Photos: David Letterman’s Early Career

Mork & Mindy
One of David Letterman's earliest roles before he made it as a television host was as a guest star on Mork & Mindy.CBS/Getty Images
By Joseph C. Lin
Mork & Mindy
One of David Letterman's earliest roles before he made it as a television host was as a guest star on Mork & Mindy.CBS/Getty Images
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Before he received his own show, Letterman was a regular guest host for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Above, he is seen interviewing Betty White.Paul Drinkwater—NBC/Getty Images
Truma Capote and David Letterman on the David Letterman show.
In 1980, Letterman finally got his own morning comedy show, The David Letterman Show. Above, he is seen interviewing Truman Capote.Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
Late Night with David Letterman
After the cancellation of his morning show, Letterman was given a new show and time slot, Late Night With David Letterman which immediately followed The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. The first version of the Late Night franchise, debuted on February 1, 1982 and would eventually be succeeded by Conan O’Brien, seen above.Al Levine—NBC/Getty Images
Ed Sullivan Theater which is owned by CBS has the Late Show
Letterman left NBC for CBS to start the Late Show with David Letterman when NBC gave the reigns of The Tonight Show to Jay Leno instead of him after Johnny Carson's retirement. The first show debuted on August 30, 1993, with Letterman's retirement announced for 2015.New York Daily News Archive/Getty Images

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