Johnny Carson’s net worth is
Reportedly around $300 Million

Johnny Carson’s Background

John William Carson was born on October 23, 1925, in Corning, Iowa, USA, with part Irish heritage. He held the title of being the prominent TV talk show host in the US for three decades up until his retirement in 1992. Carson passed away in 2005 in California.

There has been significant curiosity about Johnny Carson’s financial standing – how affluent was he? His net worth has been estimated to be an impressive $300 million.

Johnny Carson’s Financial Journey

Johnny Carson, like many children, developed a fascination with magicians. He got a magic kit and conducted his first show at just 14, earning $3. Subsequently, he performed at various local gatherings before joining the US Navy in 1943. Even during his military service as a communications officer, his passion for illusions persisted, even astonishingly performing for the Secretary of the Navy, marking the humble beginnings of his financial success.

Upon concluding his Navy duty, Johnny acquired a BA degree in speech and drama from the University of Nebraska in 1949. Throughout his studies, he pursued part-time performances, aiming to venture into radio work. His first significant gig was at the WOW station in Omaha, where he swiftly found himself hosting a local morning TV show named “The Squirrel’s Nest”, which involved satirical performances, with local figures often being his subjects. This was a pivotal period in the growth of his net worth.

Carson’s talents attracted attention, leading him to the Los Angeles TV station KNXT, owned by CBS. This advancement in his career opened doors for him to contribute to and appear on various programs, including those hosted by Red Skelton and Jack Benny, in addition to starting his own eponymous but relatively modest show in 1955. Eager for more challenges, Johnny then relocated to New York and hosted “Who Do You Trust” for a span of five years. Each of these projects steadily augmented Johnny’s financial resources.

Unbeknownst to him at the time, Carson’s transition to hosting the daytime TV show was a crucial turning point, granting him the freedom to improvise and showcase his genuine flair for humor and satire, all the while maintaining a friendly atmosphere that didn’t unnecessarily embarrass guests. After five years, NBC managed to persuade Johnny to take the helm of the immensely popular ‘Tonight’ show, which turned out to be a resounding success. From that point on, Johnny never looked back. Despite initial concerns about the show’s duration and keeping audiences engaged, both the program and Johnny himself flourished. Consequently, the show was renamed to “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” within a year, becoming the primary source of his financial prosperity over the ensuing 30 years.

Throughout the 1960s, Johnny’s show surged in popularity and was aired live. During the show’s peak in the 70s and 80s, Carson always maintained a relaxed and informal demeanor, engaging in casual conversations with guests, which was pivotal in sustaining the show’s appeal. This approach not only reflected Johnny’s individual style but also aligned with the expectations set by earlier hosts, contributing to his enduring popularity until his retirement.

Johnny Carson’s undeniable success and popularity were duly recognized, earning him six Emmy Awards over the span of 30 years, along with accolades like the Governor’s Award in 1980, the Peabody Award in 1985, induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1987, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992, and the Kennedy Center Honor in 1993.

Privately, Johnny Carson was notably reserved and evaded the limelight, refraining from publicly discussing his personal life, beliefs, or preferences. He married four times, initially to Jody Wolcott (1948-1963), with whom he had his three children. Following their divorce in 1963, Johnny wed Joanne Copeland later that year, with the marriage enduring nine years. Subsequent marriages included Joanna Holland (1972-1983) and lastly Alexis Maas from 1987 until his passing in 2005, attributed to respiratory failure. Following Carson’s demise, a considerable portion of his wealth, reportedly $200 million, was generously allotted to the charitable institution “The Johnny Carson Foundation.”

