Confirmed Status and Basic Facts
Larry King died on January 23, 2021. The verified cause of death was acute coronary thrombosis, a blood clot in a major artery of the heart, related to a history of cardiovascular disease. He was 87 years old at the time of death. This status clarification is based on authoritative reports and public death records from early 2021.
Biographic Overview and Career Highlights
Larry King was an iconic American broadcaster best known for hosting Larry King Live on CNN from 1985 to 2010. His conversational interviewing style and ability to host a wide range of guests made him a recognizable figure in broadcast media for decades. Below are key verified attributes for context:
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Lawrence Harvey Zeiger | Birth certificate / biographies |
| Date of Birth | November 19, 1933 | Public records |
| Date of Death | January 23, 2021 | Obituaries / death records |
| Age at Death | 87 years old | Calculated from above dates |
| Primary Role | Long-form interview host | Career records |
Cause of Death and Medical Details
According to public reports and statements following his death, Larry King’s immediate cause was acute coronary thrombosis. This condition involves a blood clot obstructing blood flow in a coronary artery, often in individuals with underlying heart disease. His death was not sudden or trauma-related; it occurred in a Los Angeles hospital. King had a documented history of heart issues, including prior cardiac events, which contextualizes this outcome.
Key Milestones and Timeline
Understanding Larry King’s professional timeline helps frame his legacy and why his passing drew widespread attention. The timeline below reflects major verified milestones rather than speculative commentary.
- 1933: Born in Brooklyn, New York.
- 1978–1984: Hosted Larry King Show on radio, building a national audience.
- 1985–2010: Hosted Larry King Live on CNN, defining late-night political and celebrity interviews.
- 2010–2021: Continued hosting on other networks, including Politicking with Larry King and appearances on RT America.
- 2021: Died on January 23 in Los Angeles at age 87.
Public and Industry Reaction
News of Larry King’s death prompted widespread acknowledgment from peers, networks, and audiences. Tributes emphasized his longevity in broadcasting, his distinctive voice, and his role in normalizing in-depth televised conversation. Multiple outlets summarized his influence, noting both his reach and his era-specific impact. Common themes in coverage included accessibility, curiosity, and persistence across evolving media formats.
Legacy and Lasting Influence
Larry King’s legacy rests on the durability of his interview format and his visibility over more than five decades in media. While styles and platforms have shifted, his work helped establish long-form televised interviews as a staple of public discourse. His name remains associated with persistence, access, and a particular brand of conversational journalism that prioritized extended dialogue. Modern hosts and podcasters who favor in-depth, one-on-one formats often trace influence back to approaches popularized by his shows.