Larry King Net Worth in 2025: The Legacy and Finances of a Broadcasting Icon
Larry King was a legendary figure in American broadcasting. Known for his iconic voice, suspenders, and unique interview style, King spent over six decades shaping journalism through radio, television, and digital platforms. His program Larry King Live on CNN ran for 25 years, earning him a reputation as one of the most influential interviewers in media history.
Though Larry King passed away in 2021, Larry King Net Worth continues to be a subject of curiosity, especially considering his long-standing career, multiple marriages, business ventures, and legal complexities surrounding his estate. This article explores his financial journey, career achievements, legacy, and how his wealth was distributed after his passing.
Larry King Snapshot
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Larry King |
| Net Worth (at time of death in 2021) | $50 million (estimated) |
| Profession | Broadcaster, Interviewer, Author |
| Nationality | American |
| Birth Date | November 19, 1933 |
| Birth Place | Brooklyn, New York City, USA |
| Age at Death | 87 years (died January 23, 2021) |
| Residence (later life) | Beverly Hills, California, USA |
| Marital Status | Divorced (eight times to seven women) |
| Children | Five |
| Career Started | 1950s |
| Business | Television Hosting, Radio Hosting, Book Publishing, Public Speaking, Ora TV (Co-founder) |
| Role | Legendary interviewer, host of “Larry King Live” on CNN |
| Salary (peak CNN) | $5–7 million annually |
| Fame | Iconic American broadcaster known for his interviews |
| Legacy | Shaped modern interviewing, influenced media for over six decades |
| Notable Achievements | – Hosted “Larry King Live” on CNN for 25 years – Conducted over 50,000 interviews – Won Peabody Awards, an Emmy, Cable ACE Awards – Inducted into National Radio and Broadcasting Halls of Fame – Co-founded Ora TV |
| Success Journey | – Started as a DJ in Miami – Launched “The Larry King Show” on radio – Hosted “Larry King Live” on CNN, achieving national fame – Continued broadcasting on Ora TV until his death |
| Source of Income | – Television and Radio Salary – Book Sales and Royalties – Public Speaking Fees – Ora TV Earnings – Endorsements and Cameos – Real Estate and Residuals |
| Family | – Married eight times to seven women – Five children (lost two sons in 2020) |
| Philanthropy and Social Contributions | – Established the Larry King Cardiac Foundation – Supported charities focused on health, children, and education – Used his platform to discuss social issues |
| Awards and Recognition | – Two Peabody Awards – Emmy Award – 10 Cable ACE Awards – Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – Induction into National Radio and Broadcasting Halls of Fame |
| Trivia | – Known for his suspenders and iconic voice. – Interviewed six U.S. Presidents. – Faced financial and legal issues early in his career but made a strong comeback. |
Family
Larry King was married eight times to seven different women and had five children. He was known for his complex personal life and relationships, many of which were highly publicized. His final marriage was to Shawn Southwick, whom he divorced in 2019. At the time of his death, there were legal disputes regarding his estate, particularly between Southwick and his surviving children. Tragically, in 2020, two of his children—Andy and Chaia—passed away within weeks of each other. Despite his complicated family dynamics, Larry always expressed deep love for his children and often spoke about them in interviews.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Larry King Net Worth at the time of his death in 2021 was estimated to be around $50 million. This wealth was accumulated through decades of work in radio, television, book publishing, and public speaking. However, court documents revealed complications in his estate planning, including a handwritten will that reportedly left his estate to his children, bypassing his estranged wife. His net worth included real estate holdings, royalty income, business ventures, and residuals from shows and endorsements. After taxes, legal fees, and estate distributions, the remaining value of his estate was shared among his surviving heirs.
Age
Larry King was born on November 19, 1933, and died at the age of 87 on January 23, 2021. His age at death marked the conclusion of one of the most prolific careers in the history of American broadcasting.
Personal Life
Larry King’s personal life was as headline-worthy as his interviews. A lifelong Brooklynite at heart, he maintained a passion for baseball, particularly the Los Angeles Dodgers. Known for his open, humorous personality, King lived in Beverly Hills for most of his later life. He battled numerous health issues, including multiple heart attacks, Type 2 diabetes, and lung cancer. Despite these challenges, he remained active in media well into his 80s. His final years were marked by his continued work on Larry King Now and Politicking with Larry King, both of which aired online and on Ora TV, a network he co-founded.
