By Admin 
Introduction
Larry King remains one of the most iconic names in the history of broadcasting. Known for his conversational interviewing style, signature suspenders, and ability to put guests at ease, King spent over six decades in journalism and entertainment. From his humble beginnings in Brooklyn to becoming a household name on CNN, King’s journey is filled with success, personal struggles, and unforgettable moments. This article explores Larry King’s net worth, his career as a journalist, his ventures into movies and TV shows, details about his personal life and marriages, and his legacy as a father and cultural figure.
Early Life: Larry King Born in Brooklyn
Larry King was born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger on November 19, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, to immigrant parents. His father, Edward Zeiger, owned a bar and worked in defense plants, while his mother, Jennie Gitlitz, was a garment worker. The family struggled financially, especially after King’s father passed away from a heart attack when Larry was just nine years old.
This tragedy forced young Larry to grow up quickly, shaping his resilience. Despite his early challenges, he developed a fascination for radio. As a teenager, he dreamed of one day becoming a broadcaster, inspired by listening to his favorite radio personalities in New York.
Employment as a Journalist: Humble Beginnings
Larry King’s career began in the 1950s after moving to Florida. He started as a janitor at a Miami radio station before being given an opportunity to go on air. Using the stage name “Larry King” (because his real surname, Zeiger, was considered too difficult to pronounce), he began his broadcasting journey in 1957.
In those early years, King honed his skills by doing everything from announcing to hosting small talk shows. His ability to engage listeners and guests soon made him stand out. By the late 1970s, he had gained national attention with The Larry King Show, a late-night coast-to-coast radio talk program that ran from 1978 to 1994.
Rise to Fame: Larry King Journalist on CNN
Larry King reached global fame when CNN launched Larry King Live in 1985. For the next 25 years, King became a nightly presence in American households. His show became CNN’s flagship program, where he interviewed presidents, celebrities, authors, athletes, and world leaders.
His interviewing style was unique: he asked straightforward questions without trying to overshadow his guests. Over the years, King conducted over 50,000 interviews, making him one of the most prolific interviewers in history.
Larry King Movies and TV Shows
While Larry King was primarily known as a journalist, he also became a pop culture figure through appearances in movies and TV shows. Some of his most notable contributions include:
- Films:
- Ghostbusters (1984) – cameo as himself.
- Enemy of the State (1998).
- Bee Movie (2007) – voice cameo.
- The Contender (2000).
- Swing Vote (2008).
- Voice Roles in Animated Films:
- Shrek 2 (2004).
- Shrek the Third (2007).
- Shrek Forever After (2010).
- TV Appearances:
- The Simpsons (voice cameo).
- Everybody Loves Raymond.
- Sesame Street.
- Boston Legal.
These appearances often capitalized on his recognizable voice and personality, solidifying him as a cultural icon beyond journalism.
Larry King Net Worth
Larry King’s net worth at the time of his passing in 2021 has been estimated between $50 million and $150 million, depending on the source.
- CNN Salary: At the peak of Larry King Live, he earned around $7 million per year.
- Book Deals and Speaking Engagements: King authored over 15 books, contributing significantly to his income.
- Investments and Legal Issues: Despite high earnings, King faced financial challenges, including divorces and lawsuits, which affected his overall fortune.
By conservative estimates, most outlets agree his net worth was approximately $50 million, though earlier reports suggested it may have been higher, closer to $144 million at his career’s peak.
Marriages: Larry King Married to…
Larry King’s personal life was as eventful as his professional one. He was famously married eight times to seven women:
- Freda Miller – married in 1952 (annulled).
- Annette Kaye – married briefly in 1961; mother of Larry King Jr.
- Alene Akins – married twice (1961–63 and 1968–71).
- Mickey Sutphin – married from 1964 to 1967.
- Sharon Lepore – married from 1976 to 1983.
- Julie Alexander – married from 1989 to 1992.
- Shawn Southwick – married from 1997 to 2019 (his longest marriage).
His final marriage to Shawn Southwick lasted over two decades before divorce proceedings began. The many marriages often made headlines and were a point of fascination for fans and media alike.
Larry King Journalist Kids
Larry King was the father of five children:
- Larry King Jr. (with Annette Kaye).
- Andy King (adopted son with Alene Akins, who sadly passed away in 2020).
- Chaia King (daughter with Alene Akins, also passed away in 2020).
- Chance Armstrong King (with Shawn Southwick, born 1999).
- Cannon Edward King (with Shawn Southwick, born 2000).
At the time of his death in 2021, King was survived by three children: Larry Jr., Chance, and Cannon.
Larry King Journalist and Mark Kleinman
One query that occasionally surfaces online involves Larry King and Mark Kleinman. However, there is no documented professional or personal relationship between the two. It appears to be a point of confusion or misassociation on some websites. King’s collaborations and interviews covered thousands of notable figures, but no verified connection with Kleinman exists.
Later Career: Larry King Now and Beyond
After leaving CNN in 2010, King didn’t retire. He launched Larry King Now, a talk show on Ora TV (later distributed on Hulu and RT America) in 2012. He also co-founded Ora TV with Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim.
These ventures allowed him to adapt to changing media landscapes and reach younger, digital audiences. Even into his 80s, King continued to interview top guests, proving his passion for journalism never waned.
Legacy
Larry King passed away on January 23, 2021, at the age of 87. His legacy is one of authenticity, persistence, and dedication to storytelling. His interviewing style, which focused more on listening than dominating conversations, became a benchmark in journalism.
King was not just a broadcaster; he was a cultural bridge who connected audiences with people from all walks of life. Presidents, pop stars, authors, and everyday citizens all had their turn across his table.
Conclusion
Larry King’s story is one of resilience and passion. From his modest beginnings in Brooklyn to building a career worth tens of millions, King remained true to his love for broadcasting. His net worth symbolizes more than money—it reflects the trust he built with audiences worldwide.
As a journalist, he left behind not just interviews but a model of sincerity and curiosity. His forays into movies and TV added to his global recognition, while his personal life revealed a man full of contradictions and complexity. Above all, Larry King will be remembered as a media giant whose voice defined an era.
This article is presented by primeheadlines, where we dive into the lives of the world’s most fascinating figures.