Johnny Carson
Johnny Carson
John William "Johnny" Carsonwas an American television talk show host and comedian, best known for his 30 years as host of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Carson received six Emmy Awards, the Governor's Award, and a 1985 Peabody Award. He was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1987. Johnny Carson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992 and received a Kennedy Center Honor in 1993...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionComedian
Date of Birth23 October 1925
CountryUnited States of America
It's silly to have as one's sole object in life just making money, accumulating wealth. I work because I enjoy what I'm doing, and the fact that I make money at it - big money - is a fine-and-dandy side fact. Money gives me just one big thing that's really important, and that's the freedom of not having to worry about money. I'm concerned about values - moral, ethical, human values - my own, other people's, the country's, the world's values. Having money now gives me the freedom to worry about the things that really matter.
I'm not one of those who spring up yelling, "Yippee! Another day!" I'll grumble and sulk around a couple of hours, reading newspapers and trying to pick out an idea I might do something with on the show. But I don't really start functioning until noon or later; then about two I go to the studio and the pace begins to quicken.
Air Canada. That's a good name for a Canadian airline.
As for being sociable, I hate the phoniness in the showbiz world. I know this will be taken wrong, but I don't like clubs and organizations. I was never a joiner.
Whatever you do, you're going to be criticized.
Audiences have proved time and again that they don't want a steady diet of any entertainer airing his social views - especially if he's a comedian.
I can empathize with President [George Bush]. I know what it feels like having a young guy waiting around for you to keel over.
There's only one critic whose opinion I really value, in the final analysis: Johnny Carson. I have never needed any entourage standing around bolstering my ego. I'm secure. I know exactly who and what I am. I don't need to be told. I make no apologies for being the way I am.
How much of the national news that you report to the public each night consists of information you've actually gone out and dug up on your own?
I wouldn't have the slightest interest in running for public office. I'd rather make jokes about politicians than become one of them.
I don't run with anybody's herd. I don't like crowds. I don't like going to fancy places. I don't like the whole nightclub scene. Cocktail parties drive me mad. So I do my job and I stay away from the rest of it.
Only lie about the future.
The only thing money gives you is the freedom of not worrying about money.
The worst gift is a fruitcake. There is only one fruitcake in the entire world, and people keep sending it to each other.