By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
A broadcasting legend has passed away. Multiple news outlets such as the Associated Press, CNN, and Rolling Stone reported that the legendary Larry King passed away.
ABC News reported that the iconic broadcaster passed away at age 87 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Early Start
Larry King (real name: Lawrence Harvey Zeigler) was born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 19, 1933, to Jennie and Aaron Zeiger. When he grew up in the New York City area and attended Lafayette High School, he fell in love with radio broadcasting. After graduating from high school, King met a CBS announcer who advised him to travel to Miami.
While he suffered several setbacks, the small station manager (WMBM) in Miami Beach hired him for janitorial duties and performed miscellaneous tasks. On May 1, 1957, King received his first gig as an announcer when one of his employees abruptly quit. He moved to WIOD, where he conducted interviews with people at Pumpernik’s Restaurant. Two days after his debut, singer Bobby Darin became King’s very first celebrity guest.
In 1960, Larry King began adding television broadcasting to his resume. His very first TV show, Miami Undercover, where he moderated debates in current events. He also became the color commentator for the Miami Dolphins during the early 1970s.
National Prominence + CNN
On January 30, 1978, the Larry King Show premiered on the Mutual Broadcasting System. He broadcasted live Monday through Friday from the late evening to early morning hours. During the show, he conducted extensive interviews with high profile guests. Eventually, the show moved into the afternoon time slot, and on May 27, 1994, Larry King resigned from the program and aired its final broadcast.
CNN took notice of Larry King and offered him a television show on its network. Larry King Live debuted its first episode on June 3, 1985, where the broadcast icon was interviewed by New York Governor Mario Cuomo. For 25 years, Mr. King interviewed countless guests that ranged from iconic performers to politicians.
Larry King Live also produced impeccable moments that included Ross Perot and then-Vice President Al Gore’s debate on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on November 9, 1993. The show also made headlines when Oprah Winfrey visited and formally endorsed then-Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States on September 25, 2006. On December 16, 2010, Larry King Live aired its final episode on CNN. Several media titans such as Barbara Walters, Bill Maher, Katie Couric, and Ryan Seacrest appeared along with then-President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton.
Final Years + Legacy
In March 2012, he co-founded Ora TV with businessman Carlos Slim. On Ora TV, the legendary broadcaster hosted two shows Larry King Now and Politicking with Larry King. He also made various appearances on countless television shows that included Arthur, 30 Rock, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, and WWE Monday Night Raw. He also voiced Delores the Ugly Stepsister in the Shrek franchise.
At the time of his death, King won two Peabody Awards, an Emmy, and 10 CableACE Awards. He was also inducted into both the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame in 1996.
He was preceded in death by two of his children, Andy (65-years-old) and Chaia (51-years-old). He is survived by his sons Larry, Chance, and Cannon; nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Mr. King, thank you for inspiring generations of journalists and your impact on the media industry.
Jake’s Take is sending its deepest condolences to the King Family, his former colleagues, and friends at this time.
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