Johnny Carson

Thirty year host of The Tonight Show

Facts

• Born: 1925
• Country: United States
• Field: Television
• Era: Golden Age

Overview

Hosted The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson from 1962 to 1992, defining the late night format of monologue, sketches, and guest interviews. He won six Emmy Awards, the Kennedy Center Honors in 1987, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992. Characters such as Carnac the Magnificent became cultural touchstones. Virtually every late night host since has worked in the format he perfected.