David Michael Letterman (born April 12, 1947) is an award-winning American television personality, late night talk show host, television producer, Indy Racing League car owner and philanthropist. His first major success was on the long-running NBC television program Late Night with David Letterman, before he transferred to CBS in 1993 to his current position on The Late Show. Letterman's ironic, often absurd comedy is heavily influenced by comedians Steve Allen, Andy Kaufman and Johnny Carson.