When we think of Larry King, it's very likely that a picture of a broadcasting icon comes to mind, someone who, you know, sat down with some of the most prominent people in the world, asking questions that truly got to the heart of things. But, as a matter of fact, beyond the famous suspenders and that recognizable voice, his life away from the camera was, in some respects, just as full of stories, particularly when it came to his many personal relationships.
One interesting thread in the story of his personal world ties into the family of his last wife, Shawn Southwick King, and her brother, Bret Engemann. It's a connection that, for many who followed Larry's career, might be a little less known, yet it offers a glimpse into the broader network of individuals connected to the legendary interviewer.
This discussion, basically, looks at the links between Larry King, his wife Shawn, and her brother Bret, whose own life has seen some public moments. We'll touch on how these family ties played out, bringing together different parts of their lives for public view, and how their individual paths crossed through this family bond.
Larry King, a name that, you know, truly became a household staple in the world of television and interviews, was a person who made a lasting mark. He was, in a way, someone who could sit across from world leaders, well-known celebrities, and figures who, basically, sparked a lot of discussion, always ready to ask the important questions. His signature deep voice, which many people recognized instantly, and his suspenders were, you know, part of his professional identity, making him stand out in a crowd of interviewers.
For many years, Larry King's presence on television was, in some respects, a constant. He had a way of drawing out stories and insights from his guests, making complex topics feel, perhaps, a little more accessible to the everyday viewer. His approach to conversation was, you know, quite unique, often allowing his guests to speak at length, creating a space for genuine exchange. This ability to connect with people, whether they were famous or not, was a big part of what made him so beloved by audiences.
Yet, behind the scenes, away from the studio lights and the live broadcasts, Larry King's own personal story was, in fact, quite eventful. It was a life that saw many changes, particularly when it came to his relationships. His private world, you know, often became a topic of public interest, showing that even someone so well-known for interviewing others had a personal narrative that, basically, unfolded for everyone to see. His life was, in some ways, a very public book, with chapters on his professional achievements and, too, his many personal connections.
Here are some personal details about Larry King:
Full Name | Lawrence Harvey Zeiger |
Known As | Larry King |
Occupation | Television and Radio Host |
Years Active | Decades in Broadcasting |
Number of Marriages | 8 times to 7 different women |
Children | Five children |
Passing | Age 87 |
Residence | Beverly Hills |
Shawn Southwick King, a person who, basically, became a significant part of Larry King's later life, was his last wife. She is, you know, from Utah, a detail that gives a little insight into her background. Their marriage was, in some respects, one of Larry King's longest, lasting for nearly 22 years, which, for someone with his relationship history, was quite a considerable amount of time. Shawn was, you know, a constant presence by his side during many of his public appearances and, in fact, was often seen accompanying him to various events and celebrations related to his long and distinguished career.
Their relationship, like many in the public eye, saw its share of ups and downs. They were, basically, together for a significant portion of their lives, raising a family and sharing in the experiences that come with being married to a very famous public figure. Shawn, in her own way, contributed to the story of Larry King's life, offering support and, in fact, being a partner through the many years they spent together. Her presence, too, helped shape the narrative of his personal world in the later stages of his life, making her a person of interest to those who followed his journey.
The connection between Larry King's wife, Shawn, and Bret Engemann is, in some respects, quite direct and, you know, a clear family tie. Shawn Southwick King is, as a matter of fact, Bret Engemann's older sister. This means that Bret is Larry King's brother-in-law, creating a familial link that, you know, extends into the broader public sphere through their respective connections to the entertainment world. It's a relationship that, basically, puts Bret within the immediate family circle of a very well-known figure, even if his own public presence came about through different avenues.
Their shared family background, you know, means they have a common history, growing up together and, in fact, experiencing life as siblings. This bond, which is, you know, quite fundamental, places Bret as a close relative to Shawn, and by extension, connects him to the narrative of Larry King's personal life. So, when we talk about Larry King's wife, Bret's sister, Shawn, it's about understanding how these individual stories, basically, intertwine through the simple yet strong ties of family. It's a relationship that, too, adds another layer to the public understanding of these individuals' lives.
Bret Engemann, who is, you know, Shawn Southwick King's brother, has also had his moments in the public eye, though perhaps in a different kind of spotlight than his famous brother-in-law. His public presence became, basically, more noticeable through his involvement in a television program called "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives." This show, which, you know, offered viewers a look into the lives of certain individuals, became a platform where Bret's own story, in some respects, started to unfold for a wider audience.
In the second season of this program, Bret, like many of the other partners featured on the show, took on a larger role. This meant that viewers got to see more of his personal interactions and, in fact, some of the dynamics within his own family life. There was, for example, an arc that involved a "sinner Sunday confessional" from someone named Mayci, which, you know, suggests that his presence on the show was, in some ways, quite involved and contributed to the program's narrative. His participation allowed people to get to know him a little better, moving him from just being "Shawn King's brother" to a public figure in his own right.
