David Letterman, comedian and television host of "The Late Show" on CBS has announced he is retiring in 2015, according to CNN Money. The 66-year-old personality made the announcement today during a taping of his popular late night talk show. An official statement has not been released. The comedian follows in the footsteps of Jay Leno who recently stepped down from his duties hosting "The Tonight Show" on NBC and handing it over to Jimmy Fallon. "The man who owns this network, Leslie Moonves, he and I have had a relationship for years and years and years, and we have had this conversation in the past, and we agreed that we would work together on this circumstance and the timing of this circumstance. And I phoned him just before the program, and I said ‘Leslie, it’s been great, you’ve been great, and the network has been great, but I’m retiring,’” said Letterman.
“I just want to reiterate my thanks for the support from the network, all of the people who have worked here, all of the people in the theater, all the people on the staff, everybody at home, thank you very much. What this means now, is that Paul and I can be married," he continued. "We don’t have the timetable for this precisely down – I think it will be at least a year or so, but sometime in the not too distant future, 2015 for the love of God, in fact, Paul and I will be wrapping things up." The Ed Sullivan Theater gave the veteran host a standing ovation after his announcement. Letterman has been a late night fixture since the debut of the "Late Night" franchise on NBC in 1982. He left the network in 1993 to take an offer from CBS for a new late night talker to compete with "The Tonight Show." He left upset at the peacock network when he was was not given the gig when Johnny Carson retired. Over on the eye network he started "Late Show," which he has been hosting until now. No wonder on who will be his replacement.
CBS Les Moonves issued a statement following Letterman's announcement: “When Dave decided on a one-year extension for his most recent contract, we knew this day was getting closer, but that doesn’t make the moment any less poignant for us. For 21 years, David Letterman has graced our Network’s air in late night with wit, gravitas and brilliance unique in the history of our medium. During that time, Dave has given television audiences thousands of hours of comedic entertainment, the sharpest interviews in late night, and brilliant moments of candor and perspective around national events. He’s also managed to keep many celebrities, politicians and executives on their toes – including me. There is only one David Letterman." Watch Letterman announcing his retirement down below! What do you think of David Letterman retiring?
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