  • Structural Info
  • Trademarks
  • Quotes
  • Facts
  • Pictures
  • Filmography
  • Awards
Full NameJohnny Carson
Net Worth$300 Million
Date Of BirthOctober 23, 1925, Corning, Iowa, United States
DiedJanuary 23, 2005, Los Angeles, California, United States
Place Of BirthCorning
Height5 ft 9 in (1.77 m)
ProfessionComedian, Actor, Screenwriter, Presenter
EducationMillsaps College, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
NationalityUnited States of America
SpouseAlexis Maas (m. 1987–2005)
ChildrenCory Carson, Kit Carson, Richard Carson
ParentsRuth Hook Carson, Homer Lloyd Carson
SiblingsDick Carson, Catherine Carson
NicknamesJohn William Carson , Johnnie Carson , The King of Late-Night , John William “Johnny” Carson
IMDB
AwardsKennedy Center Honors, Peabody Award, Presidential Medal of Freedom, People’s Choice Award for Favorite Talk Show Host, TCA Career Achievement Award, Primetime Emmy Award for Special Classification Of Outstanding Program Achievement, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy-Variety Or Music Progr…
NominationsPeople’s Choice Award for Favorite Late Night Talk Show Host, Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievements In Entertainment, People’s Choice Award for Favorite All-Around Male Entertainer
MoviesLooking for Love
TV ShowsThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Mr. President, Lewis & Clark, Space Ghost, The Johnny Carson Show, The Tonight Show, Who Do You Trust?
#Trademark
1Jokes about his alimony payments
2Golf swing at the end of his The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) monologues
3His unmistakable laugh
#Quote
1[on his first night hosting The Tonight Show] I have only one feeling as I stand here knowing that so many people are watching – I want my na-na!
2[to Frank Sinatra] When you’re in a romantic mood, whose records do you put on?
3[As he started his monologue] Hi, I’m Johnny Carson. Comedy has been my life’s passion, and the next 90 minutes might feel like an eternity to you.
4[When asked about his life goal] I aim to be a good individual, a responsible citizen, and to take everything NBC has from them.
5[Explaining why he didn’t follow the controversial path of his predecessor Jack Paar on The Tonight Show] Shows that only rely on controversy by bringing in opposing views easily fill the airwaves each night. Getting laughs is harder, but much more worthwhile.
6You don’t need much time to appreciate Benny Hill’s humor. He’s just naturally funny.
7During our time in England, we didn’t make a big impact as we did here in the States. Our show has a strong American flavor, and I reckon a part of the challenge was that in London, we aired at varying late-night hours and only once a week, not giving viewers a chance to get into the flow.
8[Responding to Miss Piggy’s cheeky question] Perhaps Oscar Meyer could be interested in you.
9[On the possibility of returning to NBC] That’s a definite no. NBC means well, but I’ve retired. Returning to television is out of the question. I made that call long ago, and it has served me well.
10Timing is everything, and I believe I retired at the right moment. I prefer letting my work speak for itself rather than making a comeback or engaging in interviews.
11Surprisingly, I still have dreams about being late for The Tonight Show. It’s a performer’s nightmare, and it’s a common fear among others too. The panic of being unprepared on stage is real and unsettling. I often wake up sweating.
12We have set high standards for ourselves on the show, and one day, we hope to meet and exceed them.
13Don Rickles always managed to entertain me with his jokes every time I saw his act.
14Egyptian President Sadat once had a belly dancer perform for President Nixon at a state dinner. Mr. Nixon found the contortions quite impressive, the likes of which he hadn’t seen since Rose Mary Woods.
15[Commenting on Ronald Reagan’s policies] President Reagan’s push for drastic cuts in arts and humanities funding marks his most significant stance against the arts since his days at Warner Brothers.
16I’m starting to believe in reincarnation. Perhaps tonight’s monologue will come back as a dog!
17In marriage, if variety is the spice of life, then it’s like having a big can of leftover Spam.
18[July 1991] In Los Angeles, the big news is Police Chief Daryl Gates announcing his retirement, scheduled for next year. Why can’t a person retire without all the fuss?
19[May 1991] I sympathize with President George Bush. Having a younger contender waiting in the wings can’t be easy.
20[Regarding the secrecy of his nightly monologue] It’s a personal ritual for me. I keep it to myself, not sharing it with Freddie, Ed, or anyone. Keeping it under wraps helps maintain fresh reactions.
21[To Joan Embery of The San Diego Zoo, after a marmoset peed on his head] Let’s be grateful you didn’t bring along a baby elephant!