Professional Life
Larry King began his broadcasting career in the 1950s as a disc jockey in Miami. His breakthrough came in 1978 when he launched The Larry King Show, a nationally syndicated radio talk show. In 1985, he transitioned to television with Larry King Live on CNN. Over the next 25 years, he interviewed presidents, celebrities, athletes, and everyday people, conducting more than 50,000 interviews in total.
He was admired for his simple, direct interview style—often allowing guests to speak without interruption. His career extended beyond CNN; after leaving the network in 2010, he launched Ora TV and continued hosting until shortly before his death. King also wrote several books, made cameo appearances in films, and was frequently featured in parodies, demonstrating his broad cultural impact.
Success Journey
Larry King’s journey to success was filled with both triumphs and challenges. Born to a poor immigrant family in Brooklyn, he lost his father at a young age and had to support his family. He moved to Florida to pursue radio, where he adopted the name “Larry King” for a simpler on-air presence.
His career suffered a major setback in the 1970s due to financial and legal issues, including an arrest related to grand larceny (charges were eventually dropped). However, he bounced back stronger, and his success with The Larry King Show and CNN’s Larry King Live turned him into a household name. Despite changing media landscapes, he remained relevant across radio, cable news, and digital streaming—an impressive feat for any broadcaster.
Source of Income
Larry King’s net worth was supported by diverse revenue sources during and after his life:
Television and Radio Salary
King earned an annual salary of $5–7 million at the peak of his career with CNN. His long-term contract and bonuses contributed significantly to his fortune.
Book Sales
He authored multiple bestsellers, including My Remarkable Journey, How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere, and several memoirs, all of which earned royalties.
Public Speaking
King was a frequent keynote speaker at conferences and events, charging high appearance fees for his insights into media and politics.
Ora TV and Digital Media
He co-founded Ora TV in 2012, hosting digital talk shows such as Larry King Now and Politicking. The platform generated revenue through licensing, ads, and partnerships.
Endorsements and Cameos
Larry made appearances in commercials, sitcoms, films, and even animated shows like The Simpsons and Shrek 2, earning him extra income and widespread recognition.
Real Estate and Residuals
King owned multiple properties and received residuals from syndicated broadcasts, interviews, and licensing deals even after retirement.
While Larry King has made his mark in journalism and television, content creators like Vegas Matt Net Worth achieved financial success by excelling in online media, gaming, and digital entrepreneurship, highlighting shared themes of reinvention and adaptability.
Major Achievements
- Hosted Larry King Live on CNN for 25 years
- Conducted over 50,000 interviews, including with 6 U.S. Presidents
- Winner of two Peabody Awards, an Emmy, and 10 Cable ACE Awards
- Inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame and Broadcasting Hall of Fame
- Co-founder of Ora TV, a pioneering digital broadcast platform
- Honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Philanthropy and Social Contributions
Larry King was deeply involved in philanthropy, especially in health-related causes. After surviving a heart attack in 1987, he established the Larry King Cardiac Foundation, which provided life-saving cardiac procedures to individuals who couldn’t afford them. He also supported charities focused on cancer, children’s health, and education. Throughout his career, King used his platform to amplify underrepresented voices and important social issues, contributing meaningfully to public discourse.
Larry King’s financial success in broadcasting mirrors the achievements of music icons like Trippie Redd Net Worth, who have built wealth through rap, streaming, and cultural influence, showcasing diverse paths to financial success.
Conclusion
Larry King Net Worth in 2025 remains a topic of intrigue, symbolizing the lifetime earnings and legacy of a broadcasting titan. With an estimated estate value of $50 million, King’s wealth came not just from fame, but from resilience, adaptability, and relentless work. His influence spanned generations, media formats, and cultures. Though he is no longer with us, Larry King’s impact on journalism, public dialogue, and entertainment continues to be felt. His financial legacy is matched only by his unparalleled contribution to American media. For more articles, visit GuideOria.
