David Letterman, the most decorated late-night host in television history, met with GQ's Zach Baron in his hometown. This wide-ranging discussion delves into the cost of showbiz, the art of interviewing, and his stance on retirement. Join us as we explore the life and career of this broadcasting icon.

Uncover David Letterman's Insights on Showbiz and Beyond

Early Years and Memories

In November, David Letterman and Zach Baron met at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where he grew up. Letterman fondly recalled his childhood visits with his uncle, feeling the track's vibrations throughout his body. His first national TV appearance was interviewing Mario Andretti after the Indy 500 crash in 1971. Now, as a part-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan, he still has a deep connection to the place.This experience shaped his perspective on show business. As he said, "In show business, I find that I have pretended to be someone I’m truly not. In my life here in Indiana and at my home with my family, I am probably the person I actually am."

The Art of Interviewing

Letterman is renowned for his quick wit and ability to handle interviews. At 77, he continues to work, launching the Letterman TV FAST Channel and hosting a regular talk show on Netflix. In their conversation, they discussed the evolution of his interviewing style.Early in his career, he was criticized for not being a great interviewer. But he realized his mistake when his NBC morning show failed. He learned to have a broader lens and found that his favorite part of the show was talking to people.However, some of his earlier interviews could be confrontational. Looking back, he now realizes that his perception of being the "guy American television was waiting on" skewed his perspective.Today, he approaches conversations with curiosity, not worrying about publicists or audience reactions. It seems to come more effortlessly, and he wonders why he once thought it was a struggle.

The Cost of Showbiz

Letterman admitted that showbiz had made him a worse person initially. He felt the single-mindedness and pressure, focusing only on the show. This led to a lack of energy for other aspects of life.His reputation was that he wasn't very social. He felt the expectation to be funny and entertaining drained his energy before and after the show. But now, he has a broader focus and recognizes the importance of helping others.Even after retiring from his late-night show, he still has anxiety dreams related to it. It's a reminder of the impact it had on his life.

Views on Fame and Celebrity

Letterman has seen many famous people and has learned that he prefers those who are a bit "trembling under the wheel" due to the weight of fame. He believes that if fame has crushed a person personally, it's more interesting than someone who wears it well.He still thinks about the show occasionally, having anxiety dreams about it. But he's not sure what it all means.

Retirement and the Human Mechanism

Retirement is a myth according to Letterman. As long as one is healthy, they still want to produce. He took some time to adjust after stopping the show, realizing that the rhythm was different.He shared his experience of getting upset and throwing phones in the office. But with the help of medication and meditation, he has managed to control his emotions.In conclusion, David Letterman's insights offer a unique perspective on the world of showbiz and life beyond it. His journey is a testament to his resilience and the lasting impact of his career.