22[In a December 1967 interview with ‘Alex Haley’ in “Playboy” magazine, addressing rumors of being antisocial] I couldn’t care less about people’s opinions of me. I live my life, particularly my personal life, on my terms. It’s my right, and if others disagree, that’s their issue. Everyone faces criticism; I believe in living in a way that brings me joy as long as no harm is done to others.
23[Discussing his public image] I’m not naturally inclined to public appearances. As Jackie Gleason once said, people either think you’re everywhere if you’re out often or label you a recluse for staying in.
24[Explaining why The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson avoided controversial topics] I feel it would be a mistake to turn my show into a platform for controversial issues. I’m here to entertain, not to stir up debates. A comedian’s primary job is to bring laughter.
25[Talking about the spontaneous nature of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson] I don’t overthink it. Analysis would just be wasted effort. I rely on instinct, like George Burns said, “If it gets a laugh, it’s funny.”
26I wanted the show to embody the original essence of television as live, immediate entertainment. I found that abandoning extensive pre-planning and simply being myself yielded the best results.
27People often ask me, “What’s your favorite moment from your 30 years hosting [“The Tonight Show”]?” I don’t have a single favorite. The most enjoyable times were the spontaneous, unplanned segments like Ed Ames’ memorable “Tomahawk Toss” that led to prolonged laughter. When these magical moments occur, you just savor them and ride the high.
28[In a 1993 interview with “The Washington Post”] I have an ego like anyone else, but I don’t seek constant public validation.
29[On late-night TV shows] We tend to be more effective than birth control pills.
30[In a December 1967 interview with “Playboy” magazine] Show me a performer who isn’t self-assured. Believing in your talent is essential to being on stage.
31[From a December 1967 interview with “Playboy” magazine] I don’t live solely for money or wealth accumulation. I work because I love what I do, and the financial success is a nice bonus. Money gives me the freedom from financial worries, allowing me to focus on more significant values – moral, ethical, and human values that matter to me personally and in the broader context.
32Happiness is when your dentist promises a painless procedure and then promptly injures himself with the drill.
33
34New York is always buzzing with activity, mostly unresolved.
35Happiness is watching the attractive lifeguard admired by everyone leave the beach with another hunky lifeguard.
36If it weren’t for Philo T. Farnsworth, the TV inventor, we’d still be stuck with frozen radio dinners.
37People are willing to pay more for entertainment than for education.
38
He crossed paths with his last wife, Alexis Mass, as she walked along the beach near his Malibu residence carrying an empty wine glass. Upon seeing her, he immediately offered to fill up her glass for her.
He served on the USS Pennsylvania.
His abrupt departure from The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in April 1967 came as a response to NBC airing reruns during an AFTRA strike, which he perceived as a breach of his contract. He stood firm, even after the strike’s conclusion, and eventually secured a new contract that reportedly guaranteed him an income exceeding $4 million over the subsequent three years.
His first wife, Joan “Jody” Morrill Wolcott, was a former college sweetheart. Despite their divorce, she attempted to increase her alimony in 1990 but was unsuccessful.
He was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992.
At The Tonight Show’s tenth anniversary celebration, he startled friends and colleagues by announcing his impromptu marriage to former model Joanna Holland the same day [September 30, 1972].
Before his fame, he dabbled in ventriloquism as one of his early jobs.
He fostered a lifelong fascination with magic, ordering a mail-order magic kit at the age of 12. By 14, he was performing magic tricks and comedy at venues like the Seven Seas Lounge in Omaha, Nebraska, under the alias “The Great Carsoni.”
When he retired in 1992, he held the record for hosting the same network series for the longest duration: 29 years, 7 months, 21 days. This record was later surpassed by Bob Barker on The Price Is Right (1972) in 2002.
His philanthropy extended to his hometown of Norfolk, Nebraska, where he resided from the age of 8 until his induction into the US Navy in 1943. Carson generously donated close to $5 million to various causes and organizations in the area, including the Carson Regional Cancer Center (named after his parents), the high school’s Johnny Carson Theater, the Norfolk Public Library, the Norfolk Arts Center, the Elkhorn Valley Museum and Research Center, and the Lifelong Learning Center at Northeast Community College. His last visit to Norfolk was in 1997 when he attended his former penmanship teacher Fay Gordon’s 100th birthday celebration.
(March 19, 1999) He underwent emergency quadruple bypass surgery at Santa Monica Hospital (CA) following a severe heart attack.

