Today has been dubbed “David Letterman Day” in Indianapolis, where the once gap toothed talk show host was born and raised. As a teen, Letterman bagged groceries at the infamous Atlas grocery store in Broad Ripple. Would later give the weather forecast on WTHR. A graduate of Broad Ripple High School and Ball State, he also followed his love of racing, partnering with driver Bobby Rahal and often seen at the Indy 500. As Dave gives his last show tonight, here’s a look back at some of his most notable guests over the years, including a very rare appearance by the great Johnny Carson.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKk7-rcYH6Q
(source Late Show with David Letterman via YouTube)
But as many guests and fans will tell you, it’s not just during the good times that Letterman was there for his audience. Days after the horrific 9/11 terrorist attack, Letterman returned to his show. He was visibly shaken and perhaps even unsure if he could carry on, asking viewers to bare with him, as Dave felt his way through the monologue. This is one of the very few times that you will ever see Dave not cracking jokes, but rather stone cold serious. The original broadcast was removed from the internet, but this version below was recorded by a fan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBLgp1qTCTg
(source Steve English via YouTube)
Thank you David Letterman for the many laughs, tears, stupid pet tricks, unforgettable guests and for making Hoosiers proud.
