A Tough Husband
Carson was known for his cruel behavior in his personal life, which extended to his treatment of his wives. On his honeymoon with fourth wife Alexis Maas, he got upset with her and remarked publicly: “We’ve been married for three weeks. If you say something like that again, this marriage won’t last another three weeks.”
A Tough Husband
More Strained Relationships
Carson had three sons with his first wife. One of his sons, Rick Carson, struggled with his mental health and was later admitted to a hospital for these issues. Carson flat out refused to see his son, as this brought on a sense of shame for him.
More Strained Relationships
Carson Unhinged
Carson was also known for indulging a bit too much with spirits, which would result in worse behavior. While at a party NBC threw for his show’s 25th anniversary, Carson and his son both imbibed a bit too much alcohol and got into a screaming match in front of everyone. People intervened in order to prevent a physical altercation between the father and son.
Carson Unhinged
The Final Straw
It was no secret that Carson struggled with substance abuse, and that reflected on his personal life greatly. In one incident in 1982, Carson was pulled over while driving in his DeLorean while intoxicated. He was sentenced to three years probation and was forced to take a program on substance abuse for drivers.
The Final Straw
60 Minute Reveal
Carson was fully aware of the fact that he had an issue. He only opened up about it in a 1977 interview with 60 Minutes. He said: “I don’t handle alcohol well at all, no. Really don’t.” His addiction inspired many of his jokes on the late night show he hosted.
60 Minute Reveal
His First Love
Carson met Jody, who would become his first wife, while they were in college. They married when they were very young and had three boys: Cory, Ricky, and Chris. They divorced in 1963, as their marriage couldn’t last through Carson’s rising fame — and his wandering eye.
His First Love
A Second Chance At Love
Carson then met and quickly married Joanne Copeland, who was a stewardess and was also a TV hostess on the show Video Village. Carson most likely had hoped that this relationship would fare better than his first, but he’d find out just how badly things would become soon.
Johnny Carson With Bride
The Doomed Relationship
It seemed as though this marriage would not fare well, just like his first. During Johnny and Joanne’s marriage, both engaged in extramarital affairs which later resulted in their divorce in 1972. Despite it all, Copeland remained dedicated to Carson and helped preserve his TV legacy.
The Doomed Relationship
A Sordid Affair
Johnny Carson’s former lawyer Henry Bushkin released a tell-all book about Carson’s life. In it he revealed the dramatic fact that Joanne Copeland had engaged in an affair with football star Frank Gifford. Bushkin alleged that upon finding this out, Carson was upset and began sobbing.
A Sordid Affair
A Risky Break-In
Bushkin also recalled that when Carson had found out that Joanne rented out an apartment a few blocks away from their home in order to meet with her lover, Johnny decided to break into that apartment to catch them in the act.
A Risky Break In
The Technicality
As Bushkin was a lawyer, he felt he needed a real and rational reason to allow the break in to happen. He asked Carson if his wife has enough money to pay for the apartment herself, and Carson replied “No, not really.” Bushkin then replied: “Then let me suggest that you have been the person who has been paying for this apartment. So arguably it’s your apartment.”
The Technicality
Getting In
Although the building’s doorman was excited to see Johnny Carson enter the building, he still did not allow Carson and his entourage to go upstairs. Instead, he brought the building’s manager. However, the manager was much more willing to bend to Carson’s will, and that’s how he managed to break into the apartment.
Getting In
What They Found
Upon entering the apartment, it was clear that it was inhabited by Joanne and her lover, who they quickly discovered to be Frank Gifford, of former New York Giants football fame. This is when Johnny broke down and sobbed.
What They Found
Jealousy Followed
Once Bushkin was able to confirm Copeland’s affair to Carson, he went on a drinking bender with Ed McMahon. Frank Gifford went on to marry Kathie Lee Gifford, host of the Today Show. She even asked Frank about this affair while on the show, to which he responded that he “couldn’t remember.”
Jealousy Followed
Feeling Guilty
After discovering the affair, Carson started to feel guilty. He reflected on how he had been acting and what kind of husband he had been. He told Bushkin: “I shoulda been home more. Not out running around….I have three kids with my first wife and I don’t see any of them.”
