Johnny Carson Bio

John William “Johnny” Carson is best known as the “late night king of television” from his 30 year stint as host of “The Tonight Show” on NBC. He was born October 23, 1925 in Corning, Iowa, grew up in Nebraska, and died at age 79, January 23, 2005, in Los Angeles, California. He was married four times, and had three sons, one of whom preceded him in death.

A natural comedian and performer, although a shy person in private life, Johnny Carson set records for television history. He grew up in Nebraska, practiced magic tricks, and after school enrolled in the US Navy. His first show business experience was with local radio station WOW radio and television in 1950.

He began with comedy, and soon took his career to a job at CBS-owned TV station KNXT, in Los Angeles.

The first of many shows that were hosted by Johnny Carson was a game show “Earn Your Vacation”. Following this break, he hosted his own variety program entitled “The Johnny Carson Show”. He served as a regular panelist on “To Tell the Truth” and was a very funny host for the popular “Who Do You Trust?” game show. It was during this time that Johnny met and became friends with Ed McMahon, who later followed Johnny into a long career as announcer for “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” after Jack Paar quit the late night program in 1962.

Together, Johnny Carson with Ed McMahon made friends with the nation as late night comedians and host of that program. Johnny received many awards for his television skills over 30 years. Six Emmy Awards, including the honor of the Governor Award, and a 1875 Peabody Award led to his induction in 1987 to the Television Academy Hall of Fame. Public honors were bestowed upon him in 1992 and 1993, when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and Kennedy Center Honors, respectively.

Carson left his late night kingdom in 1992, after 30 years of memorable performances. His trademark line, “Heeeeere’s Johnny….” was a hallmark of the program, as announced nightly by sidekick Ed McMahon. Music was provided by band leader Doc Severinsen. Other memorable ongoing characters that Carson portrayed during the show included his versions of Aunt Blabby, Carnac the Magnificent, Art Fern, Floyd R. Turbo American, and El Mouldo.

The late night show began in New York, then was moved to Los Angeles, where it still remains, now hosted by Conan O’Brien who took over the show from Jay Leno. Leno replaced Carson in 1992. Some of the best of Johnny Carson is available on video tape and DVD releases, so future generations can share the same comedy moments as those who viewed the 4531 Tonight Show programs over their 30 year span.