Larry King, the award-winning journalist who became cable television’s most well-known talk show host, died at the age of 87 on Saturday. He hosted Larry King Live on CNN for nearly 30 years and interviewed thousands of people during his lifetime.
The industry reacted to the news with great sadness, paying homage to a man who made an indelible mark on so many lives.
“When I was a young morning DJ, I listened to Larry King’s overnight radio show every night on my way to work,” said Jimmy Kimmel via Twitter. “He was one of the greats and I am glad to have known him.”
King was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1933 as Larry Zeigler. He moved to Miami in his 20’s to pursue a job in radio. He also wrote a column for a local newspaper.
Singer Celine Dion called King a lifelong friend. “There will never be anyone like him, and he will be missed by many. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.”
CNN Chief International anchor Christiane Amanpour said King was an integral part of CNN’s rise to global prominence.
“He became the must-see appointment to view the program. But he also became the global confessor, he was the person who interviewed just about anybody, who was anybody at the time. That meant every single night, five days a week for 25 years while he was at CNN.”
Sentiments poured in from the world of politics as well. “Larry King was a Brooklyn boy who became a newsman who interviewed newsmakers,” said New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. “He conducted over 50,000 interviews that informed Americans in a clear and plain way.”
CNN President Jeff Zucker issued a statement saying, “we are so proud of the 25 years he spent with CNN, where his newsmaker interviews truly put the network on the international stage.”
