David Letterman is 79 years old. The American television host, comedian and writer, born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on April 12, 1947, hosted late-night television for 33 years, and his net worth is approximately $400 million (Celebrity Net Worth, 2026). Letterman, whose wife is Regina Lasko, is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of late-night television, creating the template for the modern talk show.
David Letterman Quick Facts
| Full Name | David Michael Letterman |
| Date of Birth | April 12, 1947 |
| Age | 79 years old |
| Birthplace | Indianapolis, Indiana, United States |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Spouse | Regina Lasko |
| Children | 1 son |
| Net Worth | Approx. $400 million (Celebrity Net Worth, 2026) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Television host, comedian, writer, producer |
Who Is David Letterman?
David Letterman is an American television host, comedian, writer and producer who hosted late-night talk shows for 33 years, longer than any other host. He presented Late Night with David Letterman on NBC from 1982 to 1993 and Late Show with David Letterman on CBS from 1993 to 2015, winning multiple Emmy Awards and shaping the style of American late-night comedy.
Letterman is known for his ironic, self-deprecating humour, his Top Ten Lists, Stupid Pet Tricks and Stupid Human Tricks, and for his interviews with guests, which ranged from silly to deeply serious. Since leaving network late-night television, he has hosted the Netflix interview series My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman.
David Letterman’s Early Life & Background
David Michael Letterman was born on April 12, 1947, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Harry Joseph Letterman, a florist, and Dorothy Mengering, a church secretary. He grew up in the Broad Ripple neighbourhood of Indianapolis and attended Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, where he studied radio and television and worked at the campus radio station.
After graduating in 1969, Letterman worked as a radio announcer and television weatherman in Indianapolis, developing the deadpan, irreverent style that would become his trademark. He moved to Los Angeles in 1975 to pursue comedy, appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, where he became a popular guest host and a favourite of Carson himself.
David Letterman’s Career
Letterman hosted the daytime programme The David Letterman Show on NBC in 1980, winning two Emmy Awards, before launching Late Night with David Letterman in 1982. The show’s inventive, absurdist style — including the Top Ten List, the use of the studio’s neighbourhood as a setting and his interviews with eccentric guests — made it a cult hit and a model for later late-night shows.
In 1993, after being passed over to host The Tonight Show, Letterman moved to CBS to host Late Show with David Letterman, which ran for 22 years and won six Emmy Awards for Outstanding Variety Series. He retired from the show in May 2015, after 6,028 late-night broadcasts, and has since hosted My Next Guest Needs No Introduction on Netflix, interviewing figures including Barack Obama, Kim Kardashian and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Facts About David Letterman
- He hosted late-night television for 33 years, on NBC from 1982 to 1993 and on CBS from 1993 to 2015.
- He won six Emmy Awards for Outstanding Variety Series for Late Show with David Letterman.
- He received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2012 and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2017.
- He was a frequent guest host on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson before getting his own show.
- He owns the production company Worldwide Pants, which produced Late Show and The Late Late Show.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is David Letterman?
David Letterman is 79 years old. He was born on April 12, 1947, in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States.
How tall is David Letterman?
David Letterman is 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) tall.
Who is David Letterman’s wife?
David Letterman’s wife is Regina Lasko, a former production manager on Late Show. They married in 2009.
What is David Letterman’s net worth?
David Letterman’s net worth is approximately $400 million (Celebrity Net Worth, 2026).
What is David Letterman best known for?
David Letterman is best known for hosting Late Night with David Letterman and Late Show with David Letterman for 33 years.
How old is David Letterman?
David Letterman is 79 years old. He was born on April 12, 1947, in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States.
How tall is David Letterman?
David Letterman is 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) tall.
Who is David Letterman’s wife?
David Letterman’s wife is Regina Lasko, a former production manager on Late Show. They married in 2009.
What is David Letterman’s net worth?
David Letterman’s net worth is approximately $400 million (Celebrity Net Worth, 2026).
What is David Letterman best known for?
David Letterman is best known for hosting Late Night with David Letterman and Late Show with David Letterman for 33 years.
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