RIP Johnny Carson
January 24, 2005 
Johnny Carson, the host of the Tonight Show for 30 years, died yesterday from emphysema at the age of 79, after more than twelve years out of the public eye.
Johnny Carson, late-night TV legend, dies at 79:
I’ve seen clips of many episodes of Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, but I get the feeling that I haven’t yet seen enough of the 30 years of shows to truly appreciate Carson’s impact on this country over the years. Although, I certainly see the impact today — from Jay Leno to David Letterman to Ray Romano to Drew Carey to Roseanne Arnold to Robin Williams, and so forth… I’ve always thought the well-oiled Conan O’Brien/ Andy Richter sidekick-schtick on “Late Night” that worked so well for them was modeled on Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon’s chemistry on “The Tonight Show.”Carson, a longtime smoker, was 79 and had announced in 2002 that he was suffering from the disease.
Carson was host of the late-night talk show from October 1, 1962, to May 22, 1992, taking over from Jack Paar and handing off to Jay Leno after 4,531 episodes.
“It is a sad day for his family and for the country,” “Late Show” host David Letterman said in a statement Sunday. “He was the best — a star and a gentleman.”
Carson kept a low profile after leaving “The Tonight Show” in 1992.
My favorite sketch of Johnny’s was his Carnac The Magnificent bit, where he said used his “powers” to forsee the answer to the joke written inside the sealed envelope. Classic comedy! If you don’t believe me, check out some video clips of Carson’s Carnac.
Thanks for all the laughs over the years… and for all the laughs still to come. You’ll be missed, Johnny.
