Profession: Comedian and TV Host
Biography: Carson was one of the most popular late night television hosts in American history, hosting "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" for thirty years between 1962 and 1992.
In this role he launched the careers of many contemporaries, including later Late Night hosts David Letterman and Jay Leno.
Born: October 23, 1925
Birthplace: Corning, Iowa, USA
Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Ox
Star Sign: Scorpio
Died: January 23, 2005 (aged 79)
Cause of Death: Respiratory failure arising from emphysema
Career Highlights
- 1955-06-30 "Johnny Carson Show" debuts on CBS-TV
- 1956-09-28 "Johnny Carson Show" TV Variety last airs on CBS-TV
- 1962-10-01 Johnny Carson hosts his 1st "The Tonight Show" on NBC; guests include Rudy Vallée, Tony Bennett, Mel Brooks and Joan Crawford
- 1968-05-15 Paul McCartney & John Lennon appear on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson", to promote Apple Records, Joe Garagiola is substitute host
- 1973-02-09 American singer-songwriter and actor Paul Williams sings the torch song "Here's That Rainy Day" in full Planet of the Apes make-up and costume on Johnny Carson's "The Tonight Show"
- 1977-03-02 Future The Tonight Show host Jay Leno debuts with host Johnny Carson
- 1987-05-19 1st American Comedy Award: Johnny Carson & Betty White
- 1991-04-22 Johnny Carson announces he will retire next year from "The Tonight Show"
- 1991-06-06 NBC announces Jay Leno will succeed Johnny Carson as host on "The Tonight Show" on May 25, 1992
- 1992-05-22 Johnny Carson's final appearance as host of "The Tonight Show"
Personal Life
- 1949-10-01 Television host and comedian Johnny Carson (23) weds Joan Morrill Wolcott (23) at the North Platte Episcopalian Church
- 1987-06-20 Johnny Carson marries 4th wife Alexis Mass
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