Larry King, the veteran television host who hosted Larry King Live on CNN for 25 years, died on Saturday at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 87.
— Larry King (@kingsthings) January 23, 2021
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
“For 63 years and across the platforms of radio, television, and digital media, Larry’s many thousands of interviews, awards, and global acclaim stand as a testament to his unique and lasting talent as a broadcaster,” read a statement on his Twitter page.
The cause of his death has not been revealed yet.
In December 2020, reports stated that King was hospitalised in Los Angeles, after testing positive for Covid-19. He was also diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017 and he underwent treatment for the same.
Many renowned personalities like Oprah Winfrey, former USA president Bill Clinton, and singers Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand condoled his death on Twitter.
I enjoyed my 20+ interviews with Larry King over the years. He had a great sense of humor and a genuine interest in people. He gave a direct line to the American people and worked hard to get the truth for them, with questions that were direct but fair. Farewell, my friend. pic.twitter.com/Q28Xy4F91W
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) January 23, 2021
I’m sad to learn about Larry King’s passing.He was such a kind gentleman, and he made all of us feel as though we were speaking with a lifelong friend.There will never be anyone like him, and he will be missed by many. My sincerest condolences to his family & friends. Celine xx… pic.twitter.com/NBw0hpCDoj
— Celine Dion (@celinedion) January 23, 2021
It was always a treat to sit at your table. And hear your stories. Thank you Larry King. pic.twitter.com/O66uEXeJE4
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) January 23, 2021
According to a report by CNN, when King retired in 2010, he had taped over 6,000 episodes of Larry King Live. From interviewing USA presidents such as Barack Obama to athletes, singers, and world leaders like the Dalai Lama, King was remembered for his casual approach. “With an affable, easygoing demeanor that distinguished him from more intense TV interviewers, King perfected a casual approach to the Q&A format, always leaning forward and listening intently to his guests, rarely interrupting,” the report said.
King was known for interviewing every sitting USA president, from Gerald Ford to Barack Obama.
According to The Hindu, when King was accused of not preparing for interviews and asking very soft questions, he responded by saying that he did not do much research as he wanted to learn along with the viewers.
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Born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger in November 1933, King’s first job was that of a disc jockey. Between 1957 to 1985, he worked as both a newspaper and a freelance journalist. In 1978, he launched the Larry King Show, which was a late-night radio show. He won the Peabody Award for it in 1982.
He continued to work even after his retirement from CNN. After retiring, he started Larry King Now, which aired on his own platform Ora TV.
According to CNN, he had said, “I just love what I do. I love asking questions, I love doing the interviews.”
King is survived by three children, Larry Jr, Chance, and Cannon King.