David Letterman's Age Was a Factor in Leaving 'Late Show

In a recent interview, David Letterman mentioned that age was a reason for leaving his 33-year run as 'Late Show' host.

TV and comedy legend David Letterman will step down as host of the Late Show later this month after a 33-year run.

In an interview with The New York Times, Letterman revealed that age was a factor in his decision to depart when he announced the news last year.

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He said in the interview, “I'm 68. If I was 38, I’d probably still be wanting to do the show.”

Letterman then referenced his professional rival, Jay Leno and after he departed The Tonight Show to make way for Jimmy Fallon, Letterman then referenced the younger hosts that were taking over late night TV.

He mentioned, “When Jay was on, I felt like Jay and I are contemporaries. Every time he would get a show at 11:30, he would succeed smartly. And so I thought, This is still viable — an older guy in a suit. And then he left, and I suddenly was surrounded by the Jimmys."

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Letterman then mentioned how his time slot rivals, Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel, helped him take a much more laid-back approach to his final season. “I can’t do what Jimmy Fallon’s doing. I know I can’t do what Jimmy Kimmel is doing. There’s nothing left to be worried about," he said.

David Letterman’s replacement will be Stephen Colbert who will take over later this year.

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