By Wonderwall.com Editors
5:12am PST, Jan 25, 2021
Larry King passed away at 87 on Jan. 23, 2021. Before his death — which was due to sepsis, it was later revealed — the late, great broadcast journalist had been hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles due to complications of COVID-19. Upon hearing the sad news, Hollywood players immediately began sharing personal stories about the iconic TV presence, as well as their condolences. "I'm sad to learn about Larry King's passing. He was such a kind gentleman, and he made all of us feel as though we were speaking with a lifelong friend," Celine Dion wrote on social media. "There will never be anyone like him, and he will be missed by many. My sincerest condolences to his family & friends. Celine xx…" Keep reading to see more reactions and tributes…
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Larry King's three surviving sons shared this statement late on Jan. 23: "We are heartbroken over our father's death, and together with our extended family mourn his passing. The world knew Larry King as a great broadcaster and interviewer, but to us he was 'dad.' He was the man who lovingly obsessed over our daily schedules and our well-being, and who took such immense pride in our accomplishments — large, small, or imagined. And, through it all, we knew without a doubt in the world that he loved us more than life itself. He was an amazing father, and he was fiercely loyal to those lucky enough to call him a friend. We will miss him every single day of our lives. The outpouring of love and the remembrances of his remarkable career have touched us deeply and we are so thankful. In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask consideration of a donation to the American Heart Association or the Beverly Hills Fire Department EMS, to which a debt of gratitude is owed for the wonderful care they provided to our dad in his final years. With deep appreciation, Larry King Jr., Chance King and Cannon King"
"Larry King called me when my dog Chunk died to see if I was doing okay, and to tell me how important dogs are in our lives. That really moved me, and I will miss his kindness and presence. " —Chelsea Handler
"When I was a young morning DJ, I listened to Larry King's overnight radio show every night on my way to work. He was one of the greats and I am glad to have known him 'Bethesda, Maryland you're on the air…'" —Jimmy Kimmel
"He was one of a kind! May he Rest In Peace. #LarryKing" –Barbra Streisand
"I enjoyed my 20+ interviews with Larry King over the years. He had a great sense of humor and a genuine interest in people. He gave a direct line to the American people and worked hard to get the truth for them, with questions that were direct but fair. Farewell, my friend." –former President Bill Clinton
"We've come a long way… Thank you #larryking We'll miss your elegant and unbiased reporting and interview style" –Pamela Anderson
"Celebrating the life of @larrykingnow – and all the conversations he had. A loss of a legend ❤️ #restinpeace" —Cindy Crawford
"What a legendary 53-year broadcasting career. He told me his motto was… 'I never learned anything when I was talking. And that's a very good motto for an interviewer.' Proud to have called him a friend… #RIPLarryKing #Legend." —Mario Lopez
"There are 'friends' in this industry and then there are real friends for whom I can count on one hand. Larry was one of those people. From the beginning of my career when I first appeared on his show when I was 23 and no one took me seriously, he gave me a platform, opportunities, guidance, support and always treated me with the utmost respect. He did so throughout my entire career. When I lived in Los Angeles I was on his show more times than I can count and and had the privilege of filling in for him when he was on vacation and was part of his 2012 live election coverage. He gave the best career advice, had the most acerbic sense of humor, was a constant gentleman and more innately curious about his subjects than any other interviewer I've ever seen. He loved his job, he loved people, he loved talking, he was incredibly generous with his time. He was old school – one of the best parts of going on his show was that it was an entire experience – he would entertain us in the green room, have food and drinks and hang out long after taping was finished and share hilarious, colorful stories from his life in a way only men of his generation can. I am grateful for the years of friendship and all of the stories you shared Larry. You are an institution, a broadcast legend, will never be replaced and truly missed. TV is less interesting without you. Prayers and light to the entire King family today." –Meghan McCain
