24 January 2005
Johnny Carson, the Tonight Show TV host who served America a smooth nightcap of celebrity banter and droll comedy for 30 years, has died aged 79.
“Mr Carson passed away peacefully early Sunday morning,” said his nephew, Jeff Sotzing. “He was surrounded by his family, whose loss will be immeasurable. There will be no memorial service.”
The boyish-looking Nebraska native with the disarming grin, who survived every attempt to topple him from his late-night talk show throne, was a star who managed never to distance himself from his audience.
His wealth, the adoration of his guests – particularly the many young comics whose careers he launched – the wry tales of multiple divorces: Carson’s air of modesty made it all serve to enhance his bedtime intimacy with viewers.
“Heeeeere’s Johnny!” was the booming announcement from sidekick Ed McMahon that ushered Carson out to the stage. Then the formula: the topical monologue, the guests, the broadly played skits such as “Carnac the Magnificent”.
But America never tired of him; Carson went out on top when he retired in May 1992. In his final show, he told his audience: “And so it has come to this. I am one of the lucky people in the world. I found something that I always wanted to do and I have enjoyed every single minute of it.”
His personal life could not match the perfection of his career. Carson was married four times, divorced three. In 1991, one of his three sons, 39-year-old Ricky, was killed in a car accident.
