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Larry King Children - A Look At His Family Life

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Jul 13, 2025
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When you hear the name "Larry," it might bring to mind a range of folks, you know, like Larry Page, the very well-known co-founder of Google, or perhaps even that internet sensation, Larry the cat, who became quite popular in some scary story videos. But today, we're actually going to focus on a different Larry, a true broadcasting icon, someone whose voice shaped conversations for decades: Larry King. His professional life was certainly an open book, but his personal world, especially the lives of his children, perhaps remained a bit more private for many who followed his career.

Larry King, a man who interviewed presidents, movie stars, and really, just about anyone with a story, had a life that spanned many years and, too it's almost, quite a few marriages. Through these unions, he welcomed several children into the world, creating a sprawling family tree that saw little ones grow into adults, some even stepping into the public eye themselves. It’s a family story that, in a way, mirrors the long and varied arc of his own public persona.

So, as we consider his remarkable career, it’s also worth taking a moment to appreciate the people who were closest to him, the ones who called him "Dad." We’re going to explore the unique journeys of Larry King’s children, understanding a little more about their lives, their connections to their famous father, and how their paths unfolded, sometimes in the spotlight, sometimes away from it. It’s a chance to see the man behind the microphone, a father, and a family man, in some respects.

Table of Contents

Who Was Larry King - A Quick Look at His Life

Larry King, born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger in Brooklyn, New York, certainly left an indelible mark on the world of broadcasting. His career, which spanned over six decades, saw him become a household name, recognized for his distinctive voice, his thoughtful interview approach, and his trademark suspenders. He began his professional journey in radio, eventually moving to television, where his show "Larry King Live" on CNN became a nightly fixture for millions. He had a way of making guests feel comfortable, allowing them to share their stories with a relaxed, conversational style that was quite unique. He interviewed everyone from world leaders to pop stars, always with a curious mind and an open demeanor. His ability to connect with people, it's almost, was truly what set him apart.

Personal Details and Bio Data of Larry King

DetailInformation
Full NameLawrence Harvey Zeiger
BornNovember 19, 1933, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
DiedJanuary 23, 2021, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
OccupationTelevision and Radio Host, Journalist
SpousesFreda Miller (m. 1952; div. 1953)
Annette Kaye (m. 1961; div. 1961)
Alene Akins (m. 1961; div. 1963; m. 1967; div. 1972)
Mickey Sutphin (m. 1964; div. 1966)
Sharon Lepore (m. 1976; div. 1983)
Julie Alexander (m. 1989; div. 1992)
Shawn Southwick (m. 1997; div. 2019)
ChildrenLarry King Jr., Andy King (adopted), Chaia King (adopted), Chance King, Cannon King

How Many Children Did Larry King Have?

Larry King’s family life was, arguably, as varied and expansive as his professional one. Over the course of his eight marriages, he welcomed a total of five children into his life. This included biological offspring and also adopted children, creating a blended family that grew and changed over the decades. His approach to fatherhood, in some respects, evolved with each new chapter of his life, as did the dynamics within his household. It’s pretty clear that family, despite the public nature of his work, remained a very personal and significant part of his world. He often spoke about his children, sometimes on his show, offering glimpses into his role as a parent, which was just a little different from his role as an interviewer.

What About Larry King's Eldest Children?

Larry King’s journey into fatherhood began early in his life. His first son, Larry King Jr., was born from his brief marriage to Annette Kaye. Larry Jr. was born in 1961, and for many years, he actually had little contact with his famous father, a detail that later became a subject of discussion for both of them. It was not until the 1990s that they truly connected and built a relationship, which, by the way, became very close in the years that followed. This reunion was a significant moment for both of them, offering a chance to make up for lost time and to form a bond that had been missing.

Then there were Andy and Chaia King, who were the children of Larry’s marriage to Alene Akins. Larry adopted Andy, Alene’s son from a previous relationship, and then they had Chaia together. Their family unit, in a way, represented a different phase of his life, one where he was building a home and raising young children. Andy and Chaia were often seen with their father at events, and they maintained a strong connection throughout their lives. Their presence in his life was a constant, even as his public profile continued to grow. They were, basically, a part of his foundation.

Did Larry King Have Children Later in Life?

Yes, Larry King did indeed become a father again later in his life, which is somewhat unusual for many people. His last marriage, to Shawn Southwick, brought two more sons into the family: Chance King and Cannon King. Chance was born in 1999, and Cannon followed in 2000. Becoming a father again in his mid-60s offered Larry a different perspective on parenting, arguably, a chance to experience fatherhood with the wisdom and calm that comes with age. These younger boys grew up with a very famous dad, but Larry made efforts to give them as normal a childhood as possible, despite the constant attention that often surrounds a public figure. He was, naturally, very proud of them.