Feeling Guilty
His “Worst” Guest
Throughout the years, Carson hosted many well-known figures on his late night show. There were bound to be guests he favored more than others. So who was his worst guest? Carson didn’t respect the fact that Bob Hope showed up with scripted jokes. Andrew Nicholls, Johnny’s co-head writer went on to say: “There was nothing spontaneous about Hope. He was a guy who relied on his writers for every topic. Johnny was very quick on his feet. Very well read. He was a guy who learned Swahili, learned Russian, learned astronomy. He appreciated people who he felt engaged with the real world. There was nothing to talk to Bob about.”
His “Worst” Guest
There’s No “Hope” For Him
As time went on, Bob Hope’s eyesight and hearing began to decline. This lead to Hope’s appearances on Carson’s show to become even more aggravating to Carson. He even went on to tell his writing team: “If I ever end up like that, guys, I want you to shoot me.”
There’s No “Hope” For Him
Carson’s Ladies
Carson was also well-known for his womanizing ways. During the divorce process with his second wife, Carson was spending time with actress and Playboy model Angel Tompkins. His third wife, Joanna Holland, was well-aware of his infidelities. She received many lavish gifts from Carson as a result of his many wanderings, but their marriage also came to an end.
Carson’s Ladies
The Bachelor
After Carson’s third divorce (this time from Joanna Holland), he spent a significant amount of time as a single bachelor before marrying again. Between the years of 1983 and 1987, and for the first time in 35 years, Carson was a single, unmarried man.
The Bachelor
He Blames His Mother
Carson blames many of his flaws on his mother. He said: “She’s the toughest son of a [expletive] of them all. There is no goddamn way to please that woman. She’s Lady Macbeth! My marriages failed because she [expletive] me up!” He did not even attend her funeral when she passed away and even went on to say: “The wicked witch is dead.”
He Blames His Mother
Her Attention Was Elsewhere
Johnny’s mother, Ruth Hook Carson, always wanted to have a daughter. She eventually had two sons and a daughter, named Catherine, who would become the apple of her eye. When it came to the boys, Ruth was quite strict and tough. This led Johnny to become a bit of a troublemaker in hopes of getting his mother’s attention.
Her Attention Was Elsewhere
His Need For Attention Grew
Perhaps this is was truly propelled Carson to want to perform and entertain people. Maybe he thought he would capture his mothers attention and in turn receive affection from her. He shared: “I can’t say I ever wanted to become an entertainer, I already was one, sort of — around the house, at school, doing magic tricks…people thought I was funny.”
His Need For Attention Grew
His Entertainment Roots
Johnny discovered his love for entertaining when he was 14 years old. While at a friend’s house, he found a book with magic tricks and started hosting magic shows. He went by the name “The Great Carsoni” and even got paid $3 per show!
His Entertainment Roots
Joining The Military
In June 1943, Carson joined the U.S. Navy and was trained to be an officer at Columbia University and also Millsaps College. While he was on the way to the combat zone on a troop ship, the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki took place, effectively ending the way.
Joining The Military
The Navy Days
He shared that his fondest memory of his military days was performing a magic trick for the U.S. Secretary of the Navy of that time, James V. Forrestal. This actually inspire him to become an entertainer, as he felt that if he could entertain someone as cranky as Forrestal, he could amuse anyone.
The Navy Days
Early Gigs
While Carson was at school, he tested the waters with his entertainment business. He continued to perform magic and actually got paid about $25 per show! Not too shabby for a college student.
Early Gigs
Getting An Education
After his time in the Navy, Johnny Carson attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he majored in journalism. His thesis was entitled “How To Write Comedian Jokes,” and he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Radio and Speech, with a minor in Physics.
Getting An Education
Post Grad Life
After graduation, Carson started out his career working at WOW radio as well as television in Omaha. He hosted a morning show called The Squirrel’s Nest, and in one of his routines he jokingly “interviewed” pigeons on the roof of local courthouses to ask them about political corruption they’ve seen.
Post Grad Life
Insensitive Jokes
Johnny Carson did not shy away from controversial topics when it came to jokes on his show. One topic he entertained often was that of people who are overweight. Actor Raymond Burr was the butt of Carson’s jokes many times, so much so that he decided to stop appearing on The Tonight Show.
