Harry Joseph Letterman: The Private Life of David Letterman’s Only Son

When you hear the name David Letterman, you probably think of jokes, late-night interviews, and that famous gap-toothed smile. But behind all the TV fame and funny moments is something deeply personal — his role as a father.

David Letterman has one son, Harry Joseph Letterman. Unlike many celebrity kids, Harry lives a very quiet and private life. You won’t see him on reality shows or all over social media. Still, people are curious. Who is Harry? What’s his life like now? And what was it like growing up as the son of a comedy legend?

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Harry Joseph Letterman — his early life, his parents, his time in college, and why he chooses to stay out of the spotlight.

Harry Joseph Letterman Quick Bio

When Was Harry Joseph Letterman Born?

Harry Joseph Letterman was born on November 3, 2003, in North Salem, New York. This was a big moment for David Letterman, who was already 56 years old when Harry was born. His wife, Regina Lasko, was 43.

David shared the news happily with his fans on The Late Show. He even brought a picture of baby Harry on the show and said something very sweet:

“I could never imagine being part of something that turned out this beautiful.”

Harry was named after David’s own father, Harry Joseph Letterman Sr., who passed away when David was just 36. Naming his son after his dad was David’s way of honoring his memory.

Who Are Harry Letterman’s Parents?

Harry’s parents are David Letterman and Regina Lasko. David is one of the most well-known TV hosts in American history. He hosted Late Night and The Late Show for more than 30 years. He is famous for his dry humor, top 10 lists, and interviews with big stars.

Regina Lasko, Harry’s mom, is also from the TV world, but she worked behind the scenes. She was a production manager and worked on shows like Saturday Night Live and Late Night with David Letterman.

David and Regina started dating in the late 1980s. But they didn’t get married until March 19, 2009, when Harry was 5½ years old. The wedding was a quiet one — just the three of them and a judge in a small courthouse in Montana.

David later joked that Harry thought they were getting a driver’s license because of all the signing. But even though Harry was confused, it was a special day for the family.

Harry’s Childhood Was Very Private

From the start, Harry Joseph Letterman’s parents made it clear — they wanted their son to grow up away from the spotlight. While many celebrity kids are photographed all the time, Harry wasn’t. He wasn’t on red carpets or in the tabloids.

Instead, Harry spent most of his childhood at the Letterman family home in North Salem, New York. It’s a peaceful place, far from the bright lights of Hollywood. David has often said that becoming a father later in life made him more protective and careful.

Even when David spoke about Harry on his show, he only shared small, funny moments. He never showed too much and always respected Harry’s privacy.

The 2005 Kidnapping Plot That Changed Everything

In 2005, something very scary happened. A man who had once worked at David Letterman’s ranch as a house painter was caught planning to kidnap Harry. His name was Kelly Frank, and he had come up with a plan to take Harry and ask for $5 million in ransom.

Luckily, the FBI and police stopped the plan before anything happened. Kelly Frank was arrested and charged.

After that, the Letterman family became even more private. It was a wake-up call — fame can sometimes bring danger, and David wanted to keep his son safe at all costs.

Funny Things David Letterman Said About His Son

Even though he tried to protect Harry from too much attention, David Letterman still loved to talk about his son on his show — especially the funny things.

For example, after the wedding in 2009, David told the audience that Harry didn’t really understand what was happening. He thought the wedding was a trip to get a driver’s license!

David also joked about how Harry didn’t always get his sense of humor when he was little. In an interview with Oprah, David said Regina would often have to tell their son, “Daddy is just teasing.”

One of the funniest things David ever said about Harry was this:

“Four and a half years ago, I was the only one in my house who smelled like I do. Now we got him walking around. He smells just the way I do!”

Is Harry Joseph Letterman in College Now?

Yes, he is! Harry Joseph Letterman started college in 2022, and it was a big moment for the family.

David talked about it on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2023. He said watching his only child leave home was “devastating.”

