American talk show host and comedian (1925–2005) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John William "Johnny" Carson (October 23, 1925 – January 23, 2005) was an American television host and comedian, known for thirty years as host of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962–1992).
Johnny Carson | |
---|---|
Birth name | John William Carson |
Born | Corning, Iowa | October 23, 1925
Died | January 23, 2005 79) West Hollywood, California | (aged
Nationality | American |
Years active | 1950–1992 |
Genres | Satire, sketch comedy, improvisational comedy |
Subject(s) | current events, American politics, American culture, pop culture |
Influenced | David Letterman, Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon |
Spouse | Joan Morrill Wolcott (m. 1949–1963; divorced) Joanne Copeland (m. 1963–1972; divorced) Joanna Holland (m. 1972–1985; divorced) Alexis Maas (m. 1987–2005, his death) |
Notable works and roles | Host of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson |
Signature | |
Website | http://www.johnnycarson.com/ |
Emmy Awards | |
Special Classification of Outstanding Program and Individual Achievement 1976 The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson 1977 The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson 1978 The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson 1979 The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Governor's Award 1980 Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Program (Series) 1992 The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson | |
Peabody Awards | |
Personal Award 1985 | |
American Comedy Awards | |
Funniest Male Performer in a TV Series (Leading Role) Network, Cable or Syndication 1987 The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Lifetime Achievement Award 1992 Lifetime Achievement |
Carson was born in Corning, Iowa, in 1925, to Homer Lloyd "Kit" Carson, a power company manager, and Ruth (Hook) Carson, who was of Irish ancestry. He grew up in the nearby towns of Avoca, Clarinda, and Red Oak in southwest Iowa before moving to Norfolk, Nebraska, at the age of eight. At the age of twelve, Carson found a book on magic at a friend's house and immediately purchased a mail-order magician's kit. He debuted as "The Great Carsoni" at age 14 and he was paid US$3; many other performances at local picnics and country fairs followed.
Carson joined the U.S. Navy on June 8, 1943, received V-12 officer training at Columbia University[1] and Millsaps College,[2] and continued to perform magic.
Carson died in West Hollywood, California from respiratory failure caused by emphysema, aged 79.[3]
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Every time you click a link to Wikipedia, Wiktionary or Wikiquote in your browser's search results, it will show the modern Wikiwand interface.
Wikiwand extension is a five stars, simple, with minimum permission required to keep your browsing private, safe and transparent.