Insensitive Jokes
Quite The Statement
Johnny Carson was no stranger to controversy, and that may be due to the fact that he did not shy away from saying exactly what was on his mind. One quote that is attributed to him is: “If life were fair, Elvis would still be alive and all the impersonators would be dead.” While we see what he’s trying to say, that is wishing negativity on a lot of innocent people. Yikes!
Quite The Statement
The Deal Falls Through
In 1980, Carson considered acquiring the Las Vegas Aladdin Hotel & Casino but decided to back out at the last minute. It was later acquired by a competing group. The media’s portrayal of the event made it look like Carson “lost out” on the deal and he mocked the new owner, Wayne Newton, on his show. This began a very high-profile feud between the two.
The Deal Falls Through
A War Of Words
In an interview on Larry King Live, Newton opened up about his feelings. He said: “Johnny Carson is a mean-spirited human being. And there are people that he has hurt that people will never know about. And for some reason at some point, he decided to turn that kind of negative attention toward me. And I refused to have it.” Newton threatened to fight Carson if he wouldn’t stop the jokes about him, as Carson finally respected Newton’s wishes and stopped.
A War Of Words
A Little Help From Skelton
In 1953, famous comedian Red Skelton noticed Johnny Carson’s sketch comedy show Carson Cellar, and was impressed with his work on the low-budget show. Skelton invited Carson to become a writer for his show. In 1954, Skelton accidentally knocked himself out, giving Carson an opportunity to fill in for him on the show.
A Little Help From Skelton
Early Comedy Success
Not much later, in 1955, Carson was also noticed by comedian Jack Benny. Carson appeared in both the opening and closing portions of Benny’s show, and even mimicked Benny on his own show! Benny had a feeling that Johnny would become a successful comedian.
Early Comedy Success
Snyde-r Remarks
Another one of Carson’s rivals was Tom Snyder, host of the Tomorrow Show. It has been alleged that Carson felt that Snyder was boring and not talented, and would even drunkenly rant about how much he disliked the Tomorrow Show host.
Snyde-r Remarks
Calling Them Out
In July 1969, Johnny Carson came after The New York Times when the publication had printed that he was earning $75,000 per week and was the highest paid entertainer on TV. He denied that this was true, and the paper later retracted the statement, saying that the reporter had “erred.”
Calling Them Out
Joan And John In The Picture
John Davidson and Joan Rivers spent some time as guests hosts of The Tonight Show and were later given their own shows to host. Carson was not pleased about this, as he felt that they were competing with his show after he gave them a platform. Rivers would later state that after she was given her own show, Carson refused to ever speak to her again.
Joan And John In The Picture
Their Secret Past
While Joan Rivers and Johnny Carson’s rivalry was no secret, in her book, Rivers admitted that the two had engaged in an affair while she was married to her husband Edgar Rosenberg. Despite this, Rivers and Rosenberg were married for 22 years until he sadly ended his life.
Their Secret Past
His Fourth Marriage
Carson divorced his third wife Joanna Holland with her receiving $20 million in the settlement. Johnny went on to marry his fourth wife Alexis Maas in 1987, who he stayed married to until his death in 2005.
His Fourth Marriage
Toilet Paper Issues
In December 1973, Carson joked that there was an alleged shortage of toilet paper. His massive viewership was so influential that panicked people rushed to buy and stock up on toilet paper, causing an actual shortage for weeks, after which Carson apologized. The New York Times called this story a “classic study” on the spread of rumors.
Toilet Paper Issues
Legal Drama
Carson faced some silly legal drama when a portable toilet company decided to use the name “Here’s Johnny!” for their portable toilets. Since the iconic phrase originated from Carson’s show, he decided to sue the company. After a decade and two appeals, Carson won the battle, but the company is still fighting to be able to reclaim the name.
Legal Drama
Mr. Rogers Wasn’t His Friend
Carson decided to play a spoof of Mr. Rogers. In the skit, Carson acted as an alternate universe evil Mr. Rogers that asked children to steal money from their parents in order to help fund his show. The skit was no well received and even Fred Rogers, the real Mr. Rogers was not happy with it, which led to Caron apologizing to him.
Mr. Rogers Wasn’t His Friend
What Mr. Rogers Said
So what was Mr. Rogers’ response to Johnny’s mocking skit about him? He explained: “I’ve told Johnny that I like humor as much as anybody. But what concerns me is the takeoffs that make me seem so wimpy! I hope it doesn’t communicate that Mr. Rogers is just somebody to be made fun of. Only people who take the time to see our work can begin to understand the depth of it.”