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Soundtrack

TitleYearStatusCharacter
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon2015TV Series writer – 1 episode
Late Show with David Letterman2011TV Series writer – 1 episode
Gracie2007writer: “The Tonight Show”
Talk to Me2007writer: “Johnny’s Theme”
Live and Swingin’: The Ultimate Rat Pack Collection2003Video documentary performer: “Birth of the Blues”
Blind Target2000lyrics: “My old friend the bottle / music: “My old friend the bottle / performer: “My old friend the bottle
Isn’t She Great2000writer: “Johnny’s Theme”
Fargo1996writer: “Johnny’s Theme”
The Late Shift1996TV Movie writer: “Johnny’s Theme”
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson1992TV Series performer – 2 episodes
This Is My Life1992writer: “Johnny’s Theme”
Burglar1987writer: “Johnny’s Theme”
The Jack Benny Program1963TV Series performer – 1 episode

Actor

TitleYearStatusCharacter
The Simpsons1993TV SeriesJohnny Carson
Get Smart1965-1968TV SeriesHerald / Special Guest Conductor
The Danny Thomas Hour1967TV SeriesNarrator
Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre1966TV Series
NBC Children’s Theatre1966TV SeriesNarrator
Looking for Love1964Johnny Carson
The Mouse on the Moon1963Drum Major (uncredited)
The United States Steel Hour1960TV SeriesKenneth Rausch
The Steve Allen Plymouth Show1959TV SeriesComedian – Children’s TV Host
Playhouse 901957TV SeriesErwin Trowbridge
The Red Skelton Hour1954TV SeriesKnight Who Makes Point of Order / Man in Audience

Writer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Late Show with David Letterman2005TV Series opening monologue writer – 1 episode
Mr. PresidentTV Series created by – 1 episode, 1987 creator – 1 episode, 1987
The 54th Annual Academy Awards1982TV Special documentary
Johnny Goes Home1982TV Movie documentary written by
The 53rd Annual Academy Awards1981TV Special special material written by
The 51st Annual Academy Awards1979TV Special documentary
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson1962TV Series
Carson’s Coffee Break1953TV Series
The Red Skelton Hour1951TV Series
The Squirrel’s Nest1949TV Series

Thanks

TitleYearStatusCharacter
The Aristocrats2005Documentary dedicatee
Lost Moon: The Triumph of Apollo 131996Video documentary special thanks
Late Night with Conan O’Brien1993TV Series thanks – 1 episode
Can You Hear the Laughter? The Story of Freddie Prinze1979TV Movie thanks: for permission to use film segments

Self

TitleYearStatusCharacter
The Johnny Carson Collection, His Favorite Moments from ‘The Tonight Show’: 1962-19921994VideoHimself – Host
Late Show with David Letterman1993-1994TV SeriesHimself
The Kennedy Center Honors: A Celebration of the Performing Arts1993TV SpecialHimself – Honoree
Bob Hope: The First 90 Years1993TV Movie documentaryHimself
The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom1993TV MovieHimself – Former talk show host
Late Night with David Letterman1985-1993TV SeriesHimself
Jack Benny: Comedy in Bloom1992TV Movie documentaryHimself
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson1962-1992TV SeriesHimself – Host / Carnac the Magnificent / Art Fern / …
Showbiz Today1992TV Series
Cheers1992TV SeriesHimself
A Tribute to the Boys: Laurel & Hardy1992TV Special documentaryHimself
Johnny Carson’s 29th Anniversary1991TV SpecialHimself
Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon1990TV SeriesHimself
Newhart1989TV SeriesHimself
5th Annual TV Academy Hall of Fame1989TV SpecialHimself
AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Jack Lemmon1988TV Special documentaryHimself (uncredited)
Night Court1988TV SeriesHimself
America’s Tribute to Bob Hope1988TV Movie documentaryHimself
It’s Howdy Doody Time1987TV SpecialJohnny Carson – Guest
Family Comedy Hour1987TV SpecialHimself (uncredited)
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson 25th Anniversary Special1987TV Movie

