Photos: David Letterman: Career in pictures

Seeking more than what Indiana had to offer, Letterman moved to Los Angeles. He then met writer Merrill Markoe, pictured at NBC in New York. Markoe would go on to become head writer of “Late Night.” (The two also had a 10-year relationship from 1978 to 1988.) Letterman did stand-up comedy and became a writer for Jimmie Walker of “Good Times.”

FOR THE RECORD, 11 a.m. May 18: A previous version of this caption stated that Merrill Markoe encouraged David Letterman to move to Los Angeles and that Letterman wrote for sitcoms such as “Good Times.” Markoe and Letterman met after the move, and Letterman did not write for sitcoms such as “Good Times.”

Actor and comic performer Bill Murray was David Letterman’s first guest on his new show, “Late Night with David Letterman,” in 1982. When Letterman found a new home at CBS’ Ed Sullivan Theater in 1993, Murray returned as the first guest once more, as pictured here.   (Alan Singer / Associated Press)

Letterman’s daytime program earned him two Emmy Awards, though it was a ratings disappointment. Although NBC canceled the show, the network didn’t want to let go of Letterman. So the young comedian was offered a late-night show immediately after “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.”   (Alan Singer / Associated Press)

On “Late Night with David Letterman,” Letterman’s signature features included the Top Ten List, Stupid Pet Tricks, Stupid Human Tricks and Viewer Mail. Letterman was also known to “break” the glass of camera by tossing pencils at its screen accompanied by crash sounds. Here, Letterman engages in a doughnut game. His fun tricks earned him more fans.   (Alan Singer / Associated Press)

Letterman received Emmys for his talk-show talent, winning two Daytime Emmys and five Primetime Emmys.  (Jayne Kamin/Los Angeles Times)

With news that Jay Leno would take over for Johnny Carson, Letterman later packed his bags and moved to CBS, where he hosted a late-night talk show opposite Leno, called “Late Show with David Letterman.” NBC executives left a dirty taste in Letterman’s mouth and provided ample material for joke-making. As usual, Letterman brought his normal comedic punch to the program, and with a wider audience, he gained an ever wider following. Here, Letterman interviews Lance Armstrong, winner of the 1999 Tour de France.   (Patrick Pagnano / AP )

In 1995, Letterman was invited to host the Academy Awards. Critics expressed disappointment with Letterman’s gig and believed his jokes undermined the value of the event. One in particular made fun of Oprah Winfrey and Uma Thurman and what he considered to be odd names. “Oprah ... Uma. Uma ... Oprah,” “Have you kids met Keanu?” Letterman joked. While Letterman brought in the program’s highest ratings since 1983, his own show suffered a ratings slump shortly after his role as host.

Letterman had quintuple bypass surgery after doctors discovered an artery constriction. The operation kept him away from his hosting gig for several weeks. In the meantime, reruns featuring his most famous friends aired. And Letterman revived the tradition of guest hosts by inviting friends like Bill Cosby, Kathie Lee Gifford, Dana Carvey and Janeane Garofalo to host the show in his absence.

In 2006, Letterman renewed his contract with CBS, signing on as host for four more years. In 2007, Forbes declared Letterman No. 17 on its list of richest men in the entertainment industry. Letterman’s production company Worldwide Pants (“Everybody Loves Raymond” and “The Late Late Show”) contributed to his $40-million salary that year. By 2009, Letterman was ranked No. 14 on Forbes’ list of most powerful personalities in entertainment.   (Jeffrey Neira / AP )

Throughout his career, Letterman became a celebrated talk show host known for his gap teeth, self-mockery and wry sense of humor. Letterman has announced that he will retire from his late-night gig in 2015. Here, he’s pictured with former President Jimmy Carter.   (Jeffrey R. Staab / AP)