Larry King is one of the most iconic figures in the world of television and broadcasting. For decades, his distinct voice, relaxed style, and compelling interviews made him a household name. As the host of Larry King Live on CNN, King became known for his ability to interview a wide range of guests, from celebrities and politicians to ordinary people with extraordinary stories. His career spanned more than six decades, making him one of the most influential broadcasters in the history of American media. With his retirement from Larry King Live in 2010 and his subsequent health challenges, many fans have wondered: “Is Larry King still alive?” This article explores his life, health, career, and the enduring legacy he left behind in the world of television and radio.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Brooklyn, New York
Larry King was born on November 19, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, to a working-class Jewish family. His father, Aaron King, was a restaurant owner, and his mother, Jennie, was a homemaker. King’s childhood was marked by hardship, particularly after the death of his father when Larry was just nine years old. This loss deeply affected him and left a lasting impact on his life and career.
King attended Lafayette High School in Brooklyn, where he was known for his speech and communication skills. After high school, he enrolled at the University of Miami, where he began to develop his passion for radio and broadcasting. However, due to financial constraints, King never graduated, and instead, he took his first steps into the world of media.
Early Radio Career
Larry King’s career in broadcasting began in 1957 when he moved to Miami and began working at a small radio station called WAHR. He started as a radio announcer and quickly moved up to become a news anchor. Despite facing early difficulties in his career, including being fired from his first job at the radio station, King’s determination and persistence kept him in the broadcasting world. He then began working at various stations around Miami, where he gained a reputation for his engaging interviewing style and quick wit.
King’s radio career continued to grow, and by 1978, he was hosting a national radio talk show, The Larry King Show, which aired on the Mutual Broadcasting System. This show allowed him to interview guests from a wide variety of fields, and it was during this period that he began to gain recognition for his conversational style and ability to connect with his guests. His success in radio laid the groundwork for his future as a television icon.
The Rise to Fame: Larry King Live and Television Stardom
Larry King Live on CNN (1985-2010)
In 1985, Larry King made the leap to television when he began hosting Larry King Live on CNN. The show would go on to become one of the most successful and longest-running talk shows in American history, airing for 25 years and accumulating over 6,000 episodes. King’s style as a host was unique—he kept his interviews conversational, often allowing his guests to speak at length without interruption, and he had a remarkable ability to ask simple but insightful questions that elicited honest and revealing answers.
Larry King Live quickly became a flagship program for CNN and a must-watch for people interested in politics, entertainment, and current events. Guests on the show ranged from U.S. presidents and world leaders to Hollywood stars and sports figures. King’s ability to connect with people from all walks of life and ask the questions that viewers wanted answered made him one of the most respected and trusted names in broadcasting.
Memorable Interviews and Milestones
Throughout his career, Larry King conducted some of the most memorable and high-profile interviews in broadcasting history. Some of his most famous guests included former U.S. presidents like Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Barack Obama, as well as international leaders like Fidel Castro and Vladimir Putin. His interview with the Dalai Lama in 1998, which focused on spirituality and world peace, was another standout moment in his career.
King’s long career in broadcasting earned him numerous accolades, including two Peabody Awards and an Emmy Award. He was known for his ability to draw out the most candid responses from his guests, making him one of the most trusted interviewers in media.
Transition to New Platforms
After retiring from Larry King Live in 2010, King continued to work in broadcasting, moving to other platforms and experimenting with new formats. He hosted a new show on Hulu called Larry King Now, where he continued his trademark interviewing style in a more digital format. Additionally, he hosted a podcast, Larry King Now, where he conducted interviews with high-profile individuals from a variety of fields, keeping his unique voice and style alive in the ever-changing world of media.
King also made several guest appearances on other television shows and was frequently invited to provide commentary on news programs, showcasing his continued relevance in the media landscape. His commitment to staying in the public eye demonstrated his enduring passion for interviewing and storytelling.
Health and Personal Life
Personal Life and Family
Larry King’s personal life was filled with both triumphs and challenges. He was married eight times to seven women, and his relationships, both professional and personal, often made headlines. He had five children from various marriages, and his family life was sometimes as public as his career.
King’s marriages, including his high-profile marriage to actress Alene Akins, were frequently covered by the media. Despite his personal struggles, King remained a central figure in the public’s consciousness, his personal life adding another layer of intrigue to his career.
