Biography
John William Carson (October 23, 1925 – January 23, 2005) was an American television host, comedian, writer, and producer. He is best known as the host of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962–1992). Carson received six Primetime Emmy Awards, the Television Academy's 1980 Governor's Award, and a 1985 Peabody Award. He was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1987. Carson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992 and received a Kennedy Center Honor in 1993.
Acted in 20
2020s
- 2025
- 2022
Finster
Movie
2000s
- 2009
The Minnie Riperton Story
(archive footage)
- 2006
The Best of Carson, Volume 1
Movie
Carson Country
Movie
- 2002
The Ultimate Collection Starring Johnny Carson - The Best of the 60s and 70s
Movie
1990s
- 1996
E! True Hollywood Story
TV
1980s
- 1989
- 1985
The NBC All Star Hour: Let's All Be There
Movie
- 1984
Journeys through the Darkzone
Frankie's Dad
- 1982
1960s
- 1968
- 1966
- 1965
1950s
- 1957
Three Men on a Horse
Erwin Trowbridge
- 1953
- 1951
- 1950
Wrote 2
2000s
- 2006
Carson Country
Writer
1980s
- 1982
Johnny Goes Home
Writer
Created 2
1980s
- 1987
Mr. President
Creator
1950s
- 1955
Appearances111
2020s
- 2027
- 2026
Soccer's American Dream
Self (archive footage) · 1 episode
- 2025
Raise the Flags: 50 Years of Buccaneers Football
Self (archive footage) · 1 episode
- 2024
6 morts dans la nuit : « De sang-froid » – Truman Capote
Self (archive footage)
Bad Hostage
Self (archive footage)
- 2023
Gone Before His Time: Freddie Prinze Sr.
Self (archive footage)
The Man Who Stole Einstein's Brain
Self (archive footage)
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
The Sounds of Baseball
Self (archive footage) · 2 episodes
The Sit-In: Harry Belafonte Hosts The Tonight Show
Self (archive footage)
The Great Toilet Paper Scare
Himself
2010s
- 2019
Jeff Dunham: Talking Heads
Self (archive footage)
Biography: Comedy Icons
Self · 2 episodes
- 2018
Game Changers
Self (archive footage)
- 2017
This Is Bob Hope...
Self (archive footage)
There's... Johnny!
Self (archive footage) · 7 episodes
Whitney: Can I Be Me
Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
The Swingin' A's
Self (archive footage)
- 2015
- 2014
Mr. Baseball, Bob Uecker
Self (archive footage)
- 2013
Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia
Self (archive footage)
Llyn Foulkes One Man Band
Himself
Quality Balls: The David Steinberg Story
Self (Archive Footage)
Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic
Self (archive footage)
- 2012
- 2010
The Best of Johnny Carson
Self (archive footage)
2000s
- 2008
Johnny Carson Celebrates Christmas
Self
- 2007
Jimmy Carter Man from Plains
Self (archive footage)
- 2004
Seinfeld: How It Began
Self (archive footage)
- 2003
Live and Swingin': The Ultimate Rat Pack Collection
Self (archive footage)
Biography: Bob Hope: America's Entertainer
Self (archive footage)
- 2002
The Ultimate Collection starring Johnny Carson - The Best of the 70s and 80s
Self (archive footage)
- 2001
50 Years of NBC Late Night
Self (archive footage)
The Best of Bob Hope: 50 Years of Laughter — Volume 1
Self (archive footage)
The Best of Bob Hope: 50 Years of Laughter — Volume 2
Self (archive footage)
1990s
- 1998
The Best of the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts
Self - Roastee (archive footage)
- 1994
The World of Jim Henson
Self (archive footage)
Johnny Carson - His Favorite Moments from 'The Tonight Show' - '70s & '80s: The Master of Laughs!
Self - Host
Johnny Carson - His Favorite Moments from 'The Tonight Show' - '80s & '90s: The King of Late Night
Self - Host
Johnny Carson - His Favorite Moments from 'The Tonight Show' - '60s & '70s: Heeere's Johnny!
Self - Host
Johnny Carson - His Favorite Moments from 'The Tonight Show' - The Final Show: America Says Farewell
Self - Host
- 1992
Jack Benny: Comedy in Bloom
Himself
Laurel and Hardy: A Tribute to the Boys
Self
1980s
- 1987
It's Howdy Doody Time: A 40-Year Celebration
Himself - Guest
Jay Leno's Family Comedy Hour
Self
James Stewart: A Wonderful Life
Self
- 1986
Kraft Salutes the George Burns 90th Birthday Special
Self
The Garry Shandling Show: 25th Anniversary Special
Himself
- 1985
- 1983
George Burns Celebrates 80 Years in Show Business
Self
Sheena Easton: Act One
Self (uncredited)
- 1982
Johnny Goes Home
Self
- 1981
A Love Letter to Jack Benny
Himself
- 1980
Lucy Moves to NBC
Self
1970s
- 1978
Mickey's 50
Self
- 1977
Life Goes to War: Hollywood and the Home Front
Himself
- 1976
CBS Salutes Lucy: The First 25 Years
Self
NBC: The First Fifty Years
Self
- 1972
Don Rickles: Alive and Kicking
Self
Cancel My Reservation
Himself (uncredited)
- 1971
- 1970
Friars Club Roast of Don Rickles
Self - Host
1960s
- 1968
The Dean Martin Christmas Show
Self (uncredited)
Carnival Nights
Self
- 1967
The Danny Thomas Hour
Narrator · 1 episode
- 1966
Stuart Little
Narrator (voice)
- 1965
Frank Sinatra Spectacular
Self - Host
- 1964
Looking for Love
Self
- 1962
- 1961
You're in the Picture
Himself · 1 episode
1950s
- 1958
- 1957
- 1956
Lucy's Really Lost Moments
Self
- 1955
- 1954
- 1953
- 1950
1940s
- 1949
The Emmy Awards
Self · 5 episodes
- 1948
No release date
Autopsy the last hours of Johnny Carson
Self (Archive footage)