Johnny Carson dead at 79

[nikkijames]

The man who ruled over late night TV for 30 years -- Johnny Carson -- has died at the age of 79.


AP Photo
Johnny Carson died Sunday morning at the age of 79.


Carson took over as host of NBC's "Tonight Show" in 1962 -- and continued in that role until 1992, when he was replaced by Jay Leno.

A nephew said Carson died "peacefully" this morning, "surrounded by his family." He says there will be no memorial service. There's no word on the cause of death.

As host of the "Tonight Show," the Nebraska native delivered a mix of celebrity banter, droll comedy and heartland charm. Audiences never got tired of him -- and he was still on top when he retired.

Despite his wealth and the adoration of his guests, Carson maintained an air of modesty that helped enhance his intimacy with his viewers.

He was introduced each night with the booming announcement from sidekick Ed McMahon: "Heeeeere's Johnny" -- launching a show feating a topical monologue, celebrity guests, and characters such as "Carnac the Magnificent."





He will be missed!

 

[Evil Alpaca]

The man who ruled over late night TV for 30 years -- Johnny Carson -- has died at the age of 79.


AP Photo
Johnny Carson died Sunday morning at the age of 79.


Carson took over as host of NBC's "Tonight Show" in 1962 -- and continued in that role until 1992, when he was replaced by Jay Leno.

A nephew said Carson died "peacefully" this morning, "surrounded by his family." He says there will be no memorial service. There's no word on the cause of death.

As host of the "Tonight Show," the Nebraska native delivered a mix of celebrity banter, droll comedy and heartland charm. Audiences never got tired of him -- and he was still on top when he retired.

Despite his wealth and the adoration of his guests, Carson maintained an air of modesty that helped enhance his intimacy with his viewers.

He was introduced each night with the booming announcement from sidekick Ed McMahon: "Heeeeere's Johnny" -- launching a show feating a topical monologue, celebrity guests, and characters such as "Carnac the Magnificent."





He will be missed!

He was a class act all the way. I'm going to have to watch the tonight show tomorrow to see how they pay tribute.

 

[logophile]

Re: Re: Johnny Carson dead at 79

He was a class act all the way.

Indeed. A sad passing.

 

[shereads]

Yipe.

We have Carson to thank for Letterman, Seinfeld, and dozens of people who might never have graduated from nightclub stand-up comedy if he hadn't been so generous with the spotlight. Maybe the most influential force in American television, for decades. But in a good way.





"I hold in my hand the last envelope..."

~ The Amazing Karnac

 

[minsue]

 

[~photoguy~]

sigh ... thats sooo sad ... he was definitely one of the great ones ... right up there with Bob Hope

 

[Guest]

One of the finest is gone.

Even my son enjoys the videos of him now, and he was a wee tyke when Johnny retired.

He talked one night about losing his virginity in the back of his Dad's car. He named the year & model. Out in Iowa, a guy owned the same kind of car, of that year. He checked with DMV and found out it had been registered once to Johnny's Dad.

He sent a copy of the paperwork to Johnny, and Johnny bought the car from him.

 

[shereads]

Re: Re: Johnny Carson dead at 79

He was a class act all the way. I'm going to have to watch the tonight show tomorrow to see how they pay tribute.

A tribute from Jay Leno would make your jaw clench if you'd read "Late Night," the behind-the-scenes story of how David Letterman lost the Tonight Show to that clown. Letterman had been Carson's choice to take over as host.

Jay Leno fawns over his guests, panders to his audience, and has none of Johnny Carson's class. I resent him for occupying the hour before Conan O'Brian's show, to the extent that I'd like to slap him.

 

[cloudy]

Re: Re: Re: Johnny Carson dead at 79

A tribute from Jay Leno would make your jaw clench if you'd read "Late Night," the behind-the-scenes story of how David Letterman lost the Tonight Show to that clown. Letterman had been Carson's choice to take over as host.

Jay Leno fawns over his guests, panders to his audience, and has none of Johnny Carson's class. I resent him for occupying the hour before Conan O'Brian's show, to the extent that I'd like to slap him.

So glad it's not just me. He makes me clench my teeth - can't stand him.

Letterman, on the other hand, is entertaining. I started watching him way, way back when he had the elevator races, the man who lived under the seats, and the monkey-cam.

 

[cheerful_deviant]

Farewell, Johnny.

 

[thebullet]

Shereads said:
A tribute from Jay Leno would make your jaw clench

Correctamundo, oh brilliant one!

Leno is a moderately entertaining comedian. Letterman is the true heir to the king of late night.

I started watching Carson when I was in high school. Starting in college I always watched the monologue, and waited to see who/what was coming on.

Favorite Carnac the Magnificant moments:
Answer: Miss America
Question: What do we hope the Russians do if they drop the bomb.

Answer: A, B, C, D, E, F, G
Question: What formulas did they try before they invented Prepration H?

 

[rgraham666]

A funny man who will be sorely missed.

I heard it was emphysema that got him. (Taking a long draw on my pipe.)

 

[Guest]

I heard it was emphysema that got him. (Taking a long draw on my pipe.)

He was 79! Puffing on fag. P.

 

[rgraham666]

I hope to be shot by an irate husband while jumping out a bedroom window on my one hundredth birthday.

A man's gotta dream.

 

[Couture]

Here'ssss Johnny ~ St. Peter

 

[Couture]

Sorry 'bout that.