The connection between Larry King's wife's brother, Bret, and Demi Engemann is, basically, a marital one. Demi Engemann is, as a matter of fact, Bret Engemann's wife. Their relationship has been, you know, visible to the public, especially since Demi's appearance on "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives." She made her debut on the show in 2024, and it was through this program that their partnership, in some respects, became a topic of interest for many viewers. People who watched the show, you know, often wanted to learn more about Bret, Demi's husband, showing how their personal lives became part of the public conversation.
It's worth noting that Demi Engemann's marriage to Bret is, in fact, not her first. Before her relationship with Bret, she was, basically, married to a person named Blake Corbin. With Blake, Demi had a daughter, whose name is Maude. So, when we talk about Bret Engemann and his wife, Demi, we are, in some ways, looking at a family unit that has, you know, its own history and layers. The couple is, as a matter of fact, returning to the show, which means their relationship and family life will, basically, continue to be in the public eye, allowing viewers to follow their journey as a couple connected to the broader family of Larry King's wife, Brett's sister, Shawn.
The relationship between Larry King and his wife, Shawn Southwick King, who is, you know, Bret's sister, was a very long one, spanning nearly 22 years. It began in 1997 and, basically, continued until Larry filed for divorce in 2019. This period of time was, in some respects, a significant chapter in both their lives, marked by shared experiences and, too, the raising of their two sons. They had a son named Chance, who was born in 1999, and another son named Cannon, who came along in 2000. These children, you know, became a central part of their shared family life.
Their marriage, like many long-term partnerships, had its moments of challenge and public scrutiny. Larry King was, after all, a very public figure, and his personal life, you know, often attracted attention. Despite the complexities that can come with being married to someone so well-known, they were, in fact, together for a considerable amount of time. The decision for Larry to file for divorce in 2019, after nearly 22 years, was, basically, a significant event in their shared story, happening just two years before Larry King, who was 87, passed away. It shows that even a long-standing public relationship can, in some ways, reach a point of change.
Their bond was, you know, often seen in public, with Shawn frequently by Larry's side at various events. This visibility meant that their relationship was, in some respects, part of the broader narrative of Larry King's life, offering a glimpse into his personal world beyond the microphone. It was a partnership that, basically, endured for a very long time, shaping their individual paths and, too, their shared family journey with their children.
The connections between the Engemann family and Larry King were, in some respects, quite visible, especially during the many years Larry was married to Shawn Southwick King. Shawn, who, you know, comes from Utah, brought her family ties into Larry King's world. This meant that her brother, Bret Engemann, and later his wife, Demi, became part of the broader family picture that, basically, surrounded the famous broadcaster. These family ties, you know, often came into public view, whether through shared events or, in fact, through television appearances.
The fact that Shawn and Larry had two sons, Chance and Cannon, further cemented these family links. These children are, you know, cousins to Bret and Demi Engemann's children, creating a generational connection within the family unit. The presence of the Engemanns, particularly Shawn, in Larry King's life meant that his personal story, which was already, in some respects, quite public, had these additional layers of family relationships woven into it. It shows how the lives of public figures are, basically, often intertwined with the lives of their relatives, bringing different individuals into the spotlight.
Larry King and his wife, Shawn Southwick King, who is, you know, Bret's sister, made numerous public appearances together throughout their marriage. These events were, in some respects, a regular part of their lives as a couple connected to the entertainment industry. For example, they were seen attending the 45th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, which is, you know, a significant event in the world of television. Their presence at such gatherings was, basically, a common sight, showing them together as a united front in the public eye.
Another notable occasion was in April 2007, when Larry King and Shawn arrived at a party hosted by CNN. This event was, as a matter of fact, a celebration of King's remarkable achievement of 50 years in broadcasting, held in New York. Such milestones were, you know, often shared with Shawn by his side, highlighting her role as his partner during his long and distinguished career. These public moments allowed fans and the media to see them as a couple, offering a glimpse into their shared life outside of Larry's professional interviews. Shawn, too, would sometimes speak at these events, further showing her presence as a supportive partner.
While Larry King's personal life, with its many marriages and relationships, often sparked curiosity, his professional legacy is, you know, truly what he is remembered for. He was, in some respects, a master of the interview, someone who could get people to open up and share their stories in a way that felt, basically, very natural and engaging. His approach to talking with people, which included that famous deep voice and his signature suspenders, became, too, a recognizable part of television history. He interviewed countless world leaders, celebrities, and figures who, you know, generated a lot of discussion, always asking the important questions.
Beyond his on-air presence, Larry King also made contributions that extended into the future of journalism. He established, as a matter of fact, a journalism scholarship worth $1 million at George Washington University's School of Media and Affairs. This scholarship was, you know, specifically set up to help students from backgrounds that might not have had as many advantages, giving them a chance to pursue their studies in media. This act shows that his influence reached beyond the immediate conversations he had, aiming to support the next generation of communicators. His impact, in some ways, continues through the people he inspired and the educational opportunities he helped create.