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Johnny Carson

  • Birthplace: Corning, Iowa
  • Birthday: October 23, 1925

Premier late-night TV talk show host for three decades whose longevity was matched only by his enormous popularity and his salary. A former amateur magician, radio comedy writer, radio and TV announcer and host of several quiz shows ("Earn Your Vacation", "Who Do You Trust?") in the early days of TV which followed WWII, Carson catapulted into national consciousness when he replaced Jack Paar as the host of "The Tonight Show" in 1962. The celebrity talk show format did not originate with Carson, but his unique blend of quick wit, his patented sl…more

Career Milestones

  • 1999

    Underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery

  • 1992

    Signed a multiyear contract with NBC to star in and develop programming for the network

  • 1991

    Announced that final broacast as host of the "Tonight Show" will be May 22, 1992

  • 1980

    Threatened to quit the "Tonight Show" in 1979; the action won him a new contract, shortened the show from ninety minutes to one hour and increased in salary to $5 million a year

  • 1964

    Feature acting debut, "Looking For Love"

Awards

  • 1993

    Kennedy Center Honors Lifetime Achievement Award:

  • 1992

    American Comedy Award for Lifetime Achievement-Male:

  • 1992

    Presidential Medal of Freedom:

  • 1987

    People's Choice Award: Favorite Talk Show Host

  • 1979

    Emmy: Third Annual Atas Governor's Award

Upcoming Appearances

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