What Mr. Rogers Said
A Favor To Frank Sinatra
President Ronald Reagan’s Inaugural Gala took place in 1981 and was produced by Frank Sinatra. Sinatra asked Carson to host it as a personal favor, which led Carson to reluctantly agree. When he was told that the request from Reagan himself, Carson, a Navy WWII vet, replied “Ronnie does know that I answered my country’s call once already, doesn’t he?”
A Favor To Frank Sinatra
He Lost Faith
Carson died in 2005, leaving behind a huge legacy of TV history. Before he died, he had dinner with Jerry Seinfeld and Garry Shandling, and he revealed that he was not hopeful about the future of TV. Filmmaker Peter Jones shared: “Apparently [he] went on about his disappointment in the direction television was going, with its tabloid nature and reality garbage…He had said he was sickened by what was going on, and was glad he got out when he did.”
He Lost Faith
He Couldn’t Take It
Richard Little released a tell-all memoir in 2016 in which he alleged that Carson had always hated him. He said that he believed that Carson couldn’t take what he dished out and that he hated Little’s impersonations of him. Henry Bushkin claimed that “Richard brought out the worst in Johnny.”
He Couldn’t Take It
Carson’s Blonde
Model and actress Carol Wayne frequently appeared on the Tonight Show as “the Matinee Lady,” a ditzy blonde bombshell character. She was so popular even appeared on The Red Skelton show. However, when Carson decided that The Tonight Show should be cut down from 90 minutes to 60 minutes, her career took an unexpected turn.
Carson’s Blonde
The Blonde Bombshell Loses Out
Once The Tonight Show format was changed to a shorter runtime, Carol Wayne’s character was eventually unfortunately cut out of the show altogether. Wayne then began to dabble with substance abuse as she experienced financial issues. She then began a relationship with used car salesman Edward Durston. While on vacation in Mexico, the two got into a pretty serious argument and Durston left her alone on the beach…
The Blonde Bombshell Loses Out
Her Mysterious Death
Several days later, her body was found lifeless in shallow waters in a bay in Mexico. Ed had already left Mexico and left behind Carol’s luggage at the airport. Many believed he was to blame for the death of the former sidekick of Johnny Carson.
Her Mysterious Death
Jack Was Not On Paar
Jack Paar hosted The Tonight Show between 1957 and 1962. He was embroiled in several controversies such as interviewing Fidel Castro. After a joke he made was censored while on air, he quit right then and there during the broadcast. He said: “I am leaving the Tonight Show. There must be a better way of, uh, making a living than this. You have been…peachy to me always.”
Jack Was Not On Paar
Johnny’s Opportunity
After this incident, Paar decided that he wanted to leave the country as well. However, he was convinced to come back to hosting the show, which he did for two more years. After he decided to leave for good, an opening in the host position meant that this was an opportunity for Johnny Carson to take over.
Johnny’s Opportunity
Famous Friends
Johnny Carson was very interested in astronomy and even owned several telescopes. He was good friends with astrophysicist Carl Sagan. He also loved jazz music, was good friends with Buddy Rich, and even played the drums himself.
Famous Friends
His Fidget Toy
While hosting the show, Carson had a tendency of fidgeting with a pencil. In order to avoid anyone getting hurt, the show’s producers decided to provide him with pencils with erasers on both ends. At first, he asked “But how can I write with this?” to which his friend Ed McMahon replied: “There’s no need. You’re a talker. You’re not a writer.”
His Fidget Toy
His Sidekick
In 1957, Ed McMahon was interviewed by Carson for the role of announcer on a show that Carson was hosting at the time called Who Do You Trust? The interview lasted just five minutes, and McMahon was convinced he didn’t get the part. However, much to his surprise, he got a call from the studio telling him he got the part.
His Sidekick
The Catchphrase
McMahon got the job and would later be best known for his introduction of Carson onto the show: “Heeere’s Johnny!” It became so popular that the expression was referenced by Jack Nicholson’s character in the film The Shining.
The Catchphrase
A Love For Pageants
In 1979, original Miss America host Bert Parks was removed from the position after producers felt that he had outgrown the job. As the organization attempted to draw in a younger audience, they made this controversial decision. Johnny Carson was also outraged and led a campaign to reinstate Bert. However, his efforts were not successful.
