Larry King’s Net Worth

According to multiple sources, Larry King had an estimated net worth of $50 million at the time of his passing.

Larry King was an American television and radio host who gained worldwide recognition for his long-running talk show, "Larry King Live," which aired on CNN from 1985 to 2010. With his signature suspenders and distinctive interviewing style, King conducted over 30,000 interviews throughout his career, hosting notable figures from various fields, including politics, entertainment, and sports.

Before his success on CNN, Larry King worked in various radio and television positions, honing his interviewing skills and building a reputation as a skilled communicator. He received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the media industry, including two Peabody Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Larry King was known for his unbiased and conversational approach to interviewing, allowing his guests to share their perspectives and stories in a relaxed setting. His show became a platform for discussions on current events, social issues, and personal stories, attracting a wide range of viewers from around the world. Outside of his talk show, King wrote several books, appeared in films and television shows as himself, and hosted various other programs. He was also involved in philanthropic efforts and was known for his support of numerous charitable causes.

Larry King passed away on January 23, 2021, at the age of 87, leaving behind a significant legacy in the field of broadcasting and interviewing. His contributions to the media industry and his unique interviewing style have had a lasting impact on journalism and talk shows.

Personal Information

Net Worth

Larry King's net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be around $50 million. His wealth was accumulated through his successful career as a television and radio host, as well as his various other endeavors.

As the host of "Larry King Live" on CNN, which aired from 1985 to 2010, King commanded substantial salaries, and the show's success contributed significantly to his net worth. The long-running program allowed him to interview a wide range of notable figures from different fields and attracted a large audience.

Additionally, King had a successful radio career, hosting "The Larry King Show," a nationally syndicated radio talk show. His radio work, along with endorsements and advertisements, book sales, public speaking engagements, and appearances in films and television shows, all contributed to his overall wealth.

Sources of Income

Radio

Larry King's radio career began in 1957 when he joined WAHR in Miami. Initially hired for odd jobs around the studio, he got his chance to be on air when a station announcer quit. His first broadcast was on May 1, 1957, as a disc jockey and news/sports anchor. He was paid $50 a week. Within two years, he changed his name to Larry King and started conducting interviews on a mid-morning show for WIOD, where he would interview anyone who walked into the studio, including his first celebrity interview with Bobby Darin.

Television

In 1960, Larry King transitioned to television as the host of "Miami Undercover," which helped him gain local recognition. He also worked as a color commentator for the Miami Dolphins football team. In 1971, King faced legal trouble and was briefly fired due to accusations of grand larceny from a former business partner. However, he went on to host "The Larry King Show" on the Mutual Radio Network, gaining a national audience and over 500 affiliates.

Larry King Live

In June 1985, Larry King became a household name with the launch of "Larry King Live" on CNN. The show became CNN's longest-running television program, where King interviewed prominent leaders, politicians, and celebrities. Known for his direct and non-confrontational interviewing style, King conducted over 30,000 interviews during his career. He also wrote a newspaper column for USA Today for over 20 years. After 25 years on "Larry King Live," he announced his retirement in 2010, and the final episode aired in December of that year.

CNN Contract

When Larry King joined CNN in 1985, his salary was $200,000 per year. By the early 1990s, his salary had increased to $2 million per year. In 1994, he signed a four-year contract worth $3.5 million per year. In 1998, at the peak of his success, King signed a new contract that doubled his salary, earning him $7 million per year for five years, totaling $35 million. In addition to his salary, he received stock options in CNN's parent company, Time Warner, and a signing bonus estimated to be worth around $5 million.

The increased salary and contract reflected the success of "Larry King Live" as the highest-rated show on CNN at the time. King's earnings placed him in the same league as other popular news anchors, highlighting the competitive nature of cable television.

Real Estate Assets

Specific details about Larry King's real estate assets are not widely available in the public domain. As a private individual, the specifics of his real estate holdings, including properties owned or investments made in real estate, are not typically disclosed publicly.

However, Larry King and his estranged wife, Shawn Southwick, sold their Tuscan-style estate in Beverly Hills for $15.5 million. The sale took place through a family trust owned by both of them. The final sale price was slightly lower than the initial listing price of $16.9 million but significantly higher than the $11.75 million they originally paid for the property in 2007.

The impressive mansion spans nearly 11,000 square feet and features five bedrooms. The interior is adorned with luxurious finishes such as Italian limestone, tile, and Venetian plaster. State-of-the-art technology is incorporated throughout the house. The entrance boasts a sky-lit foyer with a grand double staircase, and the gourmet kitchen is equipped with high-end appliances. The master suite includes a separate sitting room and his-and-hers bathrooms, while there is also a gym on the premises.

Situated on a half-acre lot, the estate boasts meticulously maintained gardens and a swimming pool adorned with charming water features reminiscent of cherubs. Additionally, there is a detached, one-bedroom guest house on the property.