Charles Grodin Asks Johnny if He Cares About His Guests - Carson Tonight Show

Charles Grodin Asks Johnny if He Cares About His Guests - Carson Tonight Show - 09/05/1990
#johnnycarson #thetonightshow #charlesgrodin

[@joetube141]

This Tonight Show video clip is one of the many examples why the Johnny Carson Show is timeless.

[@floatsting20]

Grodin is putting him on.

[@theelevatorSRT8]

@@joetube141 once in a great while I reply to comments like yours. I indulge myself. It’s funny, unlike the crap you see on the shows today where just insult Republicans.

[@joetube141]

@@theelevatorSRT8 the important thing is that you indulged yourself, avoided crap and did not insult any Republicans.

[@at1970]

And why nobody will remember anything from talk shows of the last 20 years.

[@justinmonack7448]

@@theelevatorSRT8 Does it ever get exhausting? Constantly playing the victim?

[@carmellaallegretto-baker711]

Charles Grodin was the best at his craft when it came to throwing out dry humor, which was hilarious! Plus, pairing him with Johnny Carson was pure genius. Those were the days when comedy was brilliant and came naturally to these two, so thanks for the laughs, guys. Lastly, may Johnny and now Charles rest in eternal peace. No doubt they're having one heck of a reunion up above!

[@carmellaallegretto-baker711]

@@rbaz556, absolutely! Thanks for commenting.

[@mindeloman]

Most people don't know that after Charles Groden came on the show a few times around 1973, Johnny wanted him under contract as a guest. That shows just how much Johnny liked him but also how good he was for the show. They were two masters of their craft.

[@carmellaallegretto-baker711]

@@mindeloman, I actually did know about Johnny wanting Charles under contract as a guest. And they certainly were two masters of their craft, although if I had to choose who I like best, for me, it's Charles G hands-down! Try and find all the clips with Charles and David Letterman. Pure enjoyment. It seems David loved Charles as much as Johnny.

[@duckhive]

"I'm lookin for warm bodies!" LOL

[@rustynail2205]

Just watching now after he passed. Ironically funny, as they are both “back together”.

[@chadopitz6883]

That made me laugh so hard

[@guntertorfs6486]

Turns out Grodin wasn't kidding at all. Carson was an ahole. People came out in droves to attest to that after his death.

[@jbyesterday3959]

This is what happens when you've got two real pros. Dead pan at its wittiest & at its best. Rest in Peace Charles Grodin...... & Johnny !

[@kaledafif7972]

Yes indeed rip to both!!!

[@bubbastill2040]

now their convos are in the cosmos!

[@ronnietoots6797]

had no idea they are both gone...

[@siggylloyd3566]

@@ronnietoots6797 the year "1990" in the video title didn't tip you off?

[@chrisgattosu]

@@ronnietoots6797 be

[@mediamannaman]

"Of course I didn't. You think I'd pay 20 bucks for that?" He ended the interview right where they started it. Masterful. And they both laughed because they knew that they had just created good entertainment.

[@jmm1000]

@@kingy002 its not sidesplitting formulae transposition, but it was ok ;)

[@georgehenderson7783]

I thought they genuinely hated each other. 😅

[@mtp4430]

@@jmm1000 It's what's known in the business as excellent panel work. Very effective and not intended to be sidesplitting.

[@kileysmith8291]

They are soul switchers

[@ppmnox]

The banter is so well timed and organic, the best writers in the industry could never successfully orchestrate such a fantastic conversation

[@lockandloadlikehell]

When Johnny is the epitome of wit and sarcasm

[@adamdorgant9454]

True!!!

[@edwardmclaughlin8851]

@@lockandloadlikehell No Grodin far faster, took it easy on old Johnny/

[@problemsulfer]

Wow, Carson is good.

[@northeasttothepoint1376]

They're fine if you're a log roller - Johnny as we all know was from the Midwest but that kind of humor must have come from time with those from other regions either in the military or early days of TV in NY

[@charliefromstarkvillemissi1852]

These are two REAL pros. There is no animosity here, two honest talents having a debate.

[@adamdorgant9454]

True!!!!

[@billlombard9911]

To say Johnny was a television icon doesn’t cover it . We went to bed with him , with his monologue at 11:30 pm every night . He was part of our lives, someone like him will never come again

[@theUroshman]

Yup. That's how it was back then. I remember watching him every night, and then turning off the TV. Sometimes when I didn't feel sleepy, I would try watching a bit of David Letterman, which was OK, but never finished it, as it wasn't interesting enough to watch it deep into the night.

