David Letterman | Biography & Facts | 2024 [UPDATED]

David Letterman Family & Relationships

Partners 

His first wife was Michelle Cook. She was Letterman’s college girlfriend and they were married in 1968.

Not a great image, but you get the gist…

He had a long-term connection with Merill Markoe, who worked on the TV series and later became the head editor, after divorcing Michelle Cook.

He then became acquainted in 1986 with Regina Lasko, who for the next 23 years was his girlfriend.

Lasko worked on Letterman ‘s show too. Together, they had a son in 2003, named after Dave’s late father, Harry.

Lasko finally became his second wife in March 2009…

…But here’s the kicker:

Shortly after he married Lasko, there was a scandal. 

Dave was rumored to had been cheating on Lasko with female members of his staff in his offices at CBS.

One of his lovers was Stephanie Birkitt. Her boyfriend, Robert Halderman, tried to extort Letterman for a large amount of $2 million over the affair, so David made the initiative to disclose his deceitfulness on-air and eventually worked hard to save his marriage.

Could do better Dave, 5/10!

David Letterman Son

Nurse Dave’s only son is Harry Joseph, born in New York. 

His mother was the production manager of the Late Show, Regina Lasko. 

In February 1986, when his father David was still in a relationship with Merrill Markoe, an author and producer on Letterman ‘s show, Harry ‘s parents began dating.

Regina soon became pregnant and, on November 3, 2003, gave birth to Letterman ‘s son, Harry, in North Salem, New York , USA.

In 2005, a plot to kidnap Harry was discovered by the police – the kidnapper demanded $5 million as ransom money.

The man responsible for this plot was their house painter – identified as Kelly Frank.

He was charged with conspiracy.

Traumatic experience, indeed!

David Letterman’s Mum 

Dorothy Mengering wasn’t just his mom, but everyone’s mom.

Lena Marie Strietelmeier Hofert and Earl Jacob Hofert Sr gave birth to their eldest child, Dorothy, in Linton on 18th of July 1921.

She graduated from Linton-Stockton High School and studied business skills at the University of Indiana, returning to Linton on weekends, where she met Harry Joe Letterman, a church organist, and manufacturer of fine dahlias and gladiolas. 

They were married in 1942 and left Linton for Indianapolis. Three girls, Janice, David, and Gretchen, were raised there. 

Dorothy spent 10 years on her own, staying at Second Church, after her husband Joe died at the age of 57 in 1973. 

She met the man who would become her second husband and traveling partner, Hans P. Mengering, during that period.

David Letterman’s Dad 

Harry Joseph Letterman aka “Harry Joe” was born on April 15, 1915, at Linton, Greene County, Indiana, United States to parents Frank Letterman and Anna Letterman.

In 1942, he married Dorothy Hofert and lived in Indianapolis, where Joe began his career with the Berterman Brothers as a florist. On 34th Street and later on Keystone Avenue, Joe opened a flower store.

But a tragic event happened…

He survived a heart attack at the age of 36 when David was a young boy. 

The fear of losing his father was constantly with Letterman as he grew up. 

But sadly the elder Letterman died of a second heart attack in 1973, at the age of 57.

David Letterman’s Sisters