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Larry King ends CNN stint with nostalgia, family
Source: Agencies |
December 17, 2010, Friday
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LARRY King, the CNN personality whose non-confrontational interviews were a hit with newsmakers and viewers for 25 years, signed off at the cable news channel yesterday with a series of reminiscences from big names, old pals and family members.
"Good evening and welcome to the last 'Larry King Live'," the 77-year-old broadcast icon said at the outset of his hour-long swan song. "It's hard to say that. I knew this day was coming. These words are not easy to say."
With comedian Bill Maher and "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest sitting across from him providing comic relief, King played the straight man professing to be surprised as the tributes rolled in.
In a pre-taped segment, President Barack Obama called King "one of the giants of broadcasting." Outgoing California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared yesterday "Larry King Day," giving King less than six hours to celebrate the honor.
King announced his departure plans in June, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family. He and his seventh wife, Shawn, said earlier in the year they would divorce, but they have since reconciled. Besides returning to CNN for the occasional special, King has revealed aspirations to enter the bagel and stand-up comedy arenas.
His wife and their two sons, Chance, 11, and Cannon, 10, were among King's guests.
"Larry King Live" was an obligatory stop for politicians, moguls and celebrities. Earlier this month, the show generated worldwide headlines when Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin issued blistering threats against the United States and its Western allies.
Movie stars and rock stars on the promotional trail could be assured of a platform to hawk their wares without having to fend off any probing questions.
On Wednesday, King hosted Barbra Streisand for what the Los Angeles Times described as "a virtual ... infomercial" during which she aggressively promoted her new book, upcoming film and charitable efforts.
Maher described King as "the greatest minimalist of all time." But more often that not, King's minimalist interview style was baffling. He proudly claimed he never prepared for interviews, and it showed in 2007 when he angered Jerry Seinfeld by suggesting the comedian's top-rated sitcom had been canceled.
"Is this still CNN?," the normally unflappable comic asked. "Do you know who I am? ... Can we get a resume in here for me, for Larry to go over?"
On another occasion, he mistook former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr for his late bandmate George Harrison.
On his final show, King struggled to hold back tears as he signed off with: "Instead of goodbye, how about so long?" The studio went dark and a light shone on the trademark prop microphone that adorned King's desk.
"Good evening and welcome to the last 'Larry King Live'," the 77-year-old broadcast icon said at the outset of his hour-long swan song. "It's hard to say that. I knew this day was coming. These words are not easy to say."
With comedian Bill Maher and "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest sitting across from him providing comic relief, King played the straight man professing to be surprised as the tributes rolled in.
In a pre-taped segment, President Barack Obama called King "one of the giants of broadcasting." Outgoing California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared yesterday "Larry King Day," giving King less than six hours to celebrate the honor.
King announced his departure plans in June, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family. He and his seventh wife, Shawn, said earlier in the year they would divorce, but they have since reconciled. Besides returning to CNN for the occasional special, King has revealed aspirations to enter the bagel and stand-up comedy arenas.
His wife and their two sons, Chance, 11, and Cannon, 10, were among King's guests.
"Larry King Live" was an obligatory stop for politicians, moguls and celebrities. Earlier this month, the show generated worldwide headlines when Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin issued blistering threats against the United States and its Western allies.
Movie stars and rock stars on the promotional trail could be assured of a platform to hawk their wares without having to fend off any probing questions.
On Wednesday, King hosted Barbra Streisand for what the Los Angeles Times described as "a virtual ... infomercial" during which she aggressively promoted her new book, upcoming film and charitable efforts.
Maher described King as "the greatest minimalist of all time." But more often that not, King's minimalist interview style was baffling. He proudly claimed he never prepared for interviews, and it showed in 2007 when he angered Jerry Seinfeld by suggesting the comedian's top-rated sitcom had been canceled.
"Is this still CNN?," the normally unflappable comic asked. "Do you know who I am? ... Can we get a resume in here for me, for Larry to go over?"
On another occasion, he mistook former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr for his late bandmate George Harrison.
On his final show, King struggled to hold back tears as he signed off with: "Instead of goodbye, how about so long?" The studio went dark and a light shone on the trademark prop microphone that adorned King's desk.
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