Johnny Carson | Biography & Facts - Britannica

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External Websites

• Television Encyclopedia - Johnny Carson
• The Kennedy Center - Johnny Carson
• Turner Classic Movies - Johnny Carson
• Hollywood Walk of Fame - Biography of Johnny Carson
• Fresh Air Archive - Johnny Carson Gets The 'Masters' Treatment
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Johnny Carson �49
• AllMusic - Biography of Johnny Carson
• PBS - American Masters - Biography of Johnny Carson

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• Johnny Carson - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

Johnny Carson American entertainer Ask Anything Homework Help Also known as: John William Carson Written and fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Jan. 20, 2026 •History Britannica AI Ask Anything Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask Anything Top Questions

What is Johnny Carson best known for?

Johnny Carson is best known for being the host of The Tonight Show from 1962 to 1992, where he established the standard format for late-night television shows.

What impact did Johnny Carson have on the TV industry?

Johnny Carson’s decision to move The Tonight Show from New York to California in 1972 was instrumental in shifting the power of the TV industry to Los Angeles.

What awards did Johnny Carson receive during his career?

Johnny Carson won four Emmy Awards, was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 1987, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992 and a Kennedy Center Honor in 1993.

Who replaced Johnny Carson as host of The Tonight Show?

Comedian Jay Leno replaced Johnny Carson as the host of The Tonight Show, a move that generated a rivalry between Leno and David Letterman.

What was significant about Johnny Carson’s final appearance on The Tonight Show?

Johnny Carson’s final appearance on The Tonight Show on May 22, 1992, attracted an estimated 50 million viewers, the largest audience in the program’s history.

Johnny Carson (born October 23, 1925, Corning, Iowa, U.S.—died January 23, 2005, Los Angeles, California) was an American comedian who, as host of The Tonight Show (1962–92), established the standard format for television chat shows—including the guest couch and the studio band—and came to be considered the king of late-night television.

Explore Johnny Carson’s role in the development of political humor in the United States.

After high school graduation and service in the navy during World War II, Carson enrolled at the University of Nebraska. While there he participated in student theatrical activities and worked for a radio station in Lincoln. After graduating in 1949, Carson took another radio job, in Omaha, and in 1951 he began working as an announcer at a television station in Los Angeles. He was also given a Sunday afternoon comedy show, which led to his being hired as a writer for Red Skelton’s show. After Carson substituted successfully for Skelton at the last minute on one occasion, he was given his own short-lived variety show, The Johnny Carson Show. He then moved to New York City and in 1957 became host of the game show Who Do You Trust? In 1962 Carson replaced Jack Paar as host of The Tonight Show.

Quick Facts Byname of: John William Carson (Show more) Born: October 23, 1925, Corning, Iowa, U.S. (Show more) Died: January 23, 2005, Los Angeles, California (aged 79) (Show more) Awards And Honors: Emmy Award Kennedy Center Honors (1993) Presidential Medal of Freedom (1992) (Show more) See all related content Britannica Quiz Pop Culture Quiz

As the host of that nightly program for nearly three decades, Carson had an unprecedented influence on a generation of television viewers, and his decision in 1972 to move his show from New York to California was instrumental in shifting the power of the TV industry to Los Angeles. He created such memorable characters as Aunt Blabby and Carnac the Magnificent, as well as a large number of classic skits, and became one of the most beloved performers in the country. Carson won four Emmy Awards, was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (1987), and was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1992) and a Kennedy Center Honor (1993). On May 22, 1992, Carson’s final appearance as the host of The Tonight Show attracted an estimated 50 million viewers, the largest audience in the program’s history. Comedian Jay Leno replaced Carson as the late-night staple’s host.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Tracy Grant.