Self

Special

TitleYearStatusCharacter
The Johnny Carson Collection, His Favorite Moments from ‘The Tonight Show’: 1962-19921994VideoHimself – Host
Late Show with David Letterman1993-1994TV SeriesHimself
The Kennedy Center Honors: A Celebration of the Performing Arts1993TV SpecialHimself – Honoree
Bob Hope: The First 90 Years1993TV Movie documentaryHimself
The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom1993TV MovieHimself – Former talk show host
Late Night with David Letterman1985-1993TV SeriesHimself
Jack Benny: Comedy in Bloom1992TV Movie documentaryHimself
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson1962-1992TV SeriesHimself – Host / Carnac the Magnificent / Art Fern / …
Showbiz Today1992TV Series
Cheers1992TV SeriesHimself
A Tribute to the Boys: Laurel & Hardy1992TV Special documentaryHimself
Johnny Carson’s 29th Anniversary1991TV SpecialHimself
Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon1990TV SeriesHimself
Newhart1989TV SeriesHimself
5th Annual TV Academy Hall of Fame1989TV SpecialHimself
AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Jack Lemmon1988TV Special documentaryHimself (uncredited)
Night Court1988TV SeriesHimself
America’s Tribute to Bob Hope1988TV Movie documentaryHimself
It’s Howdy Doody Time1987TV SpecialJohnny Carson – Guest
Family Comedy Hour1987TV SpecialHimself (uncredited)
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson 25th Anniversary Special1987TV MovieHimself – Host
James Stewart: A Wonderful Life – Hosted by Johnny Carson1987TV MovieHimself
Great Performances1987TV SeriesHimself – Host
The Garry Shandling Show: 25th Anniversary Special1986TV MovieHimself
The New Hollywood Squares1986TV SeriesHimself – Cameo
All-Star Tribute to General Jimmy Doolittle1986TV MovieHimself
NBC 60th Anniversary Celebration1986TV Special documentaryHimself
AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Billy Wilder1986TV Special documentaryHimself
George Burns’ 90th Birthday Party: A Very Special Special1986TV SpecialHimself – Cameo
Bob Hope Buys NBC?1985TV SpecialHimself
The NBC All Star Hour1985TV MovieHimself
Johnny Carson Presents the Tonight Show Comedians1984TV MovieHimself
Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson 22nd Anniversary1984TV MovieHimself
The 36th Primetime Emmy Awards1984TV SpecialHimself – Nominated: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Program
The 56th Annual Academy Awards1984TV Special documentaryHimself – Host
Johnny Carson’s 21st Anniversary1983TV MovieHimself – Host
The 35th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1983TV SpecialHimself – Nominated: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Program & Presenter: The Governor’s Award
George Burns Celebrates 80 Years in Show Business1983TV MovieHimself
Sheena Easton… Act One1983TV MovieHimself (uncredited)
Carson’s Comedy Classics1983TV SeriesHimself – Host
Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson 20th Anniversary1982TV MovieHimself – Host
The 54th Annual Academy Awards1982TV Special documentaryHimself – Host
Johnny Goes Home1982TV Movie documentaryHimself
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson 19th Anniversary Special1981TV MovieHimself – Host
The 53rd Annual Academy Awards1981TV SpecialHimself – Host
A Love Letter to Jack Benny1981TV Movie documentaryHimself
All-Star Inaugural Gala1981TV MovieHimself / Emcee
Bob Hope for President1980TV SpecialHimself
Johnny Carson’s 18th Anniversary Special1980TV MovieHimself
The 52nd Annual Academy Awards1980TV SpecialHimself – Host
Lucy Moves to NBC1980TV MovieHimself
Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson 17th Anniversary Special1979TV MovieHimself – Host
The Annual Friars Club Tribute Presents a Salute to Johnny Carson1979TV MovieHimself – Honoree
The 51st Annual Academy Awards1979TV Special documentaryHimself – Host
George Burns’ 100th Birthday Party1979TV MovieHimself
Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color1978TV SeriesHimself
Happy Birthday, Bob1978TV SpecialHimself
A Tribute to Mr. Television Milton Berle1978TV SpecialHimself
Life Goes to War: Hollywood and the Home Front1977DocumentaryHimself
