by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: May 26, 2007

Harry and Dorothy Letterman were proud to announce the arrival of their son David Michael on April 12th 1947. Harry was a florist and his wife a church secretary. Some may consider these humble beginnings for the famous comedian. These beginnings helped him develop his unique sense of humor.

The job he mentions most often in his comedy was the position he held at Atlas Supermarket. He was a stock boy and it gave him a great deal to smile about and a great place to observe people.

His career in radio and television began in the Indianapolis area after graduating from Bell State University. After about four years he outgrew the market and moved to Los Angeles.

There Letterman worked at the Comedy Store. He also polished his writing skills and sold material to sitcoms and variety shows.

The early work most of us are familiar with can on the Tonight Show. David Letterman appeared on the show as a guest of Johnny Carson some 22 times. He appeared in the capacity of guest host over 50 times.

When Johnny Carson retired Letterman wanted the job. NBC made a different choice with Jay Leno. More in retaliation Letterman then switched networks and mirrored the time slot of the Tonight Show. Today you still watch one or the other.

That reminds me, it's time for the top ten. I must run.

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