Johnny Carson

thumb|Johnny Carson in 1965 John William Carson (23 October 1925 – 23 January 2005) was an American actor, comedian, writer, and host of The Tonight Show from 1962 to 1992. Quotes Ladies and gentlemen, thank you. This is kind of an emotional thing for me because I've known about this show for a long time, and the newspapers and the magazines that I've probably been interviewed 150 times in the last nine months since I've known about this. As I say, you'll work up to it; we come over here this afternoon, we meet the guests that are on the show, and you get kind of charged up. I don't mean to be maudlin about it, but I know that tonight a lot of people, a lot of my friends are watching all over the country, and I only have one feeling as I stand here knowing that so many people are watching: I want my nana! First monologue on his debut as host of The Tonight Show (1 October 1962). Who could follow Carson? Well, believe me, somebody can — and will. Playboy interview (1967). It was so hot today I saw a robin dipping his worm in Nestea. It was so hot today I saw a pigeon walking in the shadow of Orson Welles. It was so hot today that Burger King was singing, "if you want it your way, cook it yourself." The Tonight Show (Summer 1977). And so it has come to this: I, uh... am one of the lucky people in the world; I found something I always wanted to do, and I have enjoyed every single minute of it. I want to thank the gentlemen who've shared this stage with me for thirty years, Mr. Ed McMahon... Mr. Doc Severinsen... and... you people watching, I can only tell you that it has been an honor and a privilege to come into your homes all these years and entertain you—and I hope when I find something that I want to do, and I think you would like, and come back, that you'll be as gracious in inviting me into your home as you have been. I bid you a very heartfelt good night. Closing words on his final Tonight Show appearance (22 May 1992). I did not know that. Used on many occasions and often appears in Johnny Carson parodies. External links The best of Carnac the Magnificent jokes Category:1925 births Category:2005 deaths Category:Television personalities Category:Comedians from the United States Category:Stand-up comedians from the United States Category:People from Iowa Category:Primetime Emmy Award winners Category:Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients