHR in Miami Beach.
May 1960: Miami Undercover Premiere
In May 1960, Larry King began hosting 'Miami Undercover,' which aired on WPST-TV.
November 1961: King's Son Larry Jr. is Born
Larry King's second wife, Annette Kaye, gave birth to their son, Larry Jr., in November 1961. King and his son wouldn't meet until Larry Jr. was in his 30s.
1961: King Marries Alene Akins
In 1961, Larry King married his third wife, Alene Akins, a Playboy Bunny, at a Playboy nightclub.
1962: King Adopts Andy
Larry King adopted Andy, his wife Alene Akins' son, in 1962. The couple divorced the following year.
1963: King Marries Mary Francis Sutphin
Larry King married his fourth wife, Mary Francis "Mickey" Sutphin, in 1963.
1964: Collaboration with Jackie Gleason
Larry King's career benefited from the mentorship of comedian Jackie Gleason, whose variety show's move to Miami in 1964 led to a close friendship and professional guidance.
1967: King and Mary Francis Sutphin Divorce
Larry King and his wife, Mary Francis "Mickey" Sutphin divorced in 1967.
1969: King Remarries Alene Akins
Larry King remarried Alene Akins in 1969.
1970: Miami Dolphins Commentator
Larry King took on the role of color commentator for the Miami Dolphins during their 1970 season.
December 20, 1971: Larry King Faces Legal Issues
Larry King faced professional setbacks on December 20, 1971, when he was let go from WIOD and WTVJ following an arrest related to grand larceny charges from a former business associate. These charges were later dropped.
1971: Continued Commentary for the Dolphins
Larry King continued his commentary role with the Miami Dolphins for a significant portion of their 1971 season.
1972: King and Alene Akins Divorce Again
Larry King and Alene Akins divorced for the second time in 1972.
1975: Herb Jepko Starts Talk Show
Herb Jepko started the talk show on the Mutual Broadcasting System in 1975.
September 25, 1976: King Marries Sharon Lepore
Larry King married Sharon Lepore, his fifth wife, on September 25, 1976.
1977: Long John Nebel Takes Over Talk Show
"Long John" Nebel became the host of the talk show on the Mutual Broadcasting System in 1977.
January 30, 1978: King Takes Over Mutual Broadcasting System Slot
On January 30, 1978, Larry King took over the coast-to-coast radio program slot on the Mutual Broadcasting System, previously held by Herb Jepko and "Long John" Nebel.
1978: The Larry King Show Premiere
In 1978, Larry King's career reached new heights with the debut of 'The Larry King Show,' a nightly nationwide call-in program on the Mutual Broadcasting System.
1982: Column Begins in USA Today
Larry King began writing a regular column for USA Today in 1982, shortly after the newspaper debuted in the Baltimore-Washington area.
1982: Larry King Wins Peabody Award for Radio Show
Larry King received his first Peabody Award for Excellence in broadcasting in 1982, recognizing his contributions to radio.
1983: King and Sharon Lepore Divorce
Larry King and Sharon Lepore divorced in 1983.
June 1985: Larry King Live Begins
Larry King Live premiered on CNN in June 1985.
1985: Larry King Live Premiere
Larry King began hosting 'Larry King Live' on CNN in 1985, which would become his most iconic venture.
February 24, 1987: Larry King's Heart Attack and Quintuple Bypass Surgery
On February 24, 1987, Larry King suffered a major heart attack and underwent successful quintuple-bypass surgery, a life-altering event that led him to quit smoking and write books about heart health.
1987: King Founds Larry King Cardiac Foundation
Following a heart attack in 1987, Larry King established the Larry King Cardiac Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to funding life-saving cardiac procedures for individuals who could not afford them.
August 1, 1989: King Proposes to Julie Alexander
Larry King proposed to businesswoman Julie Alexander on their first date on August 1, 1989.
October 7, 1989: King Marries Julie Alexander
Larry King and Julie Alexander were married in Washington, D.C. on October 7, 1989.
1989: Release of "Mr. King, You're Having a Heart Attack"
In 1989, Larry King, along with B.D. Colen, released "Mr. King, You're Having a Heart Attack", sharing his experience with heart disease after his 1987 heart attack.
1989: Larry King Inducted into National Radio Hall of Fame
Larry King's significant contributions to radio were formally acknowledged in 1989 with his induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame.
1990: King and Alexander Separate
Larry King and Julie Alexander separated in 1990, having lived in different cities throughout their marriage.
1990: King Attempts to Bring MLB Team to Buffalo
Larry King, a dedicated Los Angeles Dodgers fan, was part of an investment group that attempted to bring a Major League Baseball franchise to Buffalo, New York, in 1990.
1992: Larry King Wins Peabody Award for Television Show
Adding to his accolades, Larry King was honored with a Peabody Award for his television work in 1992, demonstrating his influence across different mediums.
1992: King and Alexander Divorce
Larry King and Julie Alexander officially divorced in 1992.
1992: Ross Perot Announces Presidential Bid
Ross Perot used 'Larry King Live' as the platform to announce his presidential candidacy in 1992.
1993: Gore-Perot Debate
A memorable debate between Al Gore and Ross Perot in 1993 became a ratings hit, holding the record for CNN's most-watched segment for many years.
1993: Daytime Version of Show Begins
A shorter, daytime version of 'The Larry King Show' began airing in 1993.
May 27, 1994: The Larry King Show Ends
The final episode of 'The Larry King Show' aired on May 27, 1994.
1994: Larry King Receives Scopus Award
In recognition of his contributions, Larry King received the Scopus Award from the American Friends of Hebrew University in 1994.
1995: King and Deanna Lund Get Engaged
Larry King and actress Deanna Lund became engaged after five weeks of dating in 1995; however, they never married.
1996: Larry King Inducted into Broadcasters' Hall of Fame
Further solidifying his legacy in broadcasting, Larry King was inducted into the Broadcasters' Hall of Fame in 1996.
1996: Broadcasters' Hall of Fame Induction
Larry King was honored with an induction into the Broadcasters' Hall of Fame in 1996.
1996: Larry King Receives Golden Plate Award
Larry King was honored with the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement in 1996, presented by Art Buchwald.
May 8, 1997: Larry King Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
In a significant career milestone, Larry King was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on May 8, 1997, cementing his place in entertainment history.
1997: "Daddy Day, Daughter Day" is Published
Dove Books published "Daddy Day, Daughter Day," a children's book written by Larry and Chaia King, in 1997. The book recounts their experiences surrounding King's divorce from Alene Akins.
1997: King Marries Shawn Southwick
Larry King married his seventh wife, Shawn Southwick, in 1997.
March 1999: King and Southwick's Son Chance is Born
Chance King, son of Larry and Shawn, was born in March 1999.
1999: Westwood One Dissolves Mutual
Westwood One dissolved Mutual in 1999.
May 2000: King and Southwick's Son Cannon is Born
Cannon King, son of Larry and Shawn, was born in May 2000.
September 2001: USA Today Column Ends
Larry King's regular column in USA Today ended in September 2001 after nearly two decades.
2002: Larry King Ranked Among Top Talk Show Hosts by Talkers Magazine
Larry King's influence in the talk show realm was highlighted in 2002 when "Talkers Magazine" recognized him as both the fourth-greatest radio talk show host and the top television talk show host of all time.
2004: Release of "Taking On Heart Disease"
Larry King published "Taking On Heart Disease" in 2004, featuring stories of celebrities like Peggy Fleming and Regis Philbin coping with cardiovascular issues.
2005: King Identifies as Jewish Agnostic
Larry King described himself as a Jewish agnostic in 2005.
2006: Larry King Receives President's Award from Los Angeles Press Club
Honoring his lasting influence on media, Larry King was bestowed the President's Award from the Los Angeles Press Club in 2006.
April 11, 2007: Larry King Receives Hugh Downs Award for Communication Excellence
On April 11, 2007, Larry King was honored with the inaugural Arizona State University Hugh Downs Award for Communication Excellence, presented remotely by Hugh Downs himself.
September 2007: King and Southwick Celebrate 10th Anniversary
Larry King and Shawn Southwick celebrated their 10th anniversary in September 2007.
January 2008: Larry King Receives Golden Mike Award for Lifetime Achievement
In January 2008, Larry King was recognized for his enduring impact on the broadcasting industry with the Golden Mike Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Radio & Television News Association of Southern California.
November 2008: Column Resurfaces as Blog
Larry King's column found new life as a blog in November 2008.
April 2009: Column Returns on Twitter
Larry King's column made its way to Twitter in April 2009.
2009: King Expresses Interest in Cryonics
In 2009, Larry King first expressed his interest in cryonic suspension.
December 31, 2009: CNN Radio Simulcast Ends
The radio simulcast of Larry King's CNN show came to an end on December 31, 2009.
June 29, 2010: Larry King Announces Departure
On June 29, 2010, Larry King publicly announced his decision to step down as the host of 'Larry King Live' after 25 years, although he planned to remain involved with CNN for occasional specials.
August 30, 2010: King Hosts Chabad Telethon
Larry King hosted the 30th annual "To Life" telethon for Chabad in Los Angeles on August 30, 2010.
December 16, 2010: Final Edition of Larry King Live Airs
The final episode of 'Larry King Live' aired on December 16, 2010, marking the end of an era for Larry King and CNN.
2010: King and Southwick File for Divorce and Reconcile
Larry King and Shawn Southwick filed for divorce but later reconciled in 2010.
2010: End of Larry King Live
After an impressive run, 'Larry King Live' concluded in 2010.
2010: Larry King Retires from 'Larry King Live'
Larry King made the decision to retire from 'Larry King Live' in 2010 after an incredible 6,000 episodes.
2011: King Appears in Infomercials
Following 2011, Larry King appeared in various television infomercials, often discussing products in an interview style reminiscent of his previous programs.
2011: King Reiterates Interest in Cryonics
Larry King again mentioned his interest in cryonic suspension in 2011.
February 17, 2012: King Stops Hosting CNN Specials
On February 17, 2012, CNN announced that Larry King would no longer be hosting specials for the network.
