Finding Solace in Quiet Pursuits: David Letterman Reflects on His Career and Retirement

David Letterman says showbiz made him a ‘worse person,’ found humanity living quiet life in Indiana

In his latest interview, former TV host David Letterman reflected on the challenges he faced in the entertainment industry and how it affected his personal life. The iconic comedian, who hosted “Late Night” for over two decades, shared candidly about the toll showbiz took on him.

“I felt like whenever I would go out, there would be an expectation to which I could not live up,” Letterman admitted. “‘Oh, here he comes. He’s going to do a show. He is going to be funny. We’re going to be entertained.’ And I kind of felt like that expectation takes quite a lot of energy, so I didn’t want to bleed it off before or after the actual show, which was always in desperate need of entertainment.”

Despite achieving incredible success, Letterman revealed that the constant pressure and demand for humor took a significant toll on his well-being. “I don’t think it made me a better person,” he said honestly. “I think it made me a worse person.”

However, since retiring from his late-night show in 2015, Letterman has found solace in a quieter life in Indiana, where he was born and raised.

“I just got to the point where I didn’t care about anything anymore,” he shared, reflecting on his final years hosting “Late Night.” “All I cared about was television, one hour of television that I was responsible for, for 30 years. That’s all I cared about. Everything else fell apart, went away. I didn’t even know if it was falling apart or not. And now I have the energy and broader focus to recognize humanity has other fulfilling pursuits.”

Letterman’s newfound happiness is a stark contrast to his earlier days on television, where he struggled with the pressure of constant expectations.

“I’m a much happier person,” he said proudly, “I just think you gotta find out what makes you happy. And I don’t think it can be that one thing for 30 years.”

The TV legend also expressed his thoughts on retirement, stating firmly, “Retirement is a myth. Retirement is nonsense. You won’t retire. The human mechanism will not allow you to retire.” He emphasized the importance of finding new outlets and passions to keep oneself engaged.

“I think it’s important that people, in general, don’t retire,” he added. “I’m going to keep producing because I still have a lot to give.”

Letterman’s candid remarks provide an intimate look into his personal struggles and growth throughout his illustrious career.

Source: www.foxnews.com