David Letterman, born on April 12, 1947, in Indianapolis, Indiana, is one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of American television. Over a career spanning more than five decades, Letterman reinvented late-night television and became synonymous with cutting-edge comedy. His work as a host, comedian, and producer has left an indelible mark on the industry, shaping how we consume late-night talk shows and interviews today. From his humble beginnings to his time as the host of Late Night and The Late Show, and his continued influence with Netflix’s My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, Letterman’s career is a masterclass in reinvention and consistency.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
David Letterman grew up in a modest middle-class household in Indianapolis. He was the youngest of two children, and his father, Harry, worked as a florist, while his mother, Dorothy, was a church secretary. Growing up, Letterman was an enthusiastic comedy fan, and his early exposure to stand-up comedy and television would later inspire his career. He attended Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, where he studied television and radio. During his time at Ball State, Letterman developed his comedic chops and honed his craft in a college setting, where he began performing stand-up comedy.
After graduation in 1969, Letterman moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in comedy. He started out writing jokes for comedian Johnny Carson and performing stand-up at various comedy clubs. Letterman’s humor, which mixed absurdity, sarcasm, and sharp wit, quickly set him apart from other comedians. His early television appearances included hosting The David Letterman Show (1980), a morning talk show that lasted only a few months but set the stage for what would become a groundbreaking late-night career.
The Rise of Late-Night Television: Late Night with David Letterman
In 1982, Letterman’s big break came when he was given the opportunity to host Late Night with David Letterman on NBC. The show, airing at 12:30 AM, was unlike any late-night show that had come before it. With its unconventional style, Letterman introduced segments like Top Ten Lists, Stupid Pet Tricks, and The Viewer Mail segment, all of which became iconic elements of the show. His offbeat, irreverent humor and casual approach to celebrity interviews made him a fan favorite and earned him a devoted following.
Letterman’s show, while never a huge ratings hit, became incredibly influential in the world of late-night television. He cultivated a loyal fanbase and revolutionized the late-night format by focusing on humor that was edgier and more unpredictable than his competitors. His show was known for its sharp wit, self-deprecating humor, and bizarre skits that often poked fun at the very nature of television itself. Over the course of the show’s 11-year run, Letterman became a cultural phenomenon, known for his sarcastic, deadpan delivery and his ability to make fun of the status quo in the entertainment industry.
The Late Show with David Letterman and Continued Success
In 1993, after his longtime rival Johnny Carson retired, Letterman was offered the opportunity to take over The Tonight Show. However, NBC’s decision to give the hosting position to Jay Leno led to a bitter feud between Letterman and the network. In retaliation, Letterman left NBC and signed a contract with CBS to launch The Late Show with David Letterman, which premiered in August 1993.
The success of The Late Show was almost immediate. Airing at 11:35 PM, Letterman’s new show was positioned to compete directly with The Tonight Show, but Letterman’s brand of humor, more cutting-edge and less mainstream than Leno’s, drew a distinct audience. Over the course of the next 22 years, The Late Show became one of the most successful and influential talk shows in television history. Letterman’s show became a fixture of American culture, featuring memorable interviews with celebrities, political figures, and sports stars. His banter with Paul Shaffer, the show’s bandleader, was one of the defining elements of the program.
Letterman’s tenure at The Late Show was marked by numerous memorable moments, from his iconic “Top Ten” lists to his legendary interviews with guests like Caitlin Clark, Joaquin Phoenix, Drew Barrymore, and Crispin Glover, who made a notorious appearance in 2007 when he kicked over a guest chair in a bizarre interview. Letterman’s quick wit and sarcastic humor made him a staple of American late-night television for over two decades.
David Letterman Personal Life: Family, Relationships, and Controversies
David Letterman’s Family and Marriages
David Letterman’s personal life has been both a subject of public interest and a source of controversy over the years. Letterman was married to Michelle Cook in the 1960s, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1977. He later entered into a long-term relationship with Merrill Markoe, a former head writer on Late Night. However, it was his relationship with Regina Lasko that became the subject of intense media scrutiny. The two married in 2009, and they have one child together, a son named Harry Joseph Letterman, who was born in 2003.
Letterman’s personal life made headlines in 2009 when he was the victim of an extortion attempt. It was revealed that he had been involved in sexual relationships with female staff members at The Late Show. Letterman addressed the scandal publicly during an episode of his show, offering an apology to his wife, staff, and audience.
David Letterman’s Son, Harry Joseph Letterman
Harry Joseph Letterman, born in 2003, is the only child of David Letterman and Regina Lasko. Harry has largely remained out of the public eye, but he has occasionally appeared with his father at public events. As of 2025, Harry is attending Brown University, continuing his education away from the media spotlight.
David Letterman Legacy in the World of Comedy
David Letterman’s career is often cited as one of the most influential in television history. His contribution to the late-night format cannot be overstated, as he helped to define and elevate it into an essential part of American culture. Over the years, many talk-show hosts have cited Letterman as a major influence, including Stephen Colbert, who succeeded him on The Late Show in 2015. Letterman’s sarcastic humor, irreverent style, and unfiltered interviews set a new standard for what late-night television could be.
His legacy continues with his Netflix show, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, where he has conducted long-form interviews with a variety of high-profile figures. The show allows Letterman to return to the format that made him famous, but with a more intimate, reflective tone. His conversations with figures like Barack Obama, Billie Eilish, and Caitlin Clark have received critical acclaim, demonstrating that Letterman’s wit and curiosity about people remain as sharp as ever.
David Letterman Net Worth
As of 2025, David Letterman’s estimated net worth is $400 million. Much of his wealth comes from his long and successful career in television, both as a talk show host and producer. His transition to Netflix has added to his fortune, with the streaming giant paying him handsomely for his interview series. Letterman’s wealth is a reflection of his decades of success in entertainment, from his early days as a stand-up comedian to his time as a late-night host and beyond.
Conclusion
David Letterman’s influence on American television cannot be overstated. He redefined what late-night television could be, blending humor, intelligence, and a distinct sense of irony that resonated with millions of viewers. His contributions to comedy and television paved the way for future generations of hosts, comedians, and late-night talk shows. While he may have retired from daily television, his impact continues to be felt through his ongoing work on Netflix and the countless late-night hosts who have followed in his footsteps.
Letterman’s legacy, however, goes beyond his career. It’s also about his ability to evolve with the times, to adapt, and to never stop challenging the norms. Whether he’s hosting late-night shows, interviewing world leaders, or spending time with his family, David Letterman remains a beloved and important figure in the entertainment world.
