Johnny Carson



John William Carson (23 October 1925 – 23 January 2005) was an American actor, comedian, writer, and host of The Tonight Show from 1962 to 1992.

Quotes

 * Ladies and gentlemen, thank you. This is kind of an emotional thing for me because I've known about this show for a long time, and the newspapers and the magazines that I've probably been interviewed 150 times in the last nine months since I've known about this. As I say, you'll work up to it; we come over here this afternoon, we meet the guests that are on the show, and you get kind of charged up. I don't mean to be maudlin about it, but I know that tonight a lot of people, a lot of my friends are watching all over the country, and I only have one feeling as I stand here knowing that so many people are watching: I want my nana!
 * First monologue on his debut as host of The Tonight Show (1 October 1962).


 * Who could follow Carson? Well, believe me, somebody can — and will.
 * Playboy interview (1967).


 * It was so hot today I saw a robin dipping his worm in Nestea. It was so hot today I saw a pigeon walking in the shadow of Orson Welles. It was so hot today that Burger King was singing, "if you want it your way, cook it yourself."
 * The Tonight Show (Summer 1977).


 * And so it has come to this: I, uh... am one of the lucky people in the world; I found something I always wanted to do, and I have enjoyed every single minute of it. I want to thank the gentlemen who've shared this stage with me for thirty years, Mr. Ed McMahon... Mr. Doc Severinsen... and... you people watching, I can only tell you that it has been an honor and a privilege to come into your homes all these years and entertain you—and I hope when I find something that I want to do, and I think you would like, and come back, that you'll be as gracious in inviting me into your home as you have been. I bid you a very heartfelt good night.
 * Closing words on his final Tonight Show appearance (22 May 1992).


 * I did not know that.
 * Used on many occasions and often appears in Johnny Carson parodies.