Legendary US TV host Larry King, who conducted an estimated 50,000 interviews on air throughout his career, has died at the age of 87. His cause of death is not yet known, however, he was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in LA several weeks ago with coronavirus.
His nightly show Larry King Live ran for 25 years on CNN, and in that time, he interviewed countless world leaders and celebrities, with guests ranging from the Dalai Lama to Lady Gaga. He wrapped it up in 2010, but remained in the public eye.
A representative confirmed his death via a statement on his Twitter, saying:
“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.”
“Additionally, while it was his name appearing in the shows’ titles, Larry always viewed his interview subjects as the true stars of his programs and himself as merely an unbiased conduit between the guest and audience.
“Whether he was interviewing a US president, foreign leader, celebrity, scandal-ridden personage or an everyman, Larry liked to ask short, direct and uncomplicated questions. He believed concise questions usually provided the best answers, and he was not wrong in that belief.”
When news of his death broke, numerous friends and public figures paid tribute. Former US president Bill Clinton said:
“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.”
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
Oprah said “it was always a treat to sit at your table [and] hear your stories.”
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
RIP.
