US TV host Larry King dies aged 87, weeks after being hospitalised with Covid-19

23 January 2021, 13:26 | Updated: 23 January 2021, 14:51

Larry King died after a battle with Covid-19
Larry King died after a battle with Covid-19. Picture: PA

By Asher McShane

US TV talk show legend Larry King has died aged 87, weeks after being admitted to hospital with coronavirus.

King, famous for his shows including CNN's Larry King Live which he hosted from 1985 to 2010, died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, an official statement from his media company said.

"With profound sadness, Ora Media announces the death of our co-founder, host and friend Larry King, who passed away this morning aged 87 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles," the statement read.

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

"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 guest and audience.

"Whether he was interviewing a US president, foreign leader, celebrity, scandal-ridden personage, or an everyman, Larry liked to ask short, direct and uncomplicated questions. He believed concise questions usually provided the best answers, and he was not wrong in that belief."

"Larry's interviews from his 25 year run on CNN's Larry King Live and his Ora Media programs Larry King Now and Politicking with Larry King are consistently referenced by media outlets around the world and remain part of the historical record of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

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

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

CNN anchor Jim Acosta posted a tribute online that read: "Broadcasting legend and longtime CNN host Larry King has passed away. He will be missed by so many CNN employees past and present."

Christiane Amanpour, CNN's chief international anchor, wrote on Twitter: "Larry King was a giant of broadcasting and a master of the TV celebrity/statesman-woman interview.

"His name is synonymous with CNN and he was vital to the network's ascent.

"EVERYONE wanted to be on Larry King Live. May he Rest in Peace."

Talk show host Craig Ferguson said: "Just heard the awful news about Larry King. He taught me so much.

"He was a true mensch. He probably even taught me that word. So long pal, thanks for all the laughs. Say hi to Rickles (comedian Don Rickles who died in 2017). #RIPLarryKing."

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said: "Larry King was a Brooklyn boy who become a newsman who interviewed the newsmakers.

"He conducted over 50,000 interviews that informed Americans in a clear and plain way. New York sends condolences to his family and many friends."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Heathrow will expand two terminals ahead of a third runway.

Heathrow to expand two terminals in multibillion-pound investment ahead of controversial third runway

Donald Trump has ordered the release of the last classified files surrounding the assassination of John F. Kennedy on Thursday, vowing that ‘everything will be revealed’.

'Two shooters' involved in JFK assassination, claims task force head - as FBI reveals thousands of secret files

A large police presence remains in place

Police continue 'challenging' negotiations with 'armed' man in Sheffield apartment block

People continue their daily life under difficult conditions at Jabalia Refugee Camp, located in the north of the Gaza Strip, as they struggle to survive among the rubble of buildings destroyed by Israeli attacks

Gazan family allowed to settle in UK under Ukrainian scheme - as Home Office warns of 'floodgates opening'

John Tuckett

Labour's new borders watchdog 'to work from home in Finland', 1,200 miles from London

President Donald Trump speaks with Jordan's King Abdullah II in the Oval Office at the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Washington. (Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump doubles down on pledge to 'take over Gaza', as Netanyahu threatens return to war if Israeli hostages not freed

The Princess of Wales, Patron of Action for Children, during a visit to a mother and baby unit inside HMP Styal in Wilmslow

Kate met with wolf-whistles and cries for 'more funding' as she visits women's prison

Domestic cat balancing on garden fence, Bavaria, Germany, Europe

Police hunt mystery cat coiffeur after felines in rural Lincolnshire village return home missing patches of fur

Liam Payne and Maya Henry

Liam Payne 'smoked heroin and sexted fans': Bombshell revelations as ex-fiancee breaks silence on star's death

Exclusive
Bridget Phillipson has said Yvette Cooper will 'make sure' vetting of Metropolitan Police officers is 'overhauled'

Home secretary will ensure 'overhaul' of Met vetting process following controversial High Court ruling, Phillipson says

Exclusive
James Cleverly

James Cleverly slams 'Orwellian' assisted dying bill as High Court judge sign-off to be scrapped

The Church of England's governing body has voted against a fully independent safeguarding body

Church of England vote 'a punch in the gut for victims' as Synod rejects independent safeguarding

Oliver Ryan and Andrew Gwynne have been suspended

Eleven Labour councillors suspended for being part of offensive WhatsApp group after two MPs also punished

A major travel agent has urged families to go on holiday during Easter rather than the summer

Save thousands by going on holiday at Easter instead of summer, British families told

Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to tear up the ceasefire deal

Netanyahu’s ultimatum to Hamas: Return hostages by Saturday deadline or ceasefire gives way to 'intense fighting'

Sir Alex Ferguson and Wayne Rooney were in attendance at Denis Law's funeral

Stars pay final respects to Denis Law as Manchester United legend laid to rest