Jerry D

Story.

By JEFF WILSON, Associated Press Writer

LOS ANGELES - Johnny Carson (news), the "Tonight Show" TV host who served America a smooth nightcap of celebrity banter, droll comedy and heartland charm for 30 years, has died. He was 79.

"Mr. Carson passed away peacefully early Sunday morning," his nephew, Jeff Sotzing, told The Associated Press. "He was surrounded by his family, whose loss will be immeasurable. There will be no memorial service."

Sotzing would not give further details, including the time of death or the location.

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.

Nearly all of Carson's professional life was spent in television, from his postwar start at Nebraska stations in the late 1940s to his three decades with NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson."

Carson choose to let "Tonight" stand as his career zenith and his finale, withdrawing into a quiet retirement that suited his private nature and refusing involvement in other show business projects.

In 1993, he explained his absence from the limelight.

"I have an ego like anybody else," Carson told The Washington Post, "but I don't need to be stoked by going before the public all the time."

I'm really sorry to hear this. I grew up watching The Tonight Show, and I always enjoyed watching Johnny Carson's monologues and comedy sketches like Carnac the Magnificent and Art Fern's Teatime Hour, and seeing the great rapport that he had with his guests. In my opinion, none of the current Late Night television hosts could hold a candle to Johnny Carson. May he rest in peace.

capesidefan

flicked on cnn and they had a breaking news story that Johnny Carson died.

sad news today....... came out of no where.......

thanks Carson for the laughs over the years..............

ceilirose

I think most of the comics who have shows now like Letterman, Leno, O'Brien etc. all think of him as their role model.

CNN just had some clips of his last show with Bette Midler singing to him..funny, touching stuff.

Mio

he definately will be missed. i'll be tuning into the tonight show tomorrow as they will more than likely have a tribute.

my favorite moment was where he's wearing the big psychic hat and held up the envelope to his forehead and said, "what a monkey said to the priest.." opens it.. "sis boom bah!"

UnsilentMajorty

Very sad news, indeed.

He is basically the father of Late Night Talkshows and it is a testament to his influence as if you are a stand-up comedian and are lucky enough to be booked on the show it usually means the start of your own career, I.E. Jerry Sienfield as well the Tonight Show is THE show to host and what everyone is gunning for when they get into the Talk Show biz.

I am glad that Conan O'Brien will be taking over from Jay Leno because I think he deserves it and that he will continue the long and proud tradition that Johnny started and maintained for 30 years and beyond that the show embodies around the world.

No1important

Well thats sad. He was the "founder" of late night as we know it. He will be missed.

The Survivor

From what I have heard about him from my parents and grandparents, he was one of the legends of comedy and the king of late night. Prayers go out to his family and friends.

-Kelly-

I heard on the news, it's sad.

Lain

i loved that psychic stint carson pulled off.

Sad though...R.I.P Johnny Carson

LittleMilkJug

R.I.P Johnny

SuperDeluxe

Now I feel old.

Luke

Very sad news indeed! I read the news on the CNN's site!

Jerry D

So do I!

wanderer78

I saw it on the covers of the newspapers just now. It's very sad news indeed.

TheAngel

I was very sad to hear this. I never saw much of Carson because I was too young but I heard a lot about him from my dad. It truly is sad to see talent of this caliber leave this earth. He will be missed by those that he inspired both on and off the screen.