David Letterman is an American television host, comedian, writer, and producer who hosted late-night television talk shows for 33 years.
He is best known for his shows Late Night with David Letterman on NBC and Late Show with David Letterman on CBS.
He was born on April 12, 1947, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and began his broadcasting career as a weatherman and TV announcer in the 1970s.
Letterman’s unconventional humor and ironic and offbeat style made him a hit with viewers, and his shows featured top-10 lists, sarcastic interplay with his comic foil, bandleader Paul Shaffer and nonsensical skits.
He retired from the Late Show in May 2015 and currently hosts the talk show My Next Guest Needs No Introduction on Netflix.
Letterman graduated from Ball State University in 1969 and has received multiple Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award for his production company.
How old is David Letterman?
Letterman was born on April 12, 1947, making him 76 years old as of today, November 2023.
David Letterman age and height
Letterman has a height of 6 feet 1.5 inches (186.7 cm) and a weight of 83 kg (183 pounds).
David Letterman wife
Letterman’s current wife is Regina Lasko, with whom he has been married since 2009.
They have a 13-year age difference, with Letterman being born in 1947 and Lasko in 1960.
They met in 1986 when Lasko was working as an equipment manager for the NHL team, New York Rangers.
Despite enduring controversies, infidelity, and a kidnapping plot, their marriage has remained strong.
Prior to Lasko, Letterman was married to his college sweetheart, Michelle Cook, from 1968 to 1977.
David Letterman children
Letterman has one child, a son named Harry Joseph Letterman, born on November 3, 2003, to David and his wife, Regina Lasko.
Harry is named after David’s late father, Harry Joseph Letterman.
He is currently attending college at Brown University.
David has openly shared his feelings about his son leaving for college, expressing the emotional impact of the separation.
Dvaid Letterman net worth
Letterman’s net worth is estimated to be around $400 million.
Throughout his career, he earned a substantial salary, reportedly reaching $50 million a year at the peak of his late-night hosting career.
He has also made strategic financial decisions, including investments in real estate and stocks, and has been involved in philanthropic efforts.
Despite no longer hosting late-night TV, Letterman continues to work on various projects in film and television.
His net worth is a testament to his successful career in the entertainment industry.
David Letterman career
Letterman is best known as the host of the long-running, Late Show with David Letterman.
After graduating from Ball State University in 1969 with a degree in telecommunications, he began his career as a wisecracking weatherman in Indianapolis.
In 1975, Letterman moved to Los Angeles, where he performed regularly at the Comedy Store, and in 1978, he made the first of 22 appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
The following year, he served as the show’s guest host, the first of many such appearances.
In 1979, he gained visibility as a guest host, which led to his own NBC mid-morning show, The David Letterman Show.
In 1982, he launched Late Night with David Letterman, which earned five Emmy Awards and 35 nominations.
In 1993, he moved to CBS to host the Late Show with David Letterman, where he continued until 2015, hosting a total of 6,080 episodes, surpassing Johnny Carson as the longest-serving late-night talk show host.
Throughout his career, he has been known for his irreverent sense of humor and cynical, mocking style.
He has received numerous accolades and awards, including being ranked as one of the greatest TV stars of all time and hosting one of the greatest TV shows of all time.
Achievements and awards
Letterman’s contributions to the entertainment industry have been widely recognized through numerous awards and honors.
Throughout his career, he has received 67 Emmy Award nominations, winning 12 times in his first 20 years in late-night television.
His shows, Late Night with David Letterman and The Late Show with David Letterman, have garnered critical and industry praise, ranking among the greatest TV shows of all time.
In 1996, he was ranked 45th on TV Guide’s 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time, and in 2002, The Late Show with David Letterman was ranked seventh on TV Guide’s 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.
Letterman’s accolades also include being the recipient of the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors, where he was hailed as “one of the most influential personalities in the history of television, entertaining an entire generation of late-night viewers with his unconventional wit and charm”.
He has won four American Comedy Awards and became the first recipient of the Johnny Carson Award for Comedic Excellence at The Comedy Awards in 2011.
Additionally, he received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2017.
His impact on late-night television and the entertainment industry is immeasurable, and his net worth of $400 million is a testament to his successful and influential career.
Letterman’s legacy as a writer, performer, and producer has left an indelible mark on the world of comedy and television, earning him a place among the most celebrated figures in the industry.
FAQ
What makes David Letterman’s interviewing style unique?
Letterman’s interviewing style is characterized by his guarded enthusiasm and affability, which has made him one of the best interviewers in late-night TV.
How did David Letterman’s career impact late-night television?
His career has had a profound impact on late-night television, influencing the genre with his irreverent humor, innovative segments and iconic interviews.
What are some of the major awards and honors received by David Letterman?
Letterman has received numerous accolades, including 67 Emmy Award nominations, 12 wins, the Kennedy Center Honors, and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor..
What is the significance of David Letterman’s net worth in the entertainment industry?
With an estimated net worth of $400 million, Letterman’s financial success reflects his influential and successful career in the entertainment industry.
How did David Letterman’s humor and style set him apart from other late-night hosts?
Letterman’s humor is characterized by a workaday, guarded enthusiasm, and a focus on the real world, making his show surprisingly real and his interviews engaging.
What are some of the key lessons learned from David Letterman’s interviews?
His thought-provoking questions and unique interviewing style have led to insightful and engaging conversations, offering valuable lessons for both guests and viewers.
How did David Letterman’s impact extend beyond late-night television?
Letterman’s influence extends beyond late-night TV, with his contributions as a writer, performer and producer, making him one of the most influential individuals in the history of television.
What was the public’s perception of David Letterman’s persona throughout his career?
The public’s perception of his persona has evolved, with his guarded enthusiasm, irreverent humor, and unique style captivating audiences and setting him apart from other hosts.
What role did David Letterman’s show play in shaping the late-night TV landscape?
Letterman’s show played a pivotal role in shaping the late-night TV landscape, introducing innovative segments, engaging interviews, and a distinctive comedic style that influenced the genre.
How did David Letterman’s impact transcend traditional comedy and entertainment?
His impact transcended traditional comedy and entertainment, influencing the late-night TV format, redefining interviews, and leaving a lasting legacy in the world of television and popular culture.