Johnny Carson (1925–2005) was a legendary American television host, comedian, writer, and producer—best known as the longtime host of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, which aired on NBC from 1962 to 1992.
| Full Name | John William Carson |
|---|---|
| Born | October 23, 1925 – Corning, Iowa |
| Died | January 23, 2005 – Los Angeles, CA |
| Famous For | Hosting The Tonight Show (30 years) |
| Nicknames | “The King of Late Night” |
| Signature Style | Witty monologues, dry humor, quick comebacks, Midwestern charm |
- Johnny Carson Revolutionized late-night TV: Carson set the gold standard for talk show hosts—his format (monologue, guests, music, sketches) became the model still used today.
- Launched Careers: Comedians like David Letterman, Jay Leno, Joan Rivers, Jerry Seinfeld, and Ellen DeGeneres got big breaks appearing on his show.
- Cultural Influence: His “Carnac the Magnificent” skits and golf swing sign-offs became pop culture staples.
- 6 Emmy Awards
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (1992)
- Kennedy Center Honors (1993)
Carson retired in 1992, famously choosing Jay Leno as his successor. He made few public appearances afterward, remaining largely private until his passing in 2005 due to emphysema.