For many years, David Letterman was the clean-shaven, witty host who shaped late-night TV.
However, after he left The Late Show in 2015, Letterman began to show off a look that surprised everyone: a thick, white beard that made him look a lot like Santa Claus.
David Letterman always knew how to make an impact, and his last episode of The Late Show was no different. When he walked away from his famous desk in 2015, he did it with style and humor. He ended more than thirty years of late-night television not with a loud bang but with what could be called a “soft thud”— celebrating the people who helped make the show great.
That night was classic Letterman: segments, jokes and music; yet it felt final. The beloved host spent most of his last moments on air doing what he did best — giving thanks to the crew, guests and fans who had supported him through the years.
He exited not with a big fuss but with class showing once again why he was one of the true legends in his field.
Sage-like figure
It’s only when he left that many understood just how much they would miss him. For generations, Letterman had been an essential part of late-night TV; following in Johnny Carson’s footsteps while making that time slot even more enjoyable and genuinely funny. Like Carson before him, Letterman had this rare talent for making every interview feel like an easygoing chat even when things got hilarious.
But suddenly he was gone from our screens; late-night television seemed less spontaneous and raw.
Just because David said goodbye to daily TV didn’t mean he disappeared completely. In fact when we saw him again it was surprising! Gone was his familiar clean-shaven face replaced by a scruffy snowy beard turning him into almost like some wise old man.
I’m not sure if most people would recognize him if they ran into him on the street or saw this TV giant jogging by! Even though many know David has grown out his beard it has changed along with aging creating an entirely new image compared to what we watched for decades.
Strike beard
The first surprise came when new pictures showed former Late Show host looking very different after retirement. Photos from 2016 captured Letterman jogging in St. Barts showing off baldness along with being bearded which looked so casual compared to how fans were used seeing him!
But this wasn’t actually the first time Dave let go of shaving! Back during 2007-2008 there was Writers Guild strike affecting nearly all talk shows where many hosts paused their shows but David decided instead pay all staff salaries himself until year-end! He also joined other hosts growing what became known as “strike beard.”
In summer ’08 Dave finally met razor during memorable episode bringing smiles back then!
Yet that short-lived ’08 beard is nothing against facial hair David wears today!
It seems once signed off from The Late Show, embracing new look became priority since just four months later after final episode—beard thicker than ever! At that time explained to Whitefish Review, simply saying ”sick & tired” of shaving!
His wife hates it
Now post-retirement beard itself has become quite mysterious thing too! Some joke about looking like Santa Claus or retired sea captain while others see freedom symbolized through it.
But really letting go wasn’t just about stopping shave—it reflected choice letting go formalities & expectations defining appearance for so long!
“I had shave every day—for thirty-three years,” said letterman.” And even before working local tv I thought first thing I will do once off tv is stop shaving.”
However not everyone likes new style!
“Everybody hates my look,” explained lettermen.” My wife hates it too as well as my son!” But interestingly enough developed creepy vibe enjoying somewhat now.”
David Letterman today
David joked saying more people tell me shave less likely I’ll do so!
The New York Post consulted experts analyzing deeper meaning behind david’s change appearance speaking Douglas LaBier director Center Progressive Development sharing thoughts why believes such drastic change happened.
According LaBier being visible recognizable often obsessed over forces public figures fit into stuffy mold
“You aren’t really external role,” explained LaBier.” That external role brings success materialistically often at expense person you feel inside…and need deal somehow.”
At seventy-six ,with striking white beard laid-back attitude ,David looks like man finally living life own way !
A certain comfort appears now wisdom comes only through time success maybe few mistakes along way!