"I've known Larry King since I arrived in LA 42 years ago. Larry King Live changed CNN in the 80s blending entertainment with news & I loved being on the show. Larry was one of the best interviewers on TV. Always well prepared, asked intelligent questions, & always made the interviews fun, serious, & entertaining! He was the biggest Dodgers fan & if you lived in LA you could catch him at his favorite booth in Nate and Al's or at Brooklyn Bagels which he owned. Rest In Peace my friend! Cookie and I extend our prayers to the entire King family." –Magic Johnson
"So sad to hear the news about Larry King today. I was lucky enough to be interviewed by him and see his unique interview style first hand. He was a deeply thoughtful, intelligent, kind man… Sending love to his family & all of his many fans." —Reese Witherspoon
"Larry King was a hero of mine until we fell out after I replaced him at CNN & he said my show was 'like watching your mother-in-law go over a cliff in your new Bentley.' (He married 8 times so a mother-in-law expert) But he was a brilliant broadcaster & masterful TV interviewer." –Piers Morgan, who later came under fire for his comments
"So Sorry to hear of your passing! RIP Larry King #larryking" –Madonna, who posted this message alongside a photo of herself laughing with Larry as he interviewed her
"Rest In Peace Larry King. What a wonderful life and an iconic career. I'm grateful to have known him. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and family" –Mariah Carey
"Larry King was a legendary radio and tv pioneer. I always loved doing his tv shows and occasionally he would ask me to guest host while he was on vacation. One with Jack Hanna and animals from the Columbus Zoo remains a favorite. Larry will be missed but he left fond memories." –former Minnesota governor and pro wrestler Jesse Ventura
"Goodbye and Godspeed to Larry King; a great interviewer and a great listener, and they are not the same thing. He always made me feel as though I were the only person in the room. Condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the world." –Bette Midler
"I lost a dear friend and mentor. Truly an American treasure. Rest in peace, Larry King." —Ryan Seacrest
"Larry King was my @CNN colleague and good friend. He was an amazing interviewer and a mentor to so many of us. He loved what he did and all of us loved him. He was a real mensch. My Deepest Condolences to his loving family. May He Rest In Peace and May His Memory Be A Blessing." –Wolf Blitzer
"Oh no!!! RIP Larry King…what a Titan you were! One of our true icons. You are no longer in pain. Rest well" –Viola Davis
"Whenever you sat down in Larry King's TV living room you felt like you were just having a conversation with a friend and forgot that millions around the world were watching. Larry, we will miss you." –Tony Bennett
"Larry King interviewed me twice. Both times I was in shock for most of the interview because he's such an icon. Such a natural. Such a pro. Here's [a photo of] me and Melissa Rauch with him during TBBT." –Mayim Bialik
"Larry King was a legendary radio and tv pioneer. I always loved doing his tv shows and occasionally he would ask me to guest host while he was on vacation. One with Jack Hanna and animals from the Columbus Zoo remains a favorite. Larry will be missed but he left fond memories." –former House Speaker Newt Gingrich
"So Long to the legend, Larry King #legend #cnn" –Don Lemon
"I will forever be grateful to Larry King for having me on after my bout with breast cancer. He was so respectful. There was no one like him. May he Rest In Peace. #LarryKing @kingsthings" —Sheryl Crow
"RIP Larry King!!!! I loved the easy breezy format of his CNN show, and his amazing voice." —Andy Cohen
"Rip #larryking I always enjoyed our time together whether presenting you with an award or sitting at your desk talking about Haiti 🙏🏽💙 #legend" –Garcelle Beauvais
"RIP Larry king – Luck to have worked with him on a film & was interview[ed] by him – a very nice thoughtful man – who was in on the joke About his Larry kingness-" —John Cusack
"I'm saddened to hear about the passing of Larry King. Condolences to his family." –William Shatner
"Larry King epitomized truth and persistence as the 'iron horse' of journalism. Like all great icons in their fields, his shoes will forever remain unfilled. Rest In Peace." –Melissa Rivers
"Rest In Peace to the legend Larry King 🙏🏾🙏🏾." –50 Cent
"Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of broadcasting legend Larry King. He was one of the greatest interviewers of all time. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends. RIP" –Alex Rodriguez
"Such sad news…thinking of Larry King's family and loved ones" –Robin Roberts
"Larry King was a giant of broadcasting and a master of the TV celebrity/statesman-woman interview. His name is synonymous with CNN and he was vital to the network's ascent. EVERYONE wanted to be on Larry King Live. May he Rest in Peace." –Christiane Amanpour
"Rest In Peace Larry King. A great man I was lucky enough to spend some time around. We will miss ya" –Jake Owen
"RIP LEGEND Larry King… truly an honor to have had the opportunity to sit one on one and have a candid honest conversation with Mr King" –Shemar Moore
"Larry King was a Brooklyn boy who became a newsman who interviewed the newsmakers. He conducted over 50,000 interviews that informed Americans in a clear and plain way. New York sends condolences to his family and many friends." –New York Governor Andrew Cuomo
"Super nervous my first time talking to #LarryKing because he's Larry f*ing King. Then I learned his secret: that he was the easiest person to talk to. Genuine, curious, hilarious. A sweet man, and one of the best Friars." –Thomas Lennon
"RIP to the legend Larry King. I was always honored to go on his show just to hear his stories, so they started letting me interview him for the last segment each time. We will miss you. Thanks for the chats and for the suspenders." –Ben Schwartz
"Am heartbroken to learn of the passing of my friend and a true legend #LarryKing . I was grateful when he asked me to celebrate his 500th episode milestone with him as he was a nightly presence in my life growing up. He was a singular voice and will be sorely missed." –Josh Gad
"It is with emotion and affection that I remember #LarryKing, king of the talk show and legendary face of @CNN, a remarkable individual, a great journalist and a good man who loved life deeply." –Andrea Bocelli
"Farewell to the legendary #LarryKing with whom I—and everyone—had the best conversations." –Lisa Ling
"RIP to radio/TV/digital news legend @kingsthings. It was an honor to watch you do your thing, both on @CNN and in person. My Dad always asked me 'Did you see who Larry King talked to last night?' Would've blown his mind to know that, one day, it would be his son. Thanks for that." –Kevin Smith
"Sad to hear about the passing of Larry King. What an incredible man and legacy. #RIPLarryKing" –Billy Ray Cyrus
"I'm saddened to hear of the passing of #LarryKing he was the real deal and it didn't matter where you came from, who you were or the colour of your skin, he welcomed everyone with open arms. Media can use more people like Larry. #RIPLarry" –Akon
"Thanks for the countless interviews and insights, Larry King. You understood human triumph and frailty equally well, and that is no easy feat. There was no one else like you, and you shall be missed. Rest with the heavens now." –George Takei
"thank you for listening and rest peacefully Mr. King. It was my honor." –Elizabeth Perkins
"RIP Larry King.. one of the only talk show hosts who let you talk. Lengendary" –Kirstie Alley
"Just heard the awful news about Larry King. He taught me so much. He was a true mensch. He probably even taught me that word. So long pal, thanks for all the laughs. Say hi to Rickles." –Craig Ferguson
"Rest In Peace Larry King" –Rosanna Arquette
"One of the most memorable moments I've had in an interview was the first time I met Larry King & he asked me how it felt 'to be so fierce.' May he Rest In Peace. Sending my condolences and prayers to those he leaves behind." –Johnny Weir
"Rest in peace to a broadcasting legend. #LarryKing" –Katie Couric
"He was a great #interview" –Joan Collins
"#RIP TO AN ICON #LARRYKING 🙏🏾♥️🕊 REST EASY… YOUR WORK HERE IS DONE AND YOUR LEGACY WILL LIVE ON." –DL Hughley
'RIP Larry King …" –Rosie O'Donnell
"Sad news this morning. TV broadcasting legend Larry King has passed away. He was 87." –Wendy Williams
"My friend Larry King has died. It is literally true that thousands of us can make that sad statement this morning. While he was easily caricatured, I've never known anybody who made a bigger deal out of the slightest kindness afforded him. RIPLarryKing." –Keith Olbermann
"Wow. Media legend. Interviewed me a few times. R.I.P" –Boy George
"Sad to hear of Larry King's passing. God rest his soul." –Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens
"A broadcasting icon, and a legend period…I'm going to miss all of our great conversations…Rest in paradise my friend." –Omar Epps
