David Letterman Then & Now: Photos of the Former Talk Show Host Through the Years

From his early days on TV to his life after late night, see how David Letterman has evolved over the decades.

David Letterman is one of the most iconic figures in late-night television history. From his early days hosting Late Night with David Letterman on NBC in the 1980s to his long-running tenure on The Late Show at CBS, Letterman became known for his dry wit, offbeat interviews, and signature gap-toothed grin. Since stepping away from the late-night spotlight in 2015, the Emmy-winning host has reemerged with a totally new look—complete with a full white beard and a more laid-back vibe, especially on his Netflix series My Next Guest Needs No Introduction.

Scroll through the gallery to see David Letterman’s evolution from young TV star to elder statesman of comedy.

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