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Larry King

Larry King was an American talk-show host, interviewer, and broadcaster known for his long-running CNN program *Larry King Live*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Larry King (born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger) was an American talk-show host, interviewer, and broadcaster known for his long-running CNN program *Larry King Live*. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he became one of the most recognizable figures in radio and television interviewing. He died in 2021.

Early life

Larry King was born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger in Brooklyn, New York, in 1933. He later moved into broadcasting and began working in radio before achieving national attention.

Radio and television career

King gained national prominence in 1978 as host of the radio program *The Larry King Show*. He hosted *Larry King Live* on CNN from 1985 to 2010, one of the network’s longest-running and highest-rated programs. He also hosted *Larry King Now* and *Politicking with Larry King* from 2012 to 2020.

Interview style and legacy

King was known for an easygoing interviewing style and for appearing in films and television series as himself. He conducted more than 50,000 interviews across radio and television.

Awards and recognition

He received major broadcasting honors including two Peabody Awards, an Emmy, and ten CableACE Awards. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the News and Documentary Emmy Awards.

Key facts

  • King gained national prominence in 1978 as host of *The Larry King Show*.
  • He hosted *Larry King Live* on CNN from 1985 to 2010.
  • He conducted more than 50,000 interviews.
  • He also hosted *Larry King Now* and *Politicking with Larry King*.
  • King received two Peabody Awards, an Emmy, and ten CableACE Awards.
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Canadian context

Larry King was widely known to Canadian audiences through CNN’s international reach and as a major North American media figure whose interviews and political coverage were followed in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Larry King?
Larry King was an American talk-show host and broadcaster best known for *Larry King Live* on CNN.
What was Larry King’s birth name?
His birth name was Lawrence Harvey Zeiger.
What show made Larry King famous?
He became nationally prominent with *The Larry King Show* and later became widely known for *Larry King Live*.
How long did *Larry King Live* run?
It aired on CNN from 1985 to 2010.
How many interviews did Larry King conduct?
Sources report that he conducted more than 50,000 interviews.
When did Larry King die?
He died on January 23, 2021, in Los Angeles, California.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Larry-King
    Supports: Birth, death, nationality, and overview of his talk-show career and interviewing style.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_King
    Supports: Career timeline, programs hosted, interview count, awards, and later work.
  3. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2013/05/27/us/larry-king-fast-facts
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, and basic biographical facts.
  4. Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery — https://npg.si.edu/exhibition/memoriam-larry-king-1933%E2%80%932021
    Supports: Career summary, interview count, awards, and later media work.
  5. Television Academy — https://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/larry-king
    Supports: Death date and television career recognition.
  6. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55523881
    Supports: Death, six-decade career, and broad significance in broadcasting.