Johnny Carson Hosted ‘The Tonight Show’ For The First Time 64 Years Ago, And Groucho Marx Introduced Him

On October 1, 1962, a 36-year-old comedian walked through the curtain at NBC and into American bedrooms. Johnny Carson hosted ‘The Tonight Show’ for the first time that night, 64 years ago. He took over from Jack Paar, and nobody watching could have guessed how long he would stay.

Groucho Marx had the honor of introducing him. The guest list for the first broadcast included Joan Crawford, Rudy Vallée, Tony Bennett and a young Mel Brooks, according to the show’s episode records. Ed McMahon was at his side as announcer and remained there for the entire run. Skitch Henderson led the band at the start, and Doc Severinsen took over the bandstand in 1967. According to History.com, the show came from New York City until 1972, when it moved to Burbank, California.

Johnny Carson Stayed For Nearly 30 Years

Carson’s nearly 30-year run produced some of late-night television’s most memorable moments. In 1964, singer and actor Ed Ames demonstrated his tomahawk-throwing skills, accidentally striking a cardboard cowboy dummy in a particularly unfortunate spot and sending Carson and the studio audience into hysterics. Five years later, more than 45 million Americans tuned in to watch singer Tiny Tim marry Miss Vicki live on the program. Carson also introduced audiences to recurring comedy characters such as Carnac the Magnificent, the turban-wearing psychic who hilariously supplied answers to questions sealed inside envelopes.

Carson signed off for the last time on May 22, 1992. In between, a seat on his couch could launch a career, and a frosty reception could stall one. William Shatner has his own tale about that, which DYR told in the story of the interview he says got him banned. Carson died on January 23, 2005, at age 79, and McMahon followed on June 23, 2009. Two men tied to that history are still with us. Severinsen turned 99 in July, and Brooks celebrated his 100th birthday in June. No video of the first show is known to survive, so the memory of that opening night belongs to the people who stayed up to watch it.

Johnny Carson’s Final Tonight Show Brought His Career Full Circle

Carson’s final week in May 1992 became one of the most emotional farewells in television history. On May 21, his last guests were Robin Williams and Bette Midler, who performed a touching rendition of “One for My Baby (and One More for the Road).” The usually composed Carson became visibly emotional as Midler sang directly to him. The following night, he appeared without any guests, choosing instead to look back on three decades of interviews, comedy sketches, and unforgettable moments. An estimated 55 million Americans tuned in to watch the King of Late Night say goodbye.

The farewell also brought viewers back to October 1, 1962. Although video of Carson’s first broadcast has not survived, an audio recording of Groucho Marx’s introduction and Carson’s opening remarks still exists. Portions were played during the final show, allowing audiences to hear the nervous young comedian who had taken over from Jack Paar nearly 30 years earlier. During that first appearance, Carson jokingly called for his grandmother as he adjusted to his new role. By the time he delivered his final goodnight in 1992, he had become one of the most influential personalities in television history.