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I Miss You, Johnny Carson

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with North Shore Suburbs & Chicago Real Estate

Talk Show HostThere will never be another Johnny Carson.  Call me a nostalgic, sentimental sap -- but after watching the American Masters documentary called "Johnny Carson:  King of Late Night" on PBS, I just wanted to watch the program over and over again.  The documentary masterfully takes the viewer on a journey of Johnny Carson's life -- from childhood through his death in 2005.  In my opinion, it does a fabulous job of paying tribute to a private, complex man who had a superstar, larger-than-life persona.

If you grew up watching Johnny Carson like I did, you know what a unique and talented talk show host and entertainer he truly was.  Generations tuned into The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson night after night -- sometimes falling sleep while watching his show.  Often times, I was one of those people.  And, it seems like only yesterday.  But then again, most of my fondest memories seem like they happened only yesterday.

Johnny Carson was a true, American icon.  To me, he was special and one-of-a-kind.  I'll never forget his charm, his style, his grace, his good looks, and his terrific sense of timing and humor.  And, he was part of a magical era -- the likes of which we will never see again. 

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carie shapiro

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Comments (13)

Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

Carie:  You and I must have been watching the same special about a week ago.  I felt much the same way you do ... there was only one Johnny and no one can replace him.  What a unique and complex man he was.  Witty, funny ... and yet, somehow very sad too.  Maybe that was what made him so good with interviews??   I'm betting I'll watch the special again, should the opportunity arise.  It was great ...

Have a great holiday weekend!

Gene

May 23, 2012 08:46 AM
Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

Carie, Oh I would love to have seen this show. I always liked Johnny Carson as he always made me laugh.  Loved his smile.   I agree with your last statement....."he was part of a magical era -- the likes of which we will never see again."  Sad but true. 

May 23, 2012 09:12 AM
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

I agree.  I felt Conan brought some of the Old Tonight Show back as he had his side kick on the couch - something that has disappeared, but no one was as funny as Johnny.  Early shows lasting an hour and a half were best when he had interesting people on, not just someone hawking a book or movie.

May 23, 2012 09:12 AM
Kalene Bagwell
Realty Executives Of Kansas City - Blue Springs, MO
Realtor - Selling Blue Springs - Kansas City Metro

Carie,  Johnny Carson was the best.  I still remember staying up to watch him with my parents. My parents used to do skits at our church based on some of his late night comedy. Everyone loved it. Another comedian I really miss is John Candy.

May 23, 2012 09:15 AM
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

Those were the days my friend..........Too bad they had to end.

May 23, 2012 09:50 AM
Janis Borgueta
Newburgh, NY
Retired RE Salesperson

Carie ~ I hear it was the anniversary of his death.. and i think that was why the show. He was a legend and no way could anyone ever replace him. Nothing stays the same though.. and today are the good old days of tomorrow!  Twenty years from now we will all be talking about ... "remember when we blogged?." and there will be someone talking about those good old days! It never fails...

May 23, 2012 09:57 AM
Kathy Stoltman
Balboa Real Estate - Ventura, CA
Ventura County Real Estate Consultant 805-746-1793

He was really one of a kind.  I remember watching his last show with my parents who were visiting and now my mother is gone as well.  I will always remember that Johnny Carson's last show and those who were present with me to watch it.

May 23, 2012 10:00 AM
Linda Urbick
RealtyOne Group - San Ramon, CA
Selling San Ramon Valley - 925-786-5132

Johnny was the funniest and his guests were funny as well. While many of the late night talk show hosts try to emulate him--most of them fall short. It would be great if they would have re-runs of his shows.

May 23, 2012 10:48 AM
Leslie G. Rojohn
MoonDancer Realty - Sylva, NC
GRI, ABR ~ MoonDancer Realty

He was a natural talent.  His personal life was maybe not the greatest but on the show it felt like he was really interested in the folks that came on.  He could change a new talents life forever, just by calling them over to talk to him after their performance. And with just that little glance at the camera, you would just crack up.  Miss that show.

May 23, 2012 11:10 AM
Carie Shapiro
North Shore Suburbs & Chicago Real Estate - Evanston, IL

Gene:  I agree.  His life was filled with much laughter ... and sadness.  I have the program on DVR so I'll be watching it again :)  Hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend, too!

Rebecca:  I think you can watch the video if you click on the link in my blog.  Check it out!  And, yes ... I think my last line is sad but true, too.

Gene:  Isn't that incredible ... he did 1 1/2 hours live every night for a long time.  And, yes ... the best guests!

Kalene:  That is so cute about your parents doing skits based on his comedy in church :)  And, I liked John Candy too.

John:  That's a good song, my friend :)

Janis:  Yes, Johnny Carson was a legend.  And, I never really thought about it the way you described it ... people will be talking about "those good old days" forever.  I guess it's all relative :)

Kathy:  His last show was a classic!  It's interesting how we remember where we were and who we were with when we watched it.  Sounds like you have nice memories of watching that show with your parents :)

Linda:  That would be a great idea.  I wonder why they don't show reruns of his show??

Leslie:  Yes, he seemed very genuine, didn't he?  And, in the documentary, several now famous comedians talked about being called over to the couch after their performances -- and how that changed their lives and careers forever.

 

 

 

May 23, 2012 12:23 PM
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

I know... I miss him, too.

We had a personal connection to Johnny.... remember when they discussed his attorney "Bombastic Bushkin"?  Well, Bushkin was my brother-in-law. He and Johnny, along with Joanna and Judy (my sister-in-law) would travel everywhere together... they were very tight, until the "break-up".

We have lots and lots of Johnny stories.  Remind me next time you're in town, and I'll fill you in.

May 25, 2012 01:33 AM
Suzanne McLaughlin
Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael) - Saint Michael, MN
Sabinske & Associates, Realtor

I think part of his "talent" was bringing on people who made you feel as if you were "in" on the joke, too.  Rather than being exclusive, he was inclusive. 

Wouldn't it be great if Alan would share his stories with ALL of us?

May 29, 2012 07:09 PM
Nancy Laswick
United Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
Your REALTOR® For The Valley Of The Sun

Johnny Carson didn't invent the late night talk show he reinvented it and is the standard by which all those who follow are measured. Thanks for sharing Carie.

Jun 01, 2012 03:29 AM