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Did Larry King Have Bad Breath? Unveiling The Truth Behind The Iconic Host's Smell

Hertzler April 26, 2025

Let’s be real for a sec—Larry King was an absolute legend in the world of broadcasting. But if you’ve ever wondered, “Did Larry King have bad breath?” well, you’re not alone. Fans and critics alike have speculated about the man behind the suit and whether his charm was ever overshadowed by something as mundane as halitosis. So, let’s dive deep into this topic because, hey, curiosity never killed the journalist—just maybe the gossip.

Now, before we get too far into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why this question even exists. Larry King hosted over 6,000 episodes of his iconic show, Larry King Live, where he interviewed everyone from presidents to pop stars. That’s a lot of close-up conversations! If bad breath were part of the equation, it would’ve been hard to ignore. But was it? Or is this just another urban legend born out of idle chatter?

Let’s set the record straight. Larry King wasn’t just some guy with a mic; he was a media powerhouse who commanded respect and admiration. His interviews were legendary, and his personality unforgettable. But when it comes to personal habits and hygiene, even the best of us can slip up. So, buckle up because we’re about to uncover the truth behind Larry King’s supposed bad breath.

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Who Was Larry King? A Quick Bio

Before we tackle the question of Larry King’s breath, let’s take a moment to appreciate the man himself. Larry King was born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger on November 19, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in a modest household but quickly made a name for himself in the world of radio and television. By the time he passed away in 2021, he had become one of the most recognizable figures in journalism.

Here’s a quick rundown of Larry King’s life:

Full Name:	Larry King (born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger)
Date of Birth:	November 19, 1933
Place of Birth:	Brooklyn, New York
Profession:	Journalist, TV Host, Author
Notable Work:	Larry King Live, numerous interviews with world leaders and celebrities
Family:	Married eight times with five children

So, yeah, Larry King was more than just a face on TV. He was a force of nature who left an indelible mark on the media landscape. But what about his personal habits? Could they have contributed to the rumors of bad breath?

What Causes Bad Breath? A Quick Science Lesson

Before we jump into whether Larry King had bad breath, let’s talk about what causes it in the first place. Bad breath, or halitosis, isn’t just about forgetting to brush your teeth. It can stem from a variety of factors, including:

Poor oral hygiene
Smoking or tobacco use
Certain foods like garlic and onions
Mouth infections or gum disease
Dry mouth due to medications or dehydration
Medical conditions like sinus infections or diabetes

Now, Larry King was known for a few of these habits, particularly his love for cigarettes. Could this have played a role in the rumors?

Did Larry King Smoke? The Smoking Gun

Oh, yeah, Larry King smoked. A lot. The man was rarely seen without a cigarette in hand, and it became one of his most recognizable traits. But here’s the thing—smoking doesn’t just affect your lungs; it can wreak havoc on your oral health too.

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Smoking can cause:

Stained teeth
Bad breath
Increased risk of gum disease
Delayed healing after dental procedures

So, if Larry King was a lifelong smoker, it’s entirely possible that his breath wasn’t always as fresh as a spring breeze. But was it bad enough to become a topic of conversation? Let’s find out.

What Did People Say About Larry King’s Breath?

Over the years, there have been whispers and rumors about Larry King’s breath. Some guests claimed it was noticeable during close-up interviews, while others swore it was perfectly fine. The truth, as with most things, probably lies somewhere in the middle.

One thing’s for sure—Larry King wasn’t shy about his habits. He once joked about his smoking on air, saying, “I smoke because I like it.” That kind of honesty made him relatable, but it also left room for speculation about his personal hygiene.

Guest Experiences: Did They Notice?

Some guests have shared their experiences with Larry King’s breath. While most were polite enough not to mention it, a few couldn’t help but comment. One guest reportedly said, “Larry’s breath wasn’t the worst, but it wasn’t great either.” Others, however, defended him, saying his charm and charisma made any minor flaws irrelevant.

How Did Larry King Maintain His Image?

Despite the rumors, Larry King was a professional through and through. He knew how to maintain his image, even if it meant dealing with less-than-ideal circumstances. Here are a few ways he might have managed his breath:

Using breath mints or gum before interviews
Brushing his teeth regularly
Staying hydrated to combat dry mouth
Visiting the dentist for regular check-ups

Of course, none of these habits can completely erase the effects of smoking. But Larry King was nothing if not resourceful, and it’s likely he took steps to ensure his breath wasn’t a distraction during his interviews.

The Role of Diet: Did Larry King Eat Garlic?

Another factor that could have contributed to Larry King’s breath was his diet. The man was known for his love of food, particularly rich, flavorful dishes. And let’s be real—some of those flavors don’t exactly leave your breath smelling like roses.

Garlic, onions, and spicy foods are all notorious for causing bad breath. If Larry King indulged in these regularly, it’s possible his breath wasn’t always as fresh as it could have been. But again, this is all speculation. Without concrete evidence, we’ll never know for sure.

Food Habits: What Did Larry King Eat?

Larry King was a self-proclaimed foodie who enjoyed a wide variety of cuisines. From steak to sushi, he loved it all. But his love for certain foods might have contributed to the rumors of bad breath. Here are a few of his favorites:

Garlic bread
Spicy curries
Rich desserts

While these foods are delicious, they’re not exactly known for their breath-freshening properties. Could this have been part of the problem?

The Psychological Impact: Did Larry King Care?

At the end of the day, did Larry King even care about the rumors of bad breath? Probably not. The man was a legend in his own right, and he knew his worth extended far beyond his oral hygiene. He was respected for his intelligence, his curiosity, and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

Still, it’s worth noting that bad breath can have a psychological impact on those who suffer from it. It can lead to social anxiety, self-consciousness, and even avoidance of social situations. If Larry King did experience bad breath, it’s possible he dealt with these feelings in his own way.

Dealing with Criticism: Larry King’s Approach

Larry King wasn’t one to let criticism get him down. He faced plenty of challenges throughout his career, from financial difficulties to personal struggles. But through it all, he maintained his sense of humor and his love for his craft.

When it came to rumors about his breath, Larry King probably took it in stride. After all, the man who interviewed some of the most powerful people in the world wasn’t about to let a little bad breath get in the way of his success.

Conclusion: The Verdict on Larry King’s Breath

So, did Larry King have bad breath? The answer, like so many things in life, is complicated. While it’s possible that his smoking and diet contributed to less-than-fresh breath, it’s unlikely that it was a major issue. Larry King was a professional who knew how to maintain his image, and he likely took steps to ensure his breath wasn’t a distraction during his interviews.

At the end of the day, Larry King’s legacy isn’t defined by his breath. It’s defined by his contributions to journalism, his ability to connect with people, and his unwavering dedication to his craft. So, the next time you wonder, “Did Larry King have bad breath?” remember this: it doesn’t matter. What matters is the impact he had on the world, and that’s something no amount of halitosis can overshadow.

Now, it’s your turn. What do you think about Larry King’s breath? Leave a comment below and let us know! And if you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to share it with your friends. After all, good journalism is all about spreading the word—and keeping the conversation going.