So, we all know about David Letterman—ish. He’s a legend in the Late-Night world with a quirky, sometimes dark, sense of humor that irritated and delighted audiences for decades.
However, did you know he has a son? I mean, he did talk about him a couple of times, but I almost forgot he had one!
Harry Joseph Letterman is David Letterman’s only son, who stayed almost completely off the radar despite his father’s fame. Now, my question is: How did he do that? In fact, why did they keep him completely away from the cameras?
While digging into Harry’s life, I came across a few surprising and even heartbreaking details. Let me walk you through what I found.
Family Background
Harry Joseph Letterman was born on November 3rd, 2003, in New York, U.S.
David Letterman and his wife Regina Lasko
Image source: Google
As you already know, he’s the only son of one of late television’s most iconic figures, David Letterman, and Regina Lasko, a production manager.
The two met in 1986 at the Late Show and soon began dating. However, they didn’t tie the knot or have children until almost three decades later!
In 2003, David revealed on the Late Show that he and Lasko were about to have their first child.
David Letterman often spoke about his family during interviews, never giving enough information but only sharing a little joke or two.
Although David did not allow Harry to appear in public when he was young, the talk show host occasionally talked about his son on the Late Show. When David recorded his final episode in 2015, he expressed his respect to his wife and son.
As a result, public curiosity about Harry has naturally grown, though the Letterman family has largely stayed out of the spotlight.
David Letterman holds a photo of his son, Harry Joseph Letterman during ‘Late Show with David Letterman’
Image source: Google
Childhood and Early Life
Harry was born weighing 9 lbs, and David named his son after his own father. David’s father passed away at the age of 57, and he had a son at the age of 56.
Harry was born almost six years before his parents got married! As a result, the little kiddo attended his parents’ wedding, not even knowing what the event was.
In fact, David Letterman joked that Harry thought his father was getting a driver’s license, as there was just a lot of paper to sign and signatures to get a license. My guess?
Harry probably heard them talking about a “marriage license” beforehand and connected whatever dots he had as a little kid!
Still, Harry’s upbringing was notably private, with his father occasionally sharing an anecdote about him.
Harry with his father, David Letterman
Image source: Google
I believe this is mainly because of a significant incident during Harry’s early years. You see, there was a foiled kidnapping plot in 2005 when the kid was only 16 months old.
An individual working at the Letterman ranch planned to abduct Harry and his nanny for ransom. Thankfully, the plot was uncovered before any harm could occur, and the perpetrator was arrested.
Naturally, this made the parents even more protective of their child. This explains why we know so very little about his childhood, preferences, and education.
Life Away From the Spotlight
The Letterman family did a really good job at keeping Harry’s life away from the public eye, a deliberate effort to shield him from the overwhelming attention.
Most importantly, Harry himself didn’t do any interviews or address the public about himself or his interests, further plunging his personal life into darkness.
Harry with his mother, Regina Lasko
Image source: Google
Details about his personal life or aspirations have not been publicly shared, leaving his path open to speculation.
From what I can tell, Harry has been afforded the rare privilege of growing up away from the public eye despite his father’s immense fame.
This intentional privacy has allowed him to forge his identity without feeling the pressure of forming a public persona.
While curiosity about his life is natural, respecting his boundaries and recognizing that he deserves the same space to grow and thrive as anyone his age is vital. After all, he’s only 21 years old as of January 2025!
Harry had already started college in 2022, and David said he had gone through a difficult time.
David has a very close relationship with his son and feels “most secure” when he is with him: I want to be his “best friend.”
Final Words
Harry with his father, David Letterman, during traveling
Image source: Google
At the end of my research, I felt a mix of sadness and happiness.
I was upset to learn that, at only 16 months old, Harry Joseph Letterman was almost kidnapped from his parents’ arms.
After that incident, it made total sense for his parents to go a little bit overboard with security and privacy.
Yet, that’s where the happiness comes in!
Despite them shielding him from fame and the fun that the spotlight brings, Harry can now enjoy his life like any normal young adult.
Featured image source: Google
