Larry King Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Larry King is a legendary American broadcaster whose career spanned radio, television and digital media — best known for his signature interviewing style and decades-long run on “Larry King Live.”

Introduction

Larry King — born November 19, 1933 — became a defining voice in American media. Over more than six decades, he built a career interviewing presidents, celebrities, and newsmakers, shaping public conversation around the world. By the time of his death, his estimated net worth stood around US$50 million.  His personal life, marked by multiple marriages and a large blended family, was as talked about as his professional achievements.

Quick Facts

From Brooklyn Streets to Media Spotlight

Larry King’s journey began in Brooklyn, New York, born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger on November 19, 1933, to immigrant parents from Eastern Europe.  Growing up during economic hardship, King’s early years were shaped by modest means, which likely instilled in him a drive for success and connection.

His broadcasting career began modestly. In 1957, he moved to Miami and picked up odd jobs at local radio stations. A sudden opportunity — filling in for an announcer who quit — became his first on-air break. Over time, he adopted the name “Larry King” — a simpler, more memorable name than Zeiger — and started building his interviewing chops. 

By 1978, King had broken into national radio: he hosted a nightly call-in show on the Mutual Broadcasting System. That platform introduced him to a nationwide audience — setting the stage for a bigger leap.

Defining moments in Larry King’s journey include:

• Launching the nationwide radio program that made him a household name.

• Transitioning from radio to television, culminating in the debut of Larry King Live.

• Conducting tens of thousands of interviews spanning politics, entertainment, and global events.

• Adapting to the digital age by founding a production-network to stay relevant beyond traditional media.

Through these transitions, King proved adaptable — transforming from a radio DJ into a media institution.

The Core Pillars of Larry King’s Wealth

The wealth that Larry King amassed stemmed from multiple sources:

• Radio & Early Media Work — His long-running radio show provided a steady foundation early in his career.

• Television Success — Hosting Larry King Live on CNN made him one of the highest-paid media personalities of his time. 

• Digital Ventures & Production — In 2012, King co-founded Ora TV, a digital-studio network, extending his reach into the streaming era. 

• Books, Appearances & Branding — Over decades he authored books, made TV/film cameos, and capitalized on his brand recognition for public appearances and engagements. 

These combined earnings — salary, contracts, residuals, and business ventures — formed the backbone of his financial portfolio.

The Complex Web of Larry King Relationships & Family Life

Larry King’s personal life was as multifaceted as his career. He married seven different women (eight marriages in total, because he remarried one) over his lifetime. 

His most recent publicly known relationship was with Shawn Southwick, a former singer and television host. The two married in 1997 — reportedly three days before King underwent heart surgery.  They had two children together: Chance Armstrong King and Cannon Edward King. 

Key insights into Larry King’s relationships and personal life:

• He experienced a series of marriages (seven women), reflecting a turbulent yet eventful romantic life. 

• His family expanded through multiple children and stepchildren, resulting in a large blended family. 

• During later years, he and Shawn Southwick separated and began divorce proceedings — though final resolution was complicated and remained controversial. 

These personal complexities existed alongside his public stature — often making headlines as much as his interviews.

Beyond the Mic: Lifestyle, Assets & Passions

Beyond broadcasting, Larry King led a life marked by both comfort and conscious purpose.

• Real estate holdings: King and Shawn Southwick once owned a Tuscan-style estate in Beverly Hills — a lavish property that was sold for millions. 

• Philanthropy: After suffering a heart attack, King founded the Larry King Cardiac Foundation, which provided financial assistance for critical heart procedures to people unable to afford them — reflecting his commitment to giving back. 

• Media entrepreneurship: Founding Ora TV showed his interest not only in hosting but in shaping the media landscape — blending legacy journalism with new media. 

These aspects show a man who valued both material success and social impact.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

While public estimations of Larry King’s net worth vary, the most widely cited figure is US$50 million — representing his accumulated earnings at the time of his death. Some alternative valuations — often including all assets, trusts, and estate holdings — suggest a higher figure, though such estimates remain speculative. 

Because of variances in estate valuation (some reports mention much higher valuations such as US$144 million when considering all holdings) the $50 million figure is considered the conservative, widely verified estimate — likely representing liquid assets and publicly known holdings.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Larry King’s legacy goes beyond net worth or relationships — it lies in the millions of conversations he initiated, the stories he brought to mainstream audiences, and the conversational tone he helped define for modern media.

Often praised for his straightforward, conversational style — suspenders, glasses, and all — King was more conduit than interrogator, giving guests space to speak. His approach, sometimes criticized as “softball” interviewing, nevertheless allowed voices to emerge that might not have appeared under more aggressive hosts. 

Across radio, television, and digital platforms, he spanned eras — from the golden age of broadcast radio to the rise of streaming media. His founding of Ora TV signaled a willingness to evolve and adapt.

Philanthropically, through the Larry King Cardiac Foundation, and socially, by opening dialogue between wide-ranging voices, King left a mark not only on media history but on communities. 

His influence persists: media personalities, talk-show formats, and even newcomers in digital journalism draw inspiration from the trust and warmth he fostered.

Closing Thoughts

Larry King’s story is one of transformation — from a young Brooklyn boy dreaming of the airwaves to a global broadcasting icon. Born November 19, 1933, his birthday reminds us of the humble roots behind a towering media legacy. His estimated net worth of US$50 million reflects decades of dedication, adaptability, and sheer hard work.

Through multiple relationships and a complex family life, he navigated personal challenges while building a public persona of openness, warmth, and curiosity. His death left a void in media — but his influence endures.

In a world of fast media and fleeting fame, Larry King’s legacy endures as a testament to the power of conversation, consistency, and reinvention.