The presence of Chance and Cannon truly brought a fresh energy to Larry King’s later years. He often spoke of the joy they brought him and how being an older parent allowed him to appreciate every moment with them in a way he might not have when he was younger and building his career. Their youth kept him feeling vibrant and connected to current times, offering a different kind of fulfillment than his professional achievements. It was, after all, a very special bond.

What Challenges Did Larry King's Children Face?

Life, as we know, can present unexpected and heartbreaking challenges, and Larry King’s family was certainly not immune to these. In a truly tragic turn of events, two of his children, Andy and Chaia King, passed away within weeks of each other in 2020. Andy, his adopted son, died in July at the age of 65 from a heart attack. Just a little over a month later, in August, his daughter Chaia passed away at 51 from lung cancer. This double loss was, understandably, a profound blow to Larry King and the entire family. It’s something no parent should ever have to experience, losing two children so close together.

The grief that followed these losses was immense, and Larry King himself spoke publicly about the deep sorrow he felt. It was a very stark reminder of life’s fragility, even for someone who had navigated so many public triumphs and personal ups and downs. The surviving children, Larry Jr., Chance, and Cannon, also had to cope with the sudden absence of their siblings, adding another layer of complexity to their family dynamic. These events certainly cast a shadow over his final months, showing that even the most famous people face the same heartaches as anyone else. He was, quite frankly, devastated.

How Did Family Life Impact Larry King?

Larry King’s family life, with its many marriages and children, undeniably shaped him as a person. His experiences as a father, a husband, and a grandfather, in some respects, offered a grounding influence amidst the whirlwind of his highly public career. He often spoke about the importance of family, even as his own family structures changed over time. The love for his children, in particular, was a constant thread throughout his life, providing a source of personal joy and, occasionally, deep sorrow. It’s pretty clear that his family was his anchor, even when the seas of his personal life were a bit rough.

His role as a father was, arguably, something he cherished deeply, especially in his later years. He seemed to relish the opportunity to be present for his younger sons, Chance and Cannon, in a way that perhaps his early career demands didn't always allow for with his older children. The challenges he faced with his family, including the public nature of his divorces and the devastating loss of Andy and Chaia, also seemed to give him a deeper sense of empathy and a more nuanced perspective on life. He learned, perhaps, that fame doesn't shield you from personal pain, and that family connections are truly what matter most, at the end of the day.

Where Are Larry King's Children Now?

Following Larry King’s passing in January 2021, his surviving children have continued to navigate their lives, carrying on his legacy in their own ways. Larry King Jr., who reconnected with his father later in life, has spoken openly about their close bond and has been involved in preserving his father's memory. He’s continued with his own professional endeavors, always remembering the connection he built with his dad. He has, you know, really stepped up.

Chance King and Cannon King, Larry’s youngest sons, are still relatively young adults. They’ve been seen honoring their father’s memory, and they are, basically, pursuing their own paths, often staying out of the intense public spotlight that their father lived in. They continue to represent the later chapter of Larry King’s family story, carrying forward his name and spirit into the next generation. They are, obviously, growing into their own.

What Is The Legacy of Larry King's Children?

The legacy of Larry King’s children is, in a way, intertwined with his own, yet it’s also distinctly their own. They carry the weight and privilege of being the offspring of a global icon, but each has lived a life that is unique to them. Their stories reflect the varied experiences of growing up in a famous family, dealing with both the advantages and the challenges that come with such a background. They are, in essence, a living testament to the many facets of Larry King’s personal life, beyond the microphone and the camera.

Their collective journey, encompassing early connections, later reunions, and profound losses, tells a story of family resilience and enduring bonds. While Larry King’s professional achievements are widely celebrated, the lives of his children offer a more intimate glimpse into the man he was outside of his public persona. They are, arguably, a significant part of his lasting impact, continuing his lineage and, in some respects, carrying forward a piece of his very human story. They are, really, his enduring connection to the future.

This article has explored the family life of Larry King, touching on the origins of the name "Larry," detailing the number of children he had, and delving into the lives of his eldest and youngest children. We also looked at the significant challenges his family faced, especially the heartbreaking losses of Andy and Chaia, and considered how these personal experiences shaped Larry King himself. Finally, we examined where his surviving children are now and reflected on the unique legacy they carry as part of his enduring story.

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