A Love For Pageants
A Stab At The Hart
Carson managed to have huge influence in the 1980s presidential election. Candidate Gary Hart ran against Michael Dukakis for the democratic ticket in 1987. After his affair was exposed, Johnny Carson and other late night hosts mocked him and the scandal. Following this, Hart dropped out of the running altogether.
A Stab At The Hart
Some Monkey Business
Carson made fun of Gary Hart’s affair on air. He especially focused on the fact that Hart and his mistress were pictured on a boat called “Monkey Business.” TV critic Greg Dawson commented: “Isn’t it reassuring to know that the identity of the next president of the United States could be decided in large part by Johnny Carson’s joke writers? It this a great democracy or what?”
Some Monkey Business
An Octopus And A Guppy
Actress Sally Fields opened up about her experience with being around Carson. She described their relationship as “the octopus and the reluctant little guppy.” While she allegedly dated Carson, she has shared that she was not really interested but she didn’t know how to turn him down.
An Octopus And A Guppy
Sally Field Feigns Crazy
She elaborated that because she didn’t know how to say no to people, she would “tell people I had lost my mind.” She did this with Carson as well. She shared: “I told him I was having a breakdown and being sent away. I couldn’t figure out how just to say I’m really am just not into this. I just said, ‘I’m so sorry. I have to go away. They’re putting me in a home.'”
Sally Field Feigns Crazy
Accidentally Helping Uri Geller
In 1973, Uri Geller made an appearance on The Tonight Show. However, magician James Randi shared that Carson was skeptical about Geller’s abilities and actually wanted to embarrass Geller. Carson confused Geller while on air and didn’t interview him but expected him to perform on the spot. Geller left feeling humiliated, but this appearance actually helped boost his fame. People felt that his failure actually made him act more real and believable. If he were merely performing, it would work every time.
Accidentally Helping Uri Geller
The DeLorean Investment
Engineer John DeLorean created the car with his name that is best known for its appearance in the Back to the Future film series. Johnny Carson was one of the head investors of the vehicle. After DeLorean was arrested in 1982, his business, along with Carson’s investment, went down the drain.
The DeLorean Investment
His Other Ventures
In addition to his entertainment and business investments, Carson also dabbed in a few other business ventures. One of these includes the rather successful Johnny Carson Apparel, Inc. line of clothes, with the turtlenecks being especially popular. However, when he tried to branch out to opening a restaurant franchise, he was not as successful.
His Other Ventures
No Mingling With Guests
Carson was not exactly known for being a friendly guy, which meant he did not like to mingle with the guests on his show. He did not laugh at every one of his guests’ jokes, only ones he genuinely found amusing, and did not pretend to be enjoying himself when he wasn’t. He would even cut interviews short with guests he was not enjoying.
No Mingling With Guests
He Controlled Everything
In the 70’s, The Tonight Show was NBC’s most profitable show. It made between $50-60 million a year (equivalent to today’s $180-220 million). Whenever he did not get what he wanted, Carson would threaten to leave and join a different network.
He Controlled Everything
Johnny And SNL
Carson demanded more time off from NBC, which they had to agree to. This left Saturday nights open, which eventually led to the creation of Saturday Night Live. SNL is still on to this day, and we can all thank Johnny Carson for indirectly causing the show to be created!
Johnny And SNL
A Personal Tragedy
In 1991, when Carson was on the way to traveling to England for the Wimbledon tennis championship games when he was notified that his son Ricky, was in a car crash, and was unfortunately killed. Ricky was just 39 at the time.
A Personal Tragedy
Paying Tribute
After his son’s tragic death, Carson decided to pay tribute to him on The Tonight Show. He showed some of his son’s nature photography while “Riviera Paradise” by Stevie Ray Vaughn played.
Paying Tribute
Family Drama
In 1987, some more family drama began to brew when a woman called Taena Love Green who was in a relationship with Carson’s son claimed that Carson pressured his son to end their relationship. Carson’s son, Christopher Allen Carson, was court-ordered to pay child support for the then-8 month old baby after leaving Green while she was pregnant. She claims Johnny Carson did not approve of the fact that she is African American.