[@kingofallwhites]

@n\a Uroshman tossed his salad each and every night.

[@WillSmith63957]

That's true

[@cosmosbeing2103]

10:30pm for us in Chicago

[@khvtube77]

I’ve NEVER seen anyone match wits with Charles Grodin so well. This encounter was a ‘push’ in W/L column. This reminds you how great Johnny Carson truly was. Two legends

[@mikedoyle5852]

NAH. It was all in fun. Grodin was trying, but Johnny got the better.

[@hotdog9262]

imo carson didn`t match grodin at all. cheap deflection after deflection, with some good replies mixed in

[@jimjam51075]

I think Grodin made the "banned" list from the show at some point.

[@DUCKSAREEVILLLLLLLL]

@@jimjam51075 He was on Carson 36 times, and 40 times on Letterman. Carson had him on his show as late as 1990. They wouldn't have had him on if he wasn't an entertaining guest.

[@macman9831]

It’s like two legendary sword fighters just dueling relentlessly.🤣

[@ssnoc]

Hahaha “do you use eyeliner at all ?” … the way Grodin delivered his lines was so damn funny 😂😂👏👏

[@dennispicone6801]

Loved how these two actually enjoyed putting crap on each other. 😄😁🤣🤣👍🍺

[@swilhelm3180]

What a treasure this interview was. Both in such top form. A flawless example of dry, comedic timing. I believe it takes great intellect for this to occur and excellent observational skills. What a master Grodin was here. He interjected friction and warmth with superlative ability. He also dry out Carson in a way we've seldom seen before. Absolute magic.

[@tchwiss]

Nah, he was just a dick

[@gfriedman99]

Carson was just smooth as silk. He had a way of looking into the camera in an Oliver Hardy way to reach out to you for recognition of his plight. He was the Goat of late night TV.

[@andreamiller3578]

I didn't think I was going to enjoy this based on many of the comments, but I found it genuinely funny. I love the way Grodin baits and sets Carson up, and Carson just returns the serve. He plays well off that part insult, part dry as a desert humor of Grodin's. It looked to me like Carson enjoyed himself hugely in that battle. What a treat.

[@davidrichter9164]

Who cares about the comments? Even mine.

[@johnps30]

@@Lewis1key There used to be many great comedy teams who tirelessly worked on their routines and here’s Carson teaming up with thousands of comedians making the best of them even better. Endlessly entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny.

[@CoIoneIPanic]

@@davidrichter9164 nobody cares. Just need the warm bodies.

[@danielneece6404]

I was working in front of Johnny’s house one day and he actually walked up and said hello, what a guy, never forget him. One of the greats.

[@SpiritsOfAnotherDay]

Charles Grodin always was and will be a classic, “one of a kind”, guest that we looked forward to on Johnny Carson! ✨

[@ehaber197]

The fact that they both break smiles every now and then makes me feel better about what's going on

[@fatfreddyscat5767]

They were friends. Carson had Grodin on over 50 times.

[@Tunz909]

@@fatfreddyscat5767 Exactly, the one that really burned Carson and vice versa was Wayne Newton. The crap they have on now is just disgusting. Kimmell and the other pretenders are awful

[@Tunz909]

This was their act, all in fun...it's SHOW business;-)

[@Songs-vy7qu]

Very funny

[@smalltownusa3124]

Only people who REALLY like each other swap insults like this. I have a couple of friends who I do this with and we love every minute of it. Laugh all the time.

[@pommie5093]

Classic Johnny-no one will ever come close to what he was and what he did in entertainment. We miss you every day, Johnny

[@colinmontgomery1956]

Every day?

[@thegrays3303]

There will never be another Johnny Carson.

[@oscaru5342]

Never...

[@Jordanguitar]

I mean, he’s dead. So it would be impossible.

[@kinenai]

Unless a certain extraterrestrial, specifically colored species with advanced technology would do earth a huge favor and bring us another copy of the man.

[@kingeliii9011]

Watching Charles Grodin and Robert De Niro in Midinight Run was a masterpiece. I always enjoyed his work. Johnny Carson was and still is the king of late night TV.

[@TheGBs1972]

I just watched that and thought the same. I first saw that film in Sheffield UK in 1989ish…And thought it was fantastic and still do. Absolutely brilliant acting and chemistry between them

[@ronnyparker]

I will not forget Midnight Run, the guy that looks like the criminal is the good guy, the guy that looks like the good guy is the criminal......

[@harvey2609]

Charles Grodin had the most impeccable comedic timing.

