or
Sign in with lockrMail
BREAKING NEWS
OK LogoNEWS

Legendary Talk Show Host Larry King Dies At 87 After Contracting COVID-19

larry king dies dead talk show host coronavirus covid
Source: MEGA

Jan. 23 2021, Updated 10:33 a.m. ET

Link to FacebookShare to XShare to FlipboardShare to Email

Former broadcast journalist and talk show host Larry King has died at 87.

The legendary TV icon passed away in the early hours on Saturday, January 23, at Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, an official statement by his Ora Media company confirmed.

Article continues below advertisement
Article continues below advertisement

“With profound sadness, Ora Media announces the sad death of our co-founder, host and friend Larry King,” the firm said.

"For 63 years and across the platforms of radio, television and digital media, Larry's may thousands of interviews, awards and global acclaim stand as a testament to his unique and lasting talent as a broadcaster.

'DRUGS ARE THE DEVIL': FRIENDS & FANS MOURN THE LOSS OF MODEL HARRY BRAND, DEAD FROM AN ACCIDNETAL OVERDOSE AT 24 

Article continues below advertisement

"Additionally, while it was his name appearing in the shows' titles, Larry always viewed his interview subjects as the true stars of his programs, and himself as merely an unbiased conduit between the guest and audience.

"Whether he was interviewing a U.S. president, foreign leader, celebrity, scandal-ridden personage or an everyman, Larry liked to ask short, direct, uncomplicated questions."

Article continues below advertisement

King was hospitalized back in December after contracting COVID-19. 

His health had deteriorated to the point he had to be taken to the ICU on New Year’s Eve.

There, he was given oxygen to help him breathe before being moved back to his hospital room in early January when his condition started improving, David Theall, a spokesman for Ora Media revealed. 

MORE ON:
death

Want OK! each day? Sign up here!

Article continues below advertisement

King’s company continued to add, "He believed concise questions usually provided the best answers, and he was not wrong in that belief…

"Ora Media sends our condolences to his surviving children Larry, Jr, Chance, Cannon and the entire King family."

LOOKING BACK: SEE PHOTOS OF LATE 24-YEAR-OLD HARRY BRANT, SUPERMODEL MOM STEPHANIE SEYMOUR & FAMILY THROUGH THE YEARS  

Article continues below advertisement

"Funeral services and a memorial service will be announced later in co-ordination with the King family, who ask for privacy at this time.”

Over the years, King has faced several health problems including lung and prostate cancer. 

In 2019, he survived a near-fatal stroke that left him in a coma for weeks, having also suffered a heart attack that had almost taken his life back in 1987. 

Article continues below advertisement

The New York native, born in Brooklyn, landed a career in journalism after relocating to Florida where he provided on-air presenting gigs for several radio stations in 1957.

King, who was born Lawrence Zeiger, changed his name on the advice of his station manager at the time.

Having made a name for himself in radio, King later transitioned into TV in 1960, hosting a local news show called Miami Undercover that would lead him to work with comedian and mentor Jackie Gleason.

The Larry King Show, which ran between 1978 until 1994, earned him the Peabody Award in 1982, and by 1985, he had landed a new deal with CNN to front Larry King Live up until December 2010.

More From OK! Magazine

    Opt-out of personalized ads

    © Copyright 2024 OK!™️. A DIVISION OF MYSTIFY ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK INC. OK! is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Offers may be subject to change without notice.