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The Enduring Legacy Of Larry King: A Look Back At The Man Who Did 50,000 Interviews

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The question of "Is Larry King still alive?" is one that continues to be searched by millions, a testament to the legendary broadcaster's massive cultural footprint and decades-long career. As of the current date in late 2025, it is important to confirm that the iconic talk show host, known for his trademark suspenders and unscripted interview style, is sadly no longer with us. Larry King passed away in early 2021, but the details surrounding his death and the sheer scale of his professional achievements continue to be a source of curiosity and fascination, especially for new generations discovering his work.

The legendary host of CNN’s *Larry King Live* died on January 23, 2021, at the age of 87, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. His immediate cause of death was officially ruled as sepsis, a life-threatening complication of an infection. This occurred after a complex period of declining health that included a recent battle with COVID-19, as well as pre-existing conditions like acute hypoxic respiratory failure and kidney failure.

Larry King: A Definitive Biography and Career Profile

Larry King, born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger, was an American original. His career spanned over six decades, transitioning seamlessly from radio to television and digital media, establishing a gold standard for the interview format.

  • Full Name: Lawrence Harvey Zeiger
  • Born: November 19, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
  • Died: January 23, 2021, in Los Angeles, California (Age 87)
  • Cause of Death: Sepsis, acute hypoxic respiratory failure, and kidney failure, following a battle with COVID-19.
  • Career Start: Began his career in the 1950s and 1960s as a radio interviewer on WMBM in the Miami area.
  • Signature Shows: Hosted *The Larry King Show* on Mutual Broadcasting System (radio, starting 1978) and the globally famous *Larry King Live* on CNN (1985–2010). He later hosted *Politicking with Larry King* (2013–2020) on Ora Media.
  • Interviews Conducted: King is credited with conducting over 50,000 interviews throughout his career, interviewing every U.S. President from Richard Nixon to Barack Obama, along with countless world leaders, celebrities, and newsmakers.
  • Major Awards: He was a highly decorated broadcaster, winning two George Foster Peabody Awards for Excellence in Broadcasting (one for radio in 1982 and one for television in 1992), ten CableACE Awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award.

Larry King's Complex Personal Life: Eight Marriages and Five Children

King’s personal life was as famous as his professional one, marked by a series of high-profile relationships. He married eight times to seven different women, a fact he often joked about in interviews.

His wives included: Freda Miller, Annette Kaye, Alene Akins (twice), Mary Francis "Mickey" Sutphin, Sharon Lepore, Julie Alexander, and Shawn Southwick.

He is survived by three of his five children. His children include: Larry King Jr. (from his marriage to Annette Kaye), Chance King and Cannon King (from his marriage to Shawn Southwick). Tragically, two of his adult children, Andy King and Chaia King, passed away within weeks of each other in 2020, shortly before his own death.

The Interviewer's Style: Why Larry King’s Legacy Endures

Larry King's success was not just about the volume of his interviews, but the distinct style he brought to the table. His approach was famously simple, direct, and non-confrontational, which often disarmed his subjects and led to surprisingly candid answers. He was not a journalist in the traditional sense, but a curious conversationalist.

He famously wore his signature thick-rimmed glasses and brightly colored suspenders, a look that became synonymous with American late-night television. This casual, approachable demeanor allowed him to bridge the gap between world leaders and the average viewer.

King believed that the less he knew about his subject beforehand, the better, as it allowed him to ask the same kind of basic, honest questions an everyday person would ask. This simple philosophy made him one of the most trusted and enduring figures in broadcast history. His ability to make the interview about the guest, and not himself, is a lesson that continues to influence modern broadcasters.

Recent News and Posthumous Tributes (2024–2025)

Even years after his death, Larry King’s presence in the media world remains strong, with recent events in 2024 and 2025 continuing to solidify his legacy.

The Auction of Iconic Memorabilia

In a major event highlighting his cultural impact, a significant portion of Larry King’s personal collection and memorabilia was put up for auction. This sale gave fans and collectors a chance to own pieces of broadcasting history.

Among the items auctioned were his famous suspenders, which were often a focal point of his on-screen persona. Other notable items included his personal typewriter, a tool he used extensively in his early career, and even letters from his friend, the legendary Frank Sinatra. These artifacts serve as tangible reminders of a six-decade-long career that touched every corner of the news and entertainment world.

The Enduring King Foundation

Beyond his on-air work, King founded the Larry King Cardiac Foundation in 1988, an organization dedicated to providing life-saving cardiac care for individuals who could not otherwise afford it.

The foundation’s ongoing work ensures that his philanthropic efforts continue to save lives, cementing a legacy that extends far beyond the television screen. This commitment to public health is a lesser-known but crucial part of the story of Larry King.

While the answer to "Is Larry King still alive?" is a solemn 'no,' the man known as Lawrence Harvey Zeiger has left behind an indelible mark on journalism, broadcasting, and popular culture. His simple yet profound approach to interviewing, his ability to connect with anyone from a movie star to a world leader, and his instantly recognizable style ensure that his voice continues to resonate. The sheer volume of his work—50,000 interviews—makes him a figure whose influence will be studied and celebrated for decades to come, even as his personal items become museum-worthy artifacts.

is larry king still alive
is larry king still alive

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