[@SchroderPhotography]

This was Grodin keeping Carson honest in a comic sense. Testing him. Like he was throwing him curve balls to see if he can still hit them out of the park...the answer was Yes, Johnny can.

[@megantaylor7751]

Both were very clever. It was fun to watch!

[@jorgecase8788]

Nah. It was an jerk being a jerk

[@bradmacarthur3810]

I've heard from former Tonight Show writers that EVERYTHING that Carson said was all written beforehand. Even the off the cuff remarks by Johnnny were scripted.

[@walker2345]

@@jorgecase8788 jerks don't just accidentally also be hilarious

[@jorgecase8788]

@@walker2345 Why not? I do not find him funny. But many people found Jerry Lewis funny. Ditto Adam Sandler. And nobody would deny they were/are jerks.

[@davidc.2878]

This is absolutely hilarious! People who think this is serious probably don't get Laurel and Hardy or Abbott and Costello or even the Three Stooges. And all of this is improvised, especially on Johnny's part. He was incredibly quick.

[@tonym994]

yeah. the true test of TV comics is when they have no writers at the desk. his own wit carries the show. especially after hearing wisecracks from guests (and Ed)for 30 years. just now , I thought he was gonna say, "will you please let me introduce this guest ?"

[@frostysmoke37]

Carson was the greatest of all time, Jimmy Fallon couldn't hold Johnny's jock

[@laurenwarren8101]

I'm sure they went over the 6 or 7 jokes together, but how they got to the jokes, or brought up the jokes was unscripted.

[@Spoeism]

Or not everyone is friends?

[@justinbrockshus8483]

"I'm looking for warm bodies!!!"

[@michaelelliott1212]

Grodin was such a great guest. The whole exchange between Carson and Grodin was pure tongue-in-cheek schtick and very entertaining.

[@annalanzotti-venrick3989]

Hilarious!!

[@RaineStudio]

I saw genuine sparring but Johnny must have welcomed it or he could have dismissed Grodin with a single "We'll be right back." I appreciated Grodin's existential grilling of Johnny, as futile as it was.

[@drsloanski]

You could tell…at the end they both crack up. Pure gold.

[@johnps30]

It allowed Carson to do what Carson does best - quick ad libs

[@91dodgespiritrt]

Any "Schtick" is often very whiny, greedy and boring.

[@michaelangelos5117]

That is why I grew up watching Johnny Carson every single night before I went to sleep.

[@thegrays3303]

I remember growing up when the seed from sower was on every night

[@michaelangelos5117]

@@thegrays3303 I remember when I used to drive my horse to the saloon.

[@thegrays3303]

@@michaelangelos5117 that's ride your horses not drive

[@shersilvers]

So glad to have seen Johnny Carson live. Waited hours and hours but so worth it. He was one of a kind.

[@themole2024]

"If I can get 7 minutes out of you, I take a bundle and go home to Malibu." Go Johnny.

[@TuckerSP2011]

When I was a kid I would hear my father laughing at this show every night at 11:30 pm.

[@stevebrezzo1748]

Grodin was a master of creating a distaff and arrogant character that the host would play off of. It was a bit that endeared him to a score of hosts and guests. He was actually a very funny and well regarded actor and this was his best bit with Carson returning the serves and keeping the sharp volleys flying. Great stuff.

[@swilhelm3180]

Well said!

[@stewiepid4385]

He studied sociopaths and narcissists as a student actor. This is classic improve acting taken to an innovative level. He's well read concerning Jung & Nietzsche.

[@swilhelm3180]

@@stewiepid4385 Doesn't surprise me. Grodin comes across as extremely intelligent and a keen observer. It must be unsettling for a talk show host to battle wits like that.

[@onlythewise1]

@@swilhelm3180 not really a smart ass is not cool

[@srj302]

@@onlythewise1 You think they were serious?

[@josephkelley8641]

@ 2:11, Charles: "Do ye USE eyeliner at all?!" Johnny: "Only when i TRIED to get out of the Service."

[@drdrew3]

Yes. We heard it

[@jmarsh22]

Can anyone imagine Jimmy Fallon trying to deal with this? I mean, we all know this was actually all in good fun, but Carson’s comebacks were genius, he played along perfectly. Jimmy isn’t capable of this. He would’ve ruined the gag because he would’ve just sat there nervously giggling and trying to kiss Grodin’s ass. Carson was a master.

[@layton3503]

Priceless

[@gfunk63901]

Watch him interview the guy from Pink Floyd and he laughed about Syd Barret

[@Truther2001]

@Flatearth Granny I can't find it on his channel, can you share the link? Tia

[@adamdorgant9454]

True!!!!

