The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson facts for kids
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was a very popular talk show. A talk show is where a host interviews famous people and entertainers. This show was hosted by Johnny Carson and was part of The Tonight Show family of shows.
It aired for almost 30 years, from October 1, 1962, until May 22, 1992. It was shown late at night. For its first ten years, the show was made in New York City at Thirty Rockefeller Plaza. On May 1, 1972, the show moved to Burbank, California. Peter Lassally was the main producer, making sure everything ran smoothly.
In 2002, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was named one of the 50 greatest TV shows of all time by TV Guide.
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All About The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson
Johnny Carson's Tonight Show was a big part of American television for many years. It was a place where people could relax and laugh before going to bed. Johnny Carson was known for his calm and funny style. He made guests feel comfortable and always had a clever joke ready.
What Made the Show Special?
The show was special because of Johnny Carson's personality. He was a master at interviewing people. He could talk to anyone, from movie stars to politicians, and make it interesting. The show also had a live band and funny skits.
Funny Skits and Characters
Johnny Carson played many funny characters during his show. Some of the most popular ones were:
- Carnac the Magnificent: Johnny would pretend to be a psychic who could guess answers before seeing the questions. It was very silly and made people laugh.
- Floyd R. Turbo: This character was a grumpy old man who would share his funny opinions.
- Ronald Reagan: When Ronald Reagan was president, Johnny would sometimes pretend to be him. He was very good at copying President Reagan's voice and actions.
The Team Behind Johnny
Johnny Carson wasn't alone on stage. He had a great team with him:
- Ed McMahon: Ed was Johnny's loyal sidekick for the entire show. He would introduce Johnny every night with a loud "Heeeere's Johnny!" and laugh at all of Johnny's jokes.
- Doc Severinsen: Doc was the leader of the show's orchestra, which played music throughout the show. He was known for his colorful clothes and would sometimes join Johnny and Ed in their funny chats.
Images for kids
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Carson's first Tonight Show on New Year's Eve, 1962; shown with Skitch Henderson and Ed McMahon
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Doc Severinsen, leader of The NBC Orchestra, known for his flashy outfits
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Some memorable moments. Top left: Carson's first show with Groucho, 1962. Top right: Carson practices pitching at Yankee Stadium, 1962. Bottom left: Tiny Tim's wedding, 1969. Bottom right: Carson does a skydiving demonstration, 1968.
See also
In Spanish: The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson para niños
