Larry King

Larry King Live debuted on CNN on June 3, 1985. The show quickly became known for its in-depth interviews with celebrities, politicians, and other public figures. Larry King's approachable and engaging style helped make the show one of CNN's most popular programs. During its 25-year run, Larry King Live hosted guests from all walks of life, including every U.S. president from Richard Nixon through Barack Obama.

Larry King, known for his iconic voice and presence on television, survived a major heart attack on September 25, 1987. This life-threatening event was a turning point for King, who had to undergo quintuple-bypass surgery. His health struggles led him to become an advocate for heart health awareness, and he later founded the Larry King Cardiac Foundation to support individuals unable to afford heart treatment.

On December 29, 1989, Larry King conducted an exclusive interview with legendary singer Frank Sinatra. The interview was notable for its depth and rarity, as Sinatra was known for avoiding the press. During their conversation, Sinatra discussed his storied career and personal life, providing insights into the world of entertainment from his perspective. This interview stood out for its ability to humanize an iconic yet private figure like Sinatra.

When Bill Clinton won the U.S. Presidential election on November 3, 1992, he acknowledged Larry King as pivotal in allowing him to connect with the American populace. Clinton's appearances on Larry King Live allowed him to present his policies and personality to millions, which helped solidify his appeal to voters. This underscored King's role in shaping political media as a platform where significant political dialogue and introductions could take place.

On February 12, 1993, billionaire businessman Ross Perot announced his intention to run for the presidency of the United States live on CNN's Larry King Live. This was a significant political event, as Perot's candidacy in the 1992 election, which he ran as an independent, disrupted the traditional two-party system and drew considerable media attention. Perot’s candidacy and his announcement on King’s show highlighted the program's political influence.

One of the most talked-about interviews in television history, Larry King's interview with Marlon Brando aired on May 11, 1994. During the interview, Brando and King discussed a range of topics, including Brando's personal beliefs and Hollywood experiences. The interview became particularly notable when Brando kissed King on the lips at its conclusion, a moment that has since become iconic in television history.

On September 25, 2001, just a few weeks after the September 11 attacks, Larry King conducted an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In this timely and pivotal interview, King spoke with Putin about the global response to terrorism and the future of U.S.-Russia relations. This interview was significant as it occurred during a critical moment in world history and touched on key issues facing global leaders at the time.

On June 22, 2009, Larry King conducted an interview with Michael Jackson's family and friends shortly before Jackson's sudden death only days later. The interview included discussions about Jackson's life, career, and the pressures he faced as a global superstar. This interview drew significant attention as it provided insights into Jackson's world just before his untimely passing, making it a significant part of King’s extensive interviewing legacy.

The final episode of Larry King Live aired on December 16, 2010, bringing an end to a 25-year broadcasting legacy. Over his career, King had become known for his frank yet affable interviewing style, having interviewed over 30,000 people during his time with the show. The program concluded with a heartfelt message from King, reflecting on his career and expressing gratitude to his viewers and CNN for the extraordinary journey.

Legendary talk show host Larry King passed away on January 23, 2021, at the age of 87. King's death marked the end of an era in broadcast journalism. Known for his decades-long career and his ability to extract honest and revealing responses from guests, King became a significant figure in American media. His passing was mourned worldwide as admirers remembered his contributions to journalism and his unique style.