Family Drama
His Early Shows
Early in his career and before his Tonight Show tenure, Carson was the host of several different shows. First he starred as a guest panelist on the 1960 show To Tell The Truth, later becoming a regular panelist in 1961 through 1962. He was then given a chance with his very own show, The Johnny Carson Show, but it failed and he ended up moving to New York City as a result.
His Early Shows
Making It In NYC
Once arriving in New York City, Carson began hosting the ABC show Who Do You Trust?, which is where he first met future sidekick Ed McMahon. It was on this show where Carson began ad libbing and discovering that his wit allowed him to become “the hottest item on daytime television.”
Making It In NYC
No Archiving Old Episodes
Early episodes the The Tonight Show are not archived and Carson had no problem with this. He once said that the network should make guitar picks out of the old episodes’ tapes since he didn’t see any value in them. However, all episodes that aired between 1973 and 1992 are preserved.
No Archiving Old Episodes
The First Episode Is Lost Forever
Due to the fact that early episodes of The Tonight Show were not saved, the show’s first ever episode is gone forever. However, there is early audio and a photo from the October 1st, 1962 episode in which Groucho Marx introduced Carson. Hey, at least that’s something!
The First Episode Is Lost Forever
Broadening His Horizons
Johnny Carson was always interested in languages and had a talent of teaching himself other languages. He learned Russian and taught himself how to speak Swahili, which he eventually learned to speak fluently.
Broadening His Horizons
What Does A TV Legend Watch?
Johnny Carson will always be remembered as one of television’s most legendary icons. So what television did he enjoy watching in his spare time? He shared that he enjoyed reality TV shows like Fear Factor, Survivor, and The Chamber.
What Does A TV Legend Watch?
The Original Influencer
We all know the power of celebrity brand endorsements, but back in the day, this tactic was not so frequently utilized. In an episode of his show 1966, Carson played a game of “Twister” with Eva Gabor, which led sales of the game to skyrocket the next day.
The Original Influencer
A Famous Fan
One of Johnny Carson’s most famous fans includes Brian Wilson, of the Beach Boys. He was such a big fan of Carson’s that in 1977 he penned a song which he aptly named “Johnny Carson.” The song was later released on the album The Beach Boys Love You.
A Famous Fan
No Comment Here
Although Carson was a liberal, he did not believe in discussing politics on his show. He felt that he did not want to alienate any of his fans. He was against the war in Vietnam and was pro-racial equality, but he never discussed these issues on air.
No Comment Here
Staying Mum On Live TV
While Carson was not embarrassed by his political stances, he felt that sharing his opinions on his show would “hurt me as an entertainer, which is what I am.” He did not feel it was right for him to share his personal beliefs on air.
Staying Mum On Live TV
Staying Diplomatic
Carson continued to explain his stance: “In my living room I would argue for liberalization of abortion laws, divorce laws, and there are times when I would like to express a view on the air. I would love to have taken on Billy Graham. But I’m on TV five nights a week; I have nothing to gain by it and everything to lose.”
Staying Diplomatic
The Many Guest Hosts
Throughout the run of The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson, there were many guest hosts. Joey Bishop was the most frequent guest host, appearing 177 times as a guest host! Joan Rivers also hosted many times, as well as Frank Sinatra, David Letterman, and Jerry Lewis.
The Many Guest Hosts
He Declined At First
Although being the host of The Tonight Show was his defining career-move, Johnny Carson actually first declined the job. NBC asked him to take over for Jack Paar who was planning to leave the job, but Carson was worried about interviewing celebrities for over an hour per day. Eventually, he took the job and it changed his life.
He Declined At First
Other Potential Hosts
While ultimately we know that Johnny Carson was a massively successful choice of host for The Tonight Show, he was not the only person who was considered. Although Carson was eventually convinced to take the role after initially declining, the role was then also offered to Bob Newhart, Groucho Marx, Jackie Gleason, and Joey Bishop.
Other Potential Hosts
The First And Last
The show’s very first guest was Groucho Marx, and the last was Better Midler. Carson’s dream guest was Cary Grant, but he never actually appeared on the show. Similarly, Carson wanted Bill Boyd to be a guest on the show, but Boyd never felt comfortable with the idea.
The First And Last
Location, Location, Location
From the beginning of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson through the year 1972, the show was film in 30 Rockefeller Plaza in NYC. Afterwards, the location was moved to Burbank, California to an NBC studio, where it was filmed until the show ended in 1992.