Health Struggles and Challenges
As King entered his later years, he faced a number of health challenges. In 2017, King suffered a major health scare when he had a heart attack, requiring him to undergo surgery. He had a long history of heart issues, including a quadruple bypass surgery in 1987. Despite these health challenges, King continued to live a full life, often reflecting on his health struggles and maintaining his presence in the public eye.
In addition to his heart issues, King battled with several other health problems, including a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Despite these challenges, King remained active in his work and kept a positive attitude. His resilience in the face of health struggles was something he often discussed publicly, sharing his experiences to encourage others to stay strong through their own difficulties.
Is Larry King Still Alive? Health and Current Status
Current Health and Status
As of 2025, Larry King is still alive, though his health has continued to decline in recent years. After battling a variety of health issues, including a stroke in 2019, King’s health has been a matter of concern for both his family and fans. Despite these challenges, he has remained relatively private about his personal health, and updates on his condition have been few.
King’s family and friends have expressed concern over his health, and in recent years, his public appearances have become less frequent. While King’s legacy as a broadcaster remains strong, his health struggles have limited his ability to be as active as he once was.
Public Appearances and Continuing Influence
Larry King’s public appearances have slowed in recent years due to his declining health, but he continues to influence the world of media and broadcasting. His distinct interviewing style has been studied by aspiring journalists and interviewers, and his impact on both television and radio remains profound.
Despite his reduced visibility in recent years, Larry King’s voice continues to resonate in the media, and his past work still serves as a model for broadcasters. His influence on talk shows and news interviews is undeniable, and his contributions to the art of the interview will continue to shape journalism for years to come.
Larry King’s Legacy
A Groundbreaking TV Host
Larry King’s legacy is defined by his unique interviewing style, which revolutionized the art of the television talk show. King’s ability to engage guests from all walks of life, ask insightful questions, and create a comfortable environment for discussion made him a beloved figure in American media. His influence extends beyond his own shows, as he set the standard for future generations of talk show hosts.
King’s conversational approach to interviewing, paired with his ability to listen intently and ask the questions that mattered to his audience, helped define the modern interview format. His legacy lives on in the countless talk shows and podcasts that followed in his footsteps.
Influence on Media and Journalism
Beyond his career in broadcasting, Larry King’s impact on journalism and media is significant. He helped elevate the role of the interviewer, demonstrating that an engaging conversation could be as compelling as any scripted performance. King’s approach to journalism—focused on curiosity, simplicity, and accessibility—changed the way people engaged with news and information.
His ability to create a comfortable space for guests to share personal stories and perspectives made him a trusted voice in American households. His reputation as an objective, thoughtful interviewer allowed him to conduct interviews with politicians, celebrities, and ordinary people alike, giving a voice to a diverse range of individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Larry King still alive?
Yes, Larry King is still alive as of 2025, though he has faced serious health challenges in recent years.
2. What is Larry King best known for?
Larry King is best known for hosting Larry King Live on CNN for 25 years, where he conducted insightful and often groundbreaking interviews with politicians, celebrities, and newsmakers.
3. What is Larry King’s legacy in broadcasting?
Larry King’s legacy is defined by his revolutionary approach to the interview format. He is known for his conversational style, his ability to ask insightful questions, and his focus on giving guests the time and space to express themselves fully.
4. What are some of Larry King’s most memorable interviews?
Some of Larry King’s most memorable interviews include those with U.S. Presidents, celebrities such as Marlon Brando, and world leaders like Fidel Castro. His ability to get personal, candid responses made these interviews stand out.
5. What is Larry King doing now?
Due to his health challenges, Larry King has significantly reduced his public appearances in recent years. However, his influence in media continues to be felt, and his legacy as a pioneering talk show host endures.
Conclusion
Larry King’s career as a TV host and radio presenter has left an indelible mark on the world of broadcasting. From his groundbreaking work on Larry King Live to his enduring influence on the format of modern talk shows, King’s legacy as an interviewer and media icon will continue to inspire future generations. Though his health challenges have limited his public appearances, Larry King’s contributions to the world of media and his ability to engage audiences with compelling stories will ensure that his influence remains powerful for years to come.