Iimagine those born before 1980, had watched The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in some fashion.

If you tuned in to Carson, you would surely laugh - a lot.

Ed McMahon's “Heeere’s Johnny!” intro became a cultural icon, even influencing Jack Nicholson's performance in The Shining.

His show was also a breeding ground for young comics.

On October 1, 1962, Johnny Carson takes over from Jack Paar as host of the late-night talk program The Tonight Show. Carson went on to host The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson for three decades, becoming one of the biggest figures in entertainment in the 20th century.

Joan Rivers – Debuted 1965; became a Carson favorite and frequent guest host.

Jerry Seinfeld – First appearance 1981; helped lead to his later sitcom success.

Jay Leno – De

See Full Page