Got a new job Dave? Letterman looks like Santa Claus as he publicly debuts new beard at children's charity rock benefit show

By Mike Larkin For Dailymail.com

Published: 01:48 EST, 21 October 2015 | Updated: 03:08 EST, 21 October 2015

He only recently ended his stint as the longest-running late night TV host in American history.

But if David Letterman ever gets bored he could clearly easily get a job as a mall Santa Claus after he gave his bushy new white beard its public debut at the Little Kids Rock Benefit show in New York on Tuesday.

Appropriately enough the former Late Show host was there to hand out a present, as he gave the Big Man Of The Year gong to his long-time musical director and sidekick Paul Shaffer.

Grand debut: David Letterman showed off his bushy new white beard at the tle Kids Rock Benefit show in New York on Tuesday

Grand debut: David Letterman showed off his bushy new white beard at the tle Kids Rock Benefit show in New York on Tuesday

The fact the 68-year-old was there for his friend was only appropriate. as when he announced his retirement in April 2014, he joked that he would be quitting so that 'Paul and I can be married.'

Dave looked as dapper as ever in a black suit, white shirt and striped tie, though he played a game of fashion Russian roulette by wearing white socks with his tasselled leather loafers.

His 65-year-old sidekick meanwhile looked smart but trendy in a similarly hued bespoke two piece, brown shirt and purple tie. 

'I have a present for you': Appropriately enough he was handing over the Big Man of the Year gong to his sidekick Paul Schaffer

'I have a present for you': Appropriately enough he was handing over the Big Man of the Year gong to his sidekick Paul Schaffer

Spreading goodwill to all men: The funnyman seemed to be taking great pleasure in addressing the audience

Spreading goodwill to all men: The funnyman seemed to be taking great pleasure in addressing the audience

Just in the St Nick of time: If Dave fancies a new job it is the perfect time to apply for a mall Santa Claus role
Just in the St Nick of time: If Dave fancies a new job it is the perfect time to apply for a mall Santa Claus role

Just in the St Nick of time: If Dave fancies a new job it is the perfect time to apply for a mall Santa Claus role  

Others prizes handed out at the show were Rocker Of The Year to Steve Miller and the Humanitarian Award to Crosby, Still And Nash legend Graham Nash.

Dave taped his final episode of the Late Show on May 20, and received send off by the five living presidents.

A huge 13.76 million viewers tuned in to watch the comedian's emotional farewell from the show he had hosted for 22 years. 

Better Late than never: The pair had worked together on twilight hours television for 33 years

Better Late than never: The pair had worked together on twilight hours television for 33 years

Close Shaffer: The warm bond between the men was obvious as they shook hands on stage

Close Shaffer: The warm bond between the men was obvious as they shook hands on stage

No joke: The funnyman was deadly serious when he paid tribute to his close friend

No joke: The funnyman was deadly serious when he paid tribute to his close friend

Before that, he was host of NBC's Late Night for 11 years, making him the longest-serving late-night talk show host in TV history.

He was replaced by comedian Stephen Colbert, who has struggled to make a dent in the Tonight Show's ratings lead since taking over the reins of the show last month.

Last month it was announced he would be appearing on the National Geographic channel's documentary series Years of Living Dangerously.

The funnyman will be traveling to India sometime next year to see how climate change is impacting the country for the series.

Fashion forward: Dave played stylistic Russian roulette by wearing white socks with his tasselled loafers

Fashion forward: Dave played stylistic Russian roulette by wearing white socks with his tasselled loafers

They think it's all over: The comedy legend taped his final episode of the Late Show on May 20

They think it's all over: The comedy legend taped his final episode of the Late Show on May 20

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