Heeeeeere's Johnny Carson's birthday anniversary

October 23, 4:14 PMActing ExaminerDeborah Smith Ford

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Johnny Carson

(Photo/wiki)

John William “Johnny” Carson was a television host and comedian, with sidekick Ed McMahon, known as host of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson for 30 years (1962-92). He would have turned 84 on October 23rd, 2009. He died in 2005.

Carson received six Emmy Awards including the Governor Award and a 1985 Peabody Award; he was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1987. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992, and received Kennedy Center Honors in 1993.

Carson had a talent for quick quips to deal with problems. If the opening monologue fared poorly, the band would start playing "Tea for Two" and Carson danced, to laughs from the studio audience. Alternately, Carson might pull the boom mike close to his face and announce:

"Attention K-Mart shoppers!"

Carson's show was the launch for many entertainers, notably comedians, actors as well.

Many got their break on the show, and it was an achievement to get Carson to laugh and be called to the guest chair. Carson was successor to The Ed Sullivan Show as a showcase for all kinds of talent, as well as continuing Vaudeville variety-show.

Thanks goes to Johnny for his quick and enjoyable wit and helping talent "get out there!" 

Jay Leno followed in his footsteps, now Conan O'Brien.