Mary Tyler Moore1977TV SeriesHimself
The George Burns Special1976TV SpecialJohnny Carson
CBS Salutes Lucy: The First 25 Years1976TV Movie documentaryHimself
NBC: The First Fifty Years – A Closer Look1976TV Movie documentaryHimself
Joys1976TV SpecialThe Masked Killer (uncredited)
Columbo1975TV SeriesHimself – TV Host
AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Orson Welles1975TV SpecialHimself
The Smothers Brothers Show1975TV SeriesHimself – Cameo
Dinah!1975TV SeriesHimself
The 26th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1974TV
Himself – Host
The 28th Annual Tony Awards1974TV SpecialHimself – Presenter
Jack Benny’s Second Farewell Special1974TV SpecialHimself
The Dean Martin Show1968-1973TV SeriesHimself
Laugh-In1968-1973TV SeriesHimself / Himself – Guest Performer
Jack Benny’s First Farewell Special1973TV SpecialHimself
Don Rickles: Alive and Kicking1972TV SpecialHimself
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson 10th Anniversary1972TV MovieHimself – Host
Cancel My Reservation1972Himself (uncredited)
The 24th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1972TV SpecialHimself – Host
Johnny Carson Presents the Sun City Scandals ’721972TV MovieHimself – Host
The 23rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1971TV SpecialHimself – Host
The David Frost Show1970-1971TV SeriesHimself
Pure Goldie1971TV MovieHimself
The Kraft Music Hall1968-1971TV SeriesHimself – Host / Himself – Roastmaster / Himself
Johnny Carson Presents the Sun City Scandals ’701970TV MovieHimself – Host
The Red Skelton Hour1956-1970TV SeriesHimself / Introduction
The Bob Hope Show1965-1970TV SeriesHimself / Himself – Cameo / Himself – Guest
Here’s Lucy1969TV SeriesHimself
The Johnny Carson Special1969TV MovieHimself / Host / Sketch Actor
The Brass Are Comin’1969TV SpecialHimself
Concentration1969TV SeriesHimself – Guest
The Don Rickles Show1968TV SeriesHimself
The Joan Rivers Show1968TV SeriesHimself
The Dick Cavett Show1968TV SeriesHimself
The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show1968TV SeriesHimself
Carnival Nights1968TV SpecialHimself
The Match Game1967TV SeriesHimself – Cameo
The Bob Braun Show1967TV SeriesHimself (1967-1984)
The Sammy Davis, Jr. Show1966TV SeriesHimself – Guest Host
Danny Thomas Meets the Comics1965TV MovieHimself
The Bob Hope Comedy Special1965TV SpecialHimself
The 16th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1964TV SpecialHimself
The Steve Allen Playhouse1964TV SeriesHimself
The Jack Benny Program1955-1963TV SeriesHimself
What’s My Line?1956-1963TV SeriesHimself – Panelist / Himself – Mystery Guest
Sing Along with Mitch1963TV SeriesHimself
The Ed Sullivan Show1955-1962TV SeriesHimself / Himself – Comedian
The 14th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1962TV SpecialHimself – Host
To Tell the Truth1960-1962TV SeriesHimself – Panelist
The All-Star Comedy Hour1962TV MovieHimself – Host
Password All-Stars1962TV SeriesHimself – Celebrity Contestant
The Garry Moore Show1959-1962TV SeriesHimself
Here’s Hollywood1961TV SeriesHimself
I’ve Got a Secret1959-1961TV SeriesHimself – Panelist
The Jackie Gleason Show1961TV SeriesHimself – Panelist
Celebrity Talent Scouts1960TV SeriesHimself
The Steve Allen Plymouth Show1958-1960TV SeriesHimself – Comedian / Himself – Guest / Himself – Comedian-Quiz Show Host / …
The Arthur Murray Party1959-1960TV SeriesHimself
The Arthur Murray Special for Bob Hope1960TV MovieHimself
The Dinah Shore Chevy Show1960TV SeriesHimself
The Chevy Showroom Starring Andy Williams1959TV SeriesHimself
Spectacular1959TV SeriesHimself
The Jack Paar Tonight Show1958TV SeriesHimself – Guest Host
The Polly Bergen Show1958TV SeriesHimself
The Johnny Carson Show1955-1956TV SeriesHimself – Host
Who Do You Trust?1956TV SeriesHimself – Host (1957-1962)
The Robert Q. Lewis Show1955TV SeriesHimself – Substitute Host
Earn Your Vacation1954TV SeriesHimself – Host
Red Skelton Revue1954TV SeriesHimself – Comedian / Himself – Guest Host
The Morning Show1954TV SeriesHimself – Host (1954)
Carson’s Cellar1953TV SeriesHimself
Carson’s Coffee Break1953TV SeriesHimself – Host
All Star Revue1952TV SeriesHimself – Guest Comedian (Sketch)

