By Marisol Bo-oc | 11:01 PM January 23, 2021
TV host Lawrence Zeiger, more commonly known as Larry King, legendary talk show host, has passed away at age 87 after contracting COVID-19.
A statement was posted on his verified Facebook announcing his passing.
King overcame several health challenges over the years, including a heart attack that led to bypass surgery — and encouraged King to quit smoking.
In 1978, he began hosting “The Larry King Show,” a national radio program on Mutual Broadcasting System that he helmed until stepping down in 1994.
He hosted the CNN program “Larry King Live” from 1985 to 2010. Oprah Winfrey notably endorsed Barack Obama on the show during the 2008 presidential campaign.
In recent years, King hosted “Larry King Now” on Hulu, RT American and Ora TV, a production company King co-founded with Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim in 2012. He was also hosting “Politicking with Larry King” on the channels until his death.
King was recognized with two Peabody Awards and one Emmy Award, among other honors. He was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 1992.
King has also authored several books, done voice work in TV shows and movies, including “Shrek 2” and “Bee Movie,” and appeared in films such as “Ghostbusters.”