David Letterman is remembering Peter Lassally as a heroic figure whose influence extended far beyond late-night television.
“Any retelling of Peter Lassally’s life will be heroic,” Letterman wrote in a tribute posted late Wednesday. “A Holocaust survivor who became a trusted advisor and mentor to many. I am proud to be among them.”
Letterman added: “Peter’s counsel was a reflection of how he lived, with simplicity, humility and decency. There will never be anyone like him.”
Lassally, who died Sunday at 93, spent decades helping shape late night through his work with Johnny Carson, Letterman and a succession of hosts at CBS’ The Late Late Show.
He also had a remarkable eye for talent. Lassally identified Letterman as a potential late-night host after the young comedian’s first stand-up appearance on Carson’s Tonight Show. Years later, he helped turn Craig Ferguson, then best known as a sitcom actor, into the host of The Late Late Show.
Lassally produced the program during the tenures of Tom Snyder, Craig Kilborn, and Ferguson, spanning each of the show’s first three iterations.
Ferguson, whom Lassally helped guide through his decade as host, called him “the best boss I ever had.”
“His kindness, generosity and skill were incredible,” Ferguson wrote. “He taught me how to do a job I was deeply unqualified for and he changed my life beyond measure. I will always be grateful for what he did for me and my family. Thank you Peter.”
NBC also issued a statement—an unusual acknowledgment of a producer whose greatest influence was often exercised away from the camera.
“When Johnny Carson and David Letterman needed counsel and an honest opinion, they immediately went to Peter Lassally, the professor of late night,” the network said.
“His relationship to each of these giants was immeasurable and both of them would undoubtedly say his contribution to their success was so impactful that it would be difficult to put in words.”
The statement continued: “A quiet man whose influence and stature spoke volumes, Peter’s brilliance was in shaping what we watch, how we watch and why late night was, and remains, vitally significant.”
Lassally is survived by his son, Tom, his daughter, Andrea Gibbin, and four grandchildren. His wife, Alice, died in 2019.