Archive Footage

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Inside Edition2014-2015TV Series documentaryHimself
Sinatra: All or Nothing at All2015TV Mini-Series documentaryHimself
A Football Life2014TV SeriesHimself
Paradise Garden2014DocumentaryHimself
America’s Clown: An Intimate Biography of Red Skelton2014VideoHimself
Geraldo at Large2014TV Series documentaryHimself
The Insider2014TV SeriesHimself
The Sixties2014TV Mini-Series documentaryHimself
The 2014 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony2014TV MovieHimself (uncredited)
The View2014TV SeriesHimself
American Comedy Awards2014TV SpecialHimself
Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me2014DocumentaryHimself – Talk Show Host (uncredited)
Pioneers of Television2008-2014TV Mini-Series documentaryHimself / Himself – Tonight Show Starring JohnnyCarson / Carnac the Magnificent
And the Oscar Goes To…2014TV Movie documentaryHimself
The Battered Bastards of Baseball2014DocumentaryHimself
The History of WWE: 50 Years of Sports Entertainment2013Video documentaryHimself
Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic2013DocumentaryHimself
Carson on TCM2013TV Series documentaryHimself
Llyn Foulkes One Man Band2013Documentary
Behind the Candelabra2013TV MovieHimself (uncredited)
Quality Balls: The David Steinberg Story2013DocumentaryHimself
Makers: Women Who Make America2013TV Mini-Series documentaryHimself
Betty White’s 2nd Annual 90th Birthday2013TV MovieHimself
Lovelace2013Himself (uncredited)
Ted2012Himself (uncredited)
The Paperboy2012Himself (uncredited)
American Masters1997-2012TV Series documentaryHimself / Aunt Blabby / Carnac the Magnificent / …
The 2012 Comedy Awards2012TV SpecialHimself
60 Minutes2003-2012TV Series documentaryHimself / Himself (segment “The Entertainers”) / Himself – Television Host
Lucy Moves to NBC: A Remembrance2012Video documentary shortOn set footage / Outtakes & clips from ‘Lucy Moves to NBC’
Excavating the 2000 Year Old Man2012Documentary shortHimself
Betty White’s 90th Birthday: A Tribute to America’s Golden Girl2012TV SpecialHimself
Jeff Dunham: Birth of a Dummy2011TV SpecialHimself
Paul Williams Still Alive2011DocumentaryHimself
Family Band: The Cowsills Story2011DocumentaryHimself
Renée2011DocumentaryHimself (uncredited)
The 2011 Comedy Awards2011TV SpecialHimself
30 for 302010TV Series documentaryHimself
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno2010TV SeriesHimself
The Battle for Late Night2010TV Movie documentaryHimself
Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work2010DocumentaryHimself
The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards2009TV SpecialHimself (uncredited)
Muppets 201: Rarities from the Henson Vault2009DocumentaryHimself
The Tragic Side of Comedy2009TV Movie documentaryHimself
The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien2009TV SeriesHimself
Unsung2009TV Series documentaryHimself
Make ‘Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America2009TV Series documentaryHimself
Religulous2008DocumentaryHimself (uncredited)
Run for Your Life2008/IDocumentaryHimself
The 80th Annual Academy Awards2008TV SpecialHimself (uncredited)
Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project2007DocumentaryHimself (uncredited)
Jimmy Carter Man from Plains2007DocumentaryHimself
Hair, Let the Sun Shine In2007TV Movie documentaryHimself
Brando2007TV Movie documentaryHimself
The Making of ‘The Larry Sanders Show’2007Video documentaryHimself
Talk to Me2007Himself (uncredited)
Legends: Rodney Dangerfield2006TV MovieHimself (uncredited)
E! True Hollywood Story2006TV Series documentaryHimself
CMT Greatest Moments: Dolly Parton2006TV Movie documentaryHimself
