Letterman presenter Alan Kalter has died aged 78

LOS ANGELES – Alan Kalter, the “voice” of CBS’s “Late Show With David Letterman” for most of its airing, has passed away, Variety has confirmed. He was 78 years old.

According to Rabbi Joshua Hammerman of Temple Beth El in Stamford, Connecticut, Kalter died in Stamford Hospital, with his wife Peggy and daughters Lauren Hass and Diana Binger by his side.

Kalter took over as Letterman’s announcer on September 5, 1995, replacing the retired Bill Wendell. Kalter remained with “The Late Show” until Letterman completed his tenure in May 2015.

Although the concert focused on announcing the guests at the top of each show and other introductory elements, Kalter quickly became a central part of “The Late Show,” often in scripted segments in which he s. satirically flew off and stormed the stage; played out as deviant and frightening; and often being the butt of jokes.

Nicknamed “Big Red” and “TV Uncle Jerry,” Kalter could be seen in an Elvis jumpsuit or ripping his shirt to sing a song. Other tracks included “Alan Kalter’s Celebrity Interview”. Kalter’s full commitment to the track usually elicited a big smile and a chuckle from Letterman.

Either way, Kalter was still up for it. “To us ‘Late Show’ writers, Alan was so much more than the ‘From New York …’ guy,” said former “Late Show” writer Carter Bays, who then co-created “How I Met Your Mother”. . “” He was our muse. We loved writing for him. Such a joyful presence in the series. And at the office. Rest easy Big Red. “

Added Bays writing partner, “HIMYM” co-creator Craig Thomas: “Oh man, @CarterBays and I loved writing for Alan… who was always willing to let us drive him crazy… rest in peace, Alan, and thanks for the laughs. “

Said former writer Bill Scheft, who first shared the news of Kalter’s passing on Twitter: “RIP Alan Kalter. A lovely man, and as my former boss might say, a” perfect sidekick … “”

Beyond “The Late Show,” Kalter had done hundreds of voiceovers for national radio and television commercials. He has also been the announcer of New York-based television shows including “To Tell the Truth”, “The $ 25,000 Pyramid”, “The Money Maze” and “The 100,000 Question”.

A native of New York, Kalter was born in Brooklyn and raised in Little Neck and Cedarhurst, NY

Besides his wife and daughters, Kalter is also survived by a brother, Gary, two sons-in-law, grandchildren Samantha, Ethan and Jordan Hass, Isabelle and Owen Binger; and several nieces and nephews.