Larry King dies at 87: Piers Morgan leads tributes to legendary talk show host
Tributes have been paid to legendary talk show host Larry King who has died aged 87 after being hospitalised with COVID-19.
King was at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles for more than a week before his death was announced on Saturday.
Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan led the tributes, posting a picture of the former Larry King Live host on Twitter.
Morgan, who fell out with King after he replaced him on CNN, described the American as as “a hero of mine” and a “brilliant broadcaster” and “masterful interviewer”.
Morgan and others, including Star Trek actor George Takei and talk show host Craig Ferguson, have posted tributes:
RIP Larry King, 87.
A television legend. pic.twitter.com/AjFSS8bmT9— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 23, 2021
Thanks for the countless interviews and insights, Larry King. You understood human triumph and frailty equally well, and that is no easy feat. There was no one else like you, and you shall be missed. Rest with the heavens now.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) January 23, 2021
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. #RIPLarryKing— Craig Ferguson (@CraigyFerg) January 23, 2021
— Larry King (@kingsthings) January 23, 2021
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.— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) January 23, 2021
...Larry called in at ESPN Radio and said he wanted to “thank that kid who does the impression of me.”
During the ‘00 NL playoffs I’m anchoring the pre- and post- at my office at Fox in LA and the phone rings. “OLBERMANN! HELLLO!” He’s doing an impression of me impersonating him— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) January 23, 2021
RIP Larry King.
Larry was one of the greats. A broadcast legend. I was excited to meet him (seen below) and even more excited he liked one of my films. Wherever he is, I'm sure he is marrying the wrong angel as we speak. pic.twitter.com/dYhbwrrB51— Jeremy Newberger (@jeremynewberger) January 23, 2021
Statement on the passing of Larry King from CNN President Jeff Zucker: pic.twitter.com/t1RVZyk4YP
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) January 23, 2021
CNN President Jeff Zucker released a statement praising his former colleague.
He said: “We mourn the passing of our colleague Larry King. The scrappy young man from Brooklyn had a history-making career spanning radio and television.
Zucker added: “From the CNN family to Larry’s, we send our thoughts and prayers, and a promise to carry on his curiosity for the world in our work.”
King had been hospitalized in LA with a COVID-19 infection, according to several media reports.
He had endured health problems for many years, including a near-fatal stroke in 2019 and diabetes.
Ora Media, a television production company founded by King, confirmed his death in a statement on social media.
It said: “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.”
Millions watched King interview world leaders, entertainers and other celebrities on CNN's Larry King Live, which ran from 1985 to 2010.
Hunched over his desk in rolled-up shirt sleeves and owlish glasses, he made his show one of the network's prime attractions with a mix of interviews, political discussions, current event debates and phone calls from viewers.
Critics accused King of doing little pre-interview research and tossing softball questions to guests who were free to give unchallenged self-promoting answers.
He responded by conceding he did not do much research so that he could learn along with his viewers.
Besides, King said, he never wanted to be perceived as a journalist.
"My duty, as I see it, is I'm a conduit," King told the Hartford Courant in 2007.
"I ask the best questions I can. I listen to the answers. I try to follow up.
“And hopefully the audience makes a conclusion. I'm not there to make a conclusion.
“I'm not a soapbox talk-show host... So what I try to do is present someone in the best light."
Watch: Larry King dead at 87