The 57th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards2005TV SpecialHimself – Special Memorial Tribute
The Last Mogul2005TV Special documentaryHimself
The 77th Annual Academy Awards2005TV SpecialHimself – Special Memorial Tribute
Stan Kann: The Happiest Man in the World2005DocumentaryHimself
Late Show with David Letterman2005TV SeriesHimself
Dateline NBC2005TV Series documentaryHimself
Inside Deep Throat2005DocumentaryHimself (uncredited)
How It Began2004Video documentaryHimself
Retrosexual: The 80’s2004TV Mini-Series documentaryHimself
100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time2004TV Mini-SeriesHimself
When Stand-Up Comics Ruled the World2004TV Movie documentaryHimself (uncredited)
Live and Swingin’: The Ultimate Rat Pack Collection2003Video documentaryHimself
Keeping Time: The Life, Music & Photography of Milt Hinton2003DocumentaryHimself
World of Comedy2002VideoHimself
Wild Desk Ride2001VideoHimself
50 Years of NBC Late Night2001TV Special documentaryHimself
Cleopatra: The Film That Changed Hollywood2001TV Movie documentaryHimself
Isn’t She Great2000Himself (uncredited)
Behind the Music1999TV Series documentaryHimself
Television: The First Fifty Years1999Video documentaryHimself
The Best of the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts1998TV Movie documentaryHimself – Roastee
The Newton Boys1998Himself (uncredited)
Biography1996-1998TV Series documentaryHimself
George Carlin: 40 Years of Comedy1997TV MovieHimself (uncredited)
Bob Hope: Laughing with the Presidents1996TV Special documentaryHimself
Great Performances1994TV SeriesHimself
Laugh-In Past Christmas Present1993TV SpecialHimself
Nova1993TV Series documentaryHimself
Late Night with Conan O’Brien1993TV SeriesHimself
Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In: 25th Anniversary Reunion1993TV MovieHimself
Oscar’s Greatest Moments1992Video documentaryHimself
60 Minutes: The Entertainers1991TV Movie documentaryHimself
Pink Cadillac1989HimselfIn the year 1989, he appeared in a TV Movie documentary titled “The Moon Above, the Earth Below,” portraying himself as an Apollo 11 Launch Spectator. A celebration of Los Angeles Television called “KTLA at 40” featured him as himself in a 1986 TV Movie. In 1985, he made an appearance as himself in the TV Series “Muppet Babies.” A documentary titled “Bob Hope’s Unrehearsed Antics of the Stars” in 1984 had him as himself. He portrayed various characters on the TV Series “Carson’s Comedy Classics” in 1983.

In the realm of awards, he received the Classic Contribution Award in 2005 at the BMI Film & TV Awards for his involvement in “The Tonight Show” (1962). A notable recognition was the Primetime Emmy he won in 1992 at the Primetime Emmy Awards for “Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Program (Series)” for “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” (1962). He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Comedy at the American Comedy Awards, USA in 1992. At the Television Critics Association Awards, he was honored with the Career Achievement Award in the same year.

Throughout his career, he amassed various award nominations. Notably, in 1991, he was nominated for an Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Program Primetime Emmy for his role in “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” (1962). Other nominations included Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Program Primetime Emmy Awards for various years from 1980 to 1985. He also received nominations for Golden Globe Awards, USA, and Primetime Emmy Awards in multiple categories for his work on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” (1962).