David Letterman To Retire From 'Late Show'
NEW YORK (CBS4/AP) -- After 21 years entertaining late night audiences, David Letterman says he's retiring next year as host of "Late Show."
Letterman made the announcement during a taping of Thursday's show. He said he has informed his CBS bosses that he will step down in 2015, when his current contract expires.
CBS President and CEO Leslie Moonves released a statement which reads, in part: "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. His greatness will always be remembered here, and he will certainly sit among the pantheon of this business. On a personal note, it's been a privilege to get to know Dave and to enjoy a terrific relationship. It's going to be tough to say goodbye. Fortunately, we won't have to do that for another year or so. Until then, we look forward to celebrating Dave's remarkable show and incredible talents."
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Letterman told his audience he expects his departure will be "at least a year or so" from now.
Letterman turns 67 next week. He has the longest tenure of any late-night talk show host in U.S. television history, nearing 32 years since he created "Late Night" at NBC in 1982.
He jumped to CBS to start "Late Show" in 1993.
Jay Leno, his rival to host NBC's "Tonight Show," retired earlier this year, making way for Jimmy Fallon.
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