David Letterman has been an iconic figure in late-night television for over three decades. On May 20, 2015, he retired from his position as host of The Late Show on CBS after 33 years on the air. His retirement marked the end of an era and left a void in the world of late-night TV.
Over the course of his career, Letterman built a reputation as a witty and irreverent host who was always willing to push boundaries and take risks with his comedy. He was known for his off-beat humor, dry wit, and willingness to go off-script during interviews.
One of Letterman’s most notable contributions to late-night television was his invention of the “Top Ten List.” This recurring gag became one of the most popular segments on The Late Show and helped cement Letterman’s status as a comedic trailblazer.
Throughout his career, Letterman also used his platform to address social and political issues. He famously interviewed activists like Gloria Steinem and Harvey Milk and spoke out about topics like climate change and income inequality. In recent years, he also became an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump.
Despite all of his accomplishments, however, Letterman remained humble throughout his career. In interviews leading up to his retirement, he frequently expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work in show business and credited much of his success to luck.
Letterman’s retirement marks a significant turning point in late-night TV history. While there are plenty of other talented hosts currently working in the field – including Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers – it’s impossible not to feel nostalgic for the days when David Letterman ruled the airwaves.
But while we may miss seeing him behind that famous desk every night at 11:35pm EST., we can take comfort knowing that David Letterman will continue to be one of our culture’s most beloved figures for years to come.