Larry King Dead at 87: Oprah, Ryan Seacrest and More Pay Tribute

The legendary broadcaster's famous friends and fans remembered him fondly on social media.

Broadcasting legend Larry King died early Saturday morning at age 87, and many took to social media to mourn the loss of a media mainstay.

King's company, Ora Media, shared the news, writing that the iconic broadcaster died early Saturday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. A cause of death was not given, though King was hospitalized with COVID-19 earlier this month.

"For 63 years and across the platforms of radio, television and digital media, Larry's many thousands of interviews, awards and global acclaim stand as a testament to his unique and lasting talent as a broadcaster," the statement read, in part. "Additionally, while it was his name appearing in the shows' titles, Larry always viewed his interview subjects as the true stars of his programs, and himself as merely an unbiased conduit between the guest and audience."

Following the news, many of King's famous friends and fans paid tribute to the iconic interviewer on social media.

Oprah posted a photo of the two together, writing, "It was always a treat to sit at your table. And hear your stories. Thank you Larry King."

"I lost a dear friend and mentor. Truly an American treasure. Rest in peace, Larry King," Ryan Seacrest wrote.

"Just heard the awful news about Larry King," Craig Ferguson wrote. "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."

"RIP Larry King!!!!" tweeted Andy Cohen. "I loved the easy breezy format of his CNN show, and his amazing voice."

Wendy Williams also tweeted about the "sad news," while Roseanna Arquette shared simply, "Rest In Peace Larry King" with a peace sign.

See more tributes below:

 

Actress Stefanie Powers paid tribute in a statement to ET, sharing, "I was interviewed by Larry many times and he was a great interviewer and a big flirt...but never at a loss for words and quips... we will not see his like again. RIP Larry."

Morgan Fairchild told ET in a statement that she "adored Larry" and recalled how doing his show was "always fun, spontaneous, and eventful!"

"He had a rambling way of questioning that showed his incessant curiosity.  He was also just a really great guy!" Fairchild continued. "I remember always running into him at Nate 'n Al's in Beverly Hills, where he had breakfast a lot. He always wanted to know what I was up to and what stories were going around town.  And at some charity event, I sat backstage with Larry and Alex Trebek for a long time, gabbing and listening to their stories. Two legends, both gone now."

Little House on the Prairie star Alison Arngrim recalled to ET how, in 2004 when she was working with the National Association to Protect Children on creating a law to combat child sex crime and close a loophole being exploited by predators, King gave her a platform to address the nation about the issue that was important to her.

"Larry could have brushed off the subject, the law etc, and made it just like any celebrity interview.  But he didn't. For starters, I was given the entire hour... and at the end of the interview, Larry asked the producers when it would air.  They said they could air it anytime. That it was "evergreen.  But Larry King said "No! Put in on Thursday!!"  He insisted it be aired that week.  He didn't have to do that.  But he understood what we were doing and that time was of the essence," she recalled. "In 2005, Senate Bill 33, was signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. This was only possible due to the enormous public outcry over this situation, which would simply would not have been possible without Larry King. Not just his having me on the show, but his grasping the importance of what was at stake and insisting that it be aired in a timely manner."

RELATED CONTENT:

 

Latest News