“The separation of the kid leaving home — I thought it would be nothing, but it’s devastating. Am I the only one that feels that way?”

David shared that they had to move a whole truckload of stuff into Harry’s tiny dorm room. He also said that even though Harry is away, they still talk often. And yes — David still tries to joke with him over the phone.

When David asked Harry, “Have you met the kid that sells weed yet?” Harry replied, “I cannot confirm or deny.” A classic comeback that shows Harry might have inherited a little of his dad’s wit after all.

What Traits Does Harry Share with His Dad?

Even though Harry Joseph Letterman lives a private life, there are a few things people have noticed that he shares with his famous father.

First, they both have a similar look — tall, thin, and with light brown hair. Harry is about 6 feet 1 inch tall, just like David was in his younger days. He also has brown eyes and a calm, serious expression, much like his dad.

But it’s not just about looks. David once joked that he and Harry “smell the same.” While that made people laugh, it also showed how close they are in small ways. They’re both private, thoughtful, and enjoy simple, quiet moments — far from the noise of Hollywood.

Has Harry Letterman Ever Been on TV?

You might be wondering — has Harry Joseph Letterman ever been on television?

The answer is no, not really. Harry has stayed away from the spotlight for most of his life. While his dad spent decades in front of the camera, Harry never joined in. He didn’t appear in interviews, shows, or even social media videos.

However, he did make a rare public appearance in 2017 at the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, where David was being honored. Harry was seen sitting in the audience, smiling and supporting his dad. It was a sweet moment, and fans loved seeing the two together.

Does Harry Use Social Media?

In 2025, it’s rare to find someone who isn’t on social media — but Harry Joseph Letterman seems to be one of them.

He doesn’t have any public Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter accounts. If he does use social media, it’s likely private and shared only with friends and family.

This is quite different from many other celebrity kids, who often post pictures and videos online. But Harry has chosen a quieter life, just like his parents wanted for him. It’s a sign that he values privacy and doesn’t need attention to feel important.

What Does David Letterman Say About His Son?

One of the most touching things about Harry Joseph Letterman’s story is how much David Letterman loves being a dad.

During his final episode of The Late Show in 2015, David gave a short but emotional thank-you to his wife and son. He said:

“Thank you for being my family. I love you both. And really, nothing else matters, does it?”

In later interviews, David also shared that being a father made him feel more secure and calm. Even when he joked around, you could hear the love in his voice. He often said that Harry is the best thing that ever happened to him.

What Is Harry Letterman’s Net Worth?

As of 2025, Harry Joseph Letterman doesn’t have a net worth of his own. That’s because he’s still a student and hasn’t started a career yet.

However, he does come from a very wealthy family. His dad, David Letterman, has a net worth of around $400 million, thanks to his long career in television and media.

Harry may not be working now, but he has a lot of opportunities ahead. Whether he follows in his dad’s footsteps or chooses a completely different path, he’ll be able to take his time and decide what he really wants to do.

Where Is Harry Joseph Letterman in 2025?

So, where is Harry Joseph Letterman now?

He’s likely finishing up college or may have just graduated. While the school hasn’t been confirmed, reports say he may be studying at Brown University. He hasn’t been seen much in public lately, and that’s just how he likes it.

Harry is living a quiet and private life, focused on his future. There are no signs that he plans to enter show business or become a public figure. For now, he’s just enjoying a normal life — going to school, making friends, and figuring things out like any other young adult.

Final Thoughts

Harry Joseph Letterman is the only son of one of the most famous talk show hosts in history — yet he chooses to stay away from fame.

He grew up quietly, with loving and protective parents. He had to deal with some scary moments, like the attempted kidnapping plot. But through it all, he remained grounded and safe.

In 2025, Harry continues to live life on his own terms — no big headlines, no public drama. Just a smart, private young man focused on his future. And in a world full of fame and noise, that makes his story truly special.