Location, Location, Location
A Comedy Mentor
Johnny Carson liked to invite up and coming comedians to appear on The Tonight Show, and he felt like a mentor for them. He gave comedians like Joan Rivers, Jim Carey, Jerry Seinfeld, and Ellen Degeneres a platform early on in their careers.
A Comedy Mentor
Quite The Influence
Carson’s contributions to the field of entertainment absolutely cannot be denied. Furthermore, his influence impacted entertainment as we know it today so much, as he has been credited with influencing some of today’s most famous and popular entertainers such as Jerry Seinfeld, Jimmy Fallon, David Letterman and Jay Leno.
Quite The Influence
Post-Carson Late Night
Carson’s final appearance on Late Night With Johnny Carson took place on May 22nd, 1992, after three decades as host. 50 million viewers tuned in, the largest audience in the show’s history. Following his departure, Carson was replaced by Jay Leno, who credits Carson as one of his biggest influences.
Post-Carson Late Night
Impressing Johnny
During the time that Carson was hosting Late Night, many comedians would appear on the show, helping launch the careers of many now-famous comedians. It was considered the highest honor to perform on the show and succeeding in getting Carson to laugh.
Impressing Johnny
They Can Thank Johnny
Some of the comedians who appeared on The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson and later became very well-known include David Letterman, Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, Arsenio Hall, Joan Rivers, Ellen Degeneres, Roseanne Barr, Drew Carey, Tim Allen, Jeff Foxworthy, Howie Mandel, and David Brenner.
They Can Thank Johnny
Letterman And Carson
David Letterman and Johnny Carson had a special bond throughout their careers. Letterman frequently performed on Carson’s show, and after Carson retired, he would frequently send Letterman jokes to incorporate into his opening monologue. Letterman even claimed that Carson felt that Letterman, and not Jay Leno, should have replaced him on The Tonight Show.
Letterman And Carson
A Decorated Host
Carson hosted The Tonight Show for three decades and garnered many accolades throughout the years. He was awarded six Emmy Awards, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a Peabody Award.
A Decorated Host
On-Screen Vs. Off-Screen Persona
Johnny Carson was a great talk show host, exuding confidence, wit, and a friendly persona. However, off-screen, Carson was actually quite shy and preferred to keep private. He only had one bedroom in his home and had guests stay at a guest house across the street.
On Screen Vs. Off Screen Persona
Some Social Anxiety
It was a well known fact that Carson was quite shy when off-camera and liked to avoid large parties. He was even often referred to as “the most private public man who ever lived.” We’re sure that if he were still alive today, he would absolutely despite social media.
Some Social Anxiety
His Lack Of Social Life
Comedian and TV personality Dick Cavett shared that: “I felt sorry for Johnny in that he was so socially uncomfortable. I’ve hardly ever met anybody who had as hard a time as he did.”
His Lack Of Social Life
His Introverted Personality
Screenwriter and director George Axelrod also shared that: “Socially, he doesn’t exist. The reason is that there are no television cameras in living rooms. If human beings had little red lights in the middle of their foreheads, Carson would be the greatest conversationalist on Earth.”
His Introverted Personality
After His Retirement
When Johnny Carson retired in 1992, he was followed by late night talk show host Jay Leno. It is widely believed that Carson was not happy with this choice, and he would have preferred that David Letterman succeed him instead. He went on to appear on Letterman’s show twice, but never on Leno’s.
After His Retirement
Post Late Night Work
After leaving Late Night, Carson mostly stayed out of the limelight. However, he made some cameo appearances, most notably on The Simpsons in 1993, on which he voiced himself. His last television appearance was on The Late Show With David Letterman.
Post Late Night Work
Famous Last Words
On the very last episode of The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson, Carson did not actually include any celebrity guests. Instead, he invited his friends, crew members, and family to be the audience members, and he made sure to thank everyone he worked with. His last words on the show were: “I bid you a very heartfelt goodnight.”
Famous Last Words
The Final Stats
The amount of viewers that tuned in to watch the very last episode of The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson is truly staggering. Over 50 million viewers watched the last episode, which is much higher than even the amount of people who watched the Game of Thrones finale, which was at 19.3 million viewers.
