John William Carson was an American television host, comedian, writer, and producer. He is best known as the host of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962–1992). Carson received six Primetime Emmy Awards, the Television Academy's 1980 Governor's Award, and a 1985 Peabody Award. He was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1987. Carson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992 and received a Kennedy Center Honor in 1993.
Carson in 1965
Navy portrait of Carson
Carson as a guest on Jack Benny's television program, 1955
Carson in 1957
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is an American late-night talk show hosted by Johnny Carson on NBC, the third iteration of the Tonight Show franchise. The show debuted on October 1, 1962, and aired its final episode on May 22, 1992. Ed McMahon served as Carson's sidekick and the show's announcer.
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Doc Severinsen led the NBC Orchestra beginning in 1967; he held the role until the show's finale
Carson as Carnac the Magnificent, a reoccurring comedic role he introduced in 1964.
Carson's first Tonight Show on New Year's Eve, 1962; shown with Skitch Henderson and Ed McMahon
