Johnny Carson’s Last TV Appearance
When a late-night host retires and someone needs to take over, it’s usually a major hassle, but Johnny Carson’s departure from The Tonight Show was likely the largest late-night farewell.
Carson made his final TV appearance on David Letterman’s show, but Jay Leno was hired to take over Carson’s role. Even the legendary host was allowed to sit in Letterman’s host chair. As Carson took a seat, the audience erupted in applause. The crowd paused to applaud, and Carson, like a real legend, shook his head and left the stage. It’s still a touch warm, Letterman said as he leaned back in his chair to end the segment. I wish I could absorb a bit of that. Whoa.