Carson Severinsen
His Favorite Watering Hole
Carson could frequently be found at a Manhattan bar called Jilly’s Saloon. The bar, which was located at West 52nd Street and Eighth Avenue, happened to be owned by a guy named Jilly Rizzo, who was a good friend of Frank Sinatra since the two were young boys.
His Favorite Watering Hole
Mixed Up With The Wrong Crowd
One time while Carson was at Jilly’s, he noticed a attractive brunette woman when she walked into the bar. The comedian decided to start to chat her up, but he unfortunately made a grave error in doing so. Apparently, she was the girlfriend of a “major figure in the criminal underworld,” and he got in a bit of trouble.
Mixed Up With The Wrong Crowd
Things Turned Ugly
Little did Carson know, the woman’s mobster boyfriend was there too, and when he realized that Carson was chatting up his girl, he did not take too kindly to it. He confronted Carson and became physically aggressive.
Things Turned Ugly
NBC Had To Step In
The mobster continued to become violent towards Johnny, when Jilly decided to step in and calm the situation down. The mobster then decided to go after Carson and put a hit out on him. Johnny stayed holed up at home until NBC executive David Tebet stepped in and reached out to “the right people.”
NBC Had To Step In
What Happened Next
Tebet reached out to George Wood, an agent who was in touch with Joseph Colombo, the alleged head of the “Five Families of New York and New Jersey.” Colombo made it clear that he wanted NBC to cover the Italian-American Civil Rights League’s “Italian-American unity rally” on TV in exchange for leaving Carson alone. Tebet agreed, and the feud was finally resolved.
What Happened Next
Management Struggles
It’s no secret that Carson struggled greatly with his romantic relationships, but in addition to his romantic woes, Carson also had many problems when it came to managers. Even the world’s mot successful comedian and talk show host can have these kind of problems, and it led him to also struggle financially.
Management Struggles
Fame And No Fortune
According to Bushkin, while Johnny Carson was hosting The Tonight Show, he was quite broke. He ended up with little to no savings, zero investments, and owning no real estate properties. Apparently it was due to the fact that his managers took advantage of him and he did not take enough care to manage his assets (or lack thereof) on his own.
Fame And No Fortune
His Best Friend
Carson was known for his relationships and friendships with people, but he did have one man stand by his side through all the ups and down. Ed McMahon was his friend for 46 unwavering years. Carson himself said that despite working together for so many years, they had real camaraderie that could not be faked or taken for granted.
His Best Friend
Giving Back
In 2004, Carson decided to donate $5.3 million to the University of Nebraska Foundation in order to help the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts Department of Theater Arts. They then opened up the Johnny Carson School of Theater in Film thanks to his donation.
Giving Back
A Big Smoker
One of Johnny Carson’s biggest vices was smoking cigarettes. He was known for his heavy smoking habit, reportedly even smoking up to four packs a day. However, his habit did catch up to him in the end. On January 23rd, 2005, Carson passed away due to respiratory failure when he was 79 years old.
A Big Smoker
A Lasting Legacy
After Carson passed away in 2005, he was cremated and his ashes were given to Alexis Maas, his wife. As per his family’s request, there was no public memorial service held for him, however many tributes followed the news of his passing.
A Lasting Legacy
Memorialized In Print
Writer and intellectual Gore Vidal was one of Johnny Carson’s only friends, and he would frequently appear on The Tonight Show. In 2006, a year after Carson passed away, Vidal wrote about Carson and his personality in his memoir, Point to Point Navigation: A Memoir.
Memorialized In Print
A Presidential Shout-Out
Then-president George W. Bush was affected by Carson’s passing, and he chose to make a public statement about him. Bush stated: “Johnny Carson was a steady and reassuring presence in homes across America for three decades. His wit and insight made Americans laugh and think and had a profound influence on American life and entertainment.”
A Presidential Shout Out
The John W. Carson Foundation
Carson decided to start the John W. Carson Foundation in 1981. The foundation’s aim is to help support education, children, and health services. After he passed away in 2005, he left the foundation $156 million, which comes out to over $200 million in 2019 terms.
The John W. Carson Foundation
Letterman’s Tribute
David Letterman decided to pay tribute to Johnny Carson on The Late Show With David Letterman by giving a monologue that was comprised entirely of jokes that Carson had sent him in the last few months of his life.
Letterman’s Tribute