March 2012: Larry King Co-Founds Ora TV
Larry King, along with his wife Shawn Southwick-King and Carlos Slim, co-founded the production company Ora TV in March 2012.
October 2012: King Appears on WWE Raw
Larry King and his wife Shawn appeared on WWE Raw in October 2012, participating in a storyline with wrestlers The Miz and Kofi Kingston.
October 23, 2012: King Hosts Third-Party Presidential Debate
Larry King hosted the third-party presidential debate on October 23, 2012, for Ora TV. The candidates included Jill Stein, Rocky Anderson, Virgil Goode, and Gary Johnson.
2012: Larry King Now Begins
Larry King started hosting 'Larry King Now' in 2012, expanding his digital presence on platforms like Hulu, Ora TV, and RT America.
January 16, 2013: Ora TV Celebrates 100th Episode
On January 16, 2013, Ora TV, the production company co-founded by Larry King, celebrated the 100th episode of "Larry King Now."
May 2013: RT America to Host "Larry King Now"
In May 2013, RT America announced a deal with Ora TV to host "Larry King Now." King stated his preference for interviewing those in power over speaking for them. The show continued to be available on Hulu and Ora.tv.
2013: King Hosts "In View with Larry King"
Starting in 2013, Larry King hosted the educational TV series "In View with Larry King."
2013: Politicking with Larry King Premieres
Larry King launched 'Politicking with Larry King' in 2013, a weekly political talk show.
2014: Larry King Featured in "The Widowmaker" Documentary
Larry King participated in the 2014 British documentary "The Widowmaker," discussing his heart attack experience and advocating for preventative cardiology.
2014: King Addresses Criticism Over RT Deal
In 2014, Larry King addressed criticism about working with RT America, clarifying that he doesn't work for RT. He explained that Ora TV licenses his shows to RT America and emphasized his refusal to allow any editing that would compromise the content.
2015: King Discusses Cryonics with Family
Larry King discussed the possibility of cryonic suspension with his family in 2015 and ultimately decided against it.
2015: Larry King Signs Will Naming Shawn Southwick as Executor
Larry King signed a will in 2015 that named his then-wife, Shawn Southwick, as the executor of his estate. This will contradicted a later handwritten will, leading to a legal battle after his death in February 2021.
2015: King Identifies as Atheist
Larry King stated he was an atheist in 2015.
2015: "In View with Larry King" Concludes
The educational television series "In View with Larry King" concluded in 2015.
2015: CNN's Most-Watched Segment Record Broken
The record set by the 1993 Gore-Perot debate was finally surpassed in 2015.
September 2017: King's Agent Comments on His Future Plans
In September 2017, Larry King's agent stated that King was looking forward to working for another 60 years.
2017: Larry King Diagnosed with Lung Cancer
During a routine chest X-ray in 2017, doctors discovered a malignant tumor in Larry King's lung, which was successfully removed through surgery.
2017: King Expresses Pride in Jewish Heritage
In 2017, Larry King told The Jerusalem Post about his pride in his Jewish heritage and his fondness for Israel.
April 23, 2019: Larry King Undergoes Angioplasty and Receives Stents
On April 23, 2019, Larry King underwent a scheduled angioplasty and had stents inserted. Despite inaccurate reports of a heart attack and heart failure, he recovered and returned to his show, "Politicking with Larry King," later that year.
August 20, 2019: King and Southwick File for Divorce Again
Larry King and Shawn Southwick filed for divorce for the second time on August 20, 2019.
2019: Larry King Writes Handwritten Will
In 2019, Larry King wrote a handwritten will that would later become the subject of legal disputes following his death in February 2021.
2019: King Sues Nate Holzapfel
Larry King filed a lawsuit against Nate Holzapfel in 2019, alleging that Holzapfel had misrepresented himself and the purpose of a short interview, which was edited to falsely portray his appearance on "Larry King Now."
2019: King Featured in Fake Interview
In 2019, ProPublica reported that Larry King had unknowingly participated in a fabricated interview with a Russian journalist. The interview, which spread disinformation about Guo Wengui, was later disseminated by social media accounts linked to the Chinese government.
August 2020: King's Children Andy and Chaia Die
Tragically, Larry King's children, Andy and Chaia, passed away within weeks of each other in August 2020. Andy died at 65 from a heart attack, while Chaia died at 51 from lung cancer.
2020: End of Larry King Now and Politicking with Larry King
Both 'Larry King Now' and 'Politicking with Larry King' concluded in 2020.
January 2, 2021: Larry King Hospitalized
On January 2, 2021, Larry King was admitted to Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles due to COVID-19.
January 23, 2021: Larry King's Death
Larry King passed away on January 23, 2021, at the age of 87.
February 2021: Larry King's Will Contested by Estranged Wife
Following Larry King's death in February 2021, his estranged wife, Shawn Southwick, contested his 2019 handwritten will. Southwick alleged undue influence from King's son, Larry King Jr., and cited a conflicting 2015 will.
2021: Larry King Remains Active
Larry King continued to be active in his career until his passing in 2021.
2021: King Dies Amidst Divorce Proceedings
Larry King passed away in 2021 while he and Shawn Southwick were estranged and undergoing divorce proceedings.