[@murraymadness4674]

Well I don't know what Kimbell would do, but Caron definintely showed some real talent here!

[@mjproebstle]

“Well, now we’re talking” Even Charles had to grin at that one! Johnny is The Master

[@adamdorgant9454]

True!!!!

[@gato7908]

Love or hate this kind of edgy interview, you have to admit it's more entertaining than talking about Charles Grodin's book

[@kubagalinski8724]

Which he promoted at least 3 times when he was on and never really talked about it.

[@livhemingway2224]

@@kubagalinski8724 yeah I think that was his strategy!

[@watchman1178]

LOL! Or anything else about that kook Grodin, for that matter. This was pretty good shtick, though, even though I'm not 100% convinced that Johnny really thinks it's totally a bit. PS - "Heaven Can Wait" was a great movie, though. One of my favorites.

[@hankkingsley2976]

@@watchman1178 +qppl]

[@hankkingsley2976]

@@watchman1178 ain't nobody can do this today

[@Strangenstein]

These two played great off each other. There wasn’t tension. Just look at the big smile on Grodin’s face when Johnny gets in a real zinger. They both knew good television.

[@stephenward7856]

I think there was just the right amount of tension, they knew how to walk that tightrope.

[@peterprincipe493]

I don't know about that. They always had tension. Johnny doesn't look impressed.

[@coryburns9161]

@I've seen the Twinkie and the damage done about your comment I always felt this guy is odd but I love this guy. He is funny in movies and on Johnny.

[@EPA18]

Don't agree. Grodin was an unfunny jerk

[@Strangenstein]

@@EPA18 The howls of laughter from the studio audience would seem to disagree with you.

[@joeyrich4452]

Wow, now I see why people loved Johnny Carson. He was so quick & gracious and he never gets thrown off his game!

[@swilhelm3180]

One of the most best interviews in history! Grodin's mind is so sharp, such dry wit, such a fast thinker, such comedic timing. Truly one of a kind guest. He would have made such a great talk show host.

[@zeus6793]

He actually had one if I remember correctly. It didn't last. No one did against Johnny.

[@amydascalos3964]

it wasn't late night it was on CNBC

[@zeus6793]

@@amydascalos3964 Ahhh..but wasn't it on late at night?

[@ekr66]

@@zeus6793 I think it was on in the evening, but it wasn't late at night.

[@michaelbarlow6610]

@@ekr66 .Actually Charles Grodin's TV talk show on CNBC was a "late night" talk show that immediately followed, if I am recalling correctly, Geraldo Rivera's 9PM-10PM show, "Rivera Live". So Grodan's show was on from 10PM-11PM which, although not late night in that it didn't start at 11:30PM like Carson's "The Tonight Show", was nonetheless still technically a late-night show.

[@tims4694]

Grodin was such a great guest on talk shows. His quick mind and dry humor were just great. And Johnny just proves again that he is the King of late night.

[@randywaynebaker]

Johnny Carson went off the air the same year I was born, but I somehow found him and I'm so happy to know that he existed. Some say he could never be successful in today's climate, and they're probably right, but it doesn't detract from the fact that he was very good at hosting a talk show. Ask any talk show host working today who is worth their weight in salt and they will say that Johnny was the best. My parents' generation idolized David Letterman, and Letterman has stated that his whole career was just him trying to copy Carson; my generation idolizes Conan O'Brien, and he says the same thing. It has been agreed by those who know best: nobody tops Carson. He is the undisputed King of Late Night.

[@someotherdude]

holy shart I'm old then. Carson retired.... almost yesterday

[@sistitulasi]

He doesn’t lose his cool.

[@christoffersundberg8689]

We could sure need him and his show today

[@Barbara-zo6pq]

Conan is a bore compared to Johnny.

[@mckessa17]

I use to stay up late just to watch him. The late night television today just does not compare to Carson.

[@RobWilliams02]

This is why Johnny Carson will always be the King of Late Night. Impeccable poise, witty, and hilarious. All at the same time.

[@user-jl7ym4en5b]

No, no! So obvious, even to a 14 yr. old.

[@biggusdickus1689]

@@user-jl7ym4en5b No to what? He made multiple claims you have to clarify. So obvious

[@danc3693]

Grodin was great here as well.

[@RobWilliams02]

@@danc3693 yes he was. Equally brilliant.

[@ethanmurray2203]

And not political!

[@Ddamien-th8nh]

The smiles at the end says it all. Brilliant, just brilliant.

[@gh9111]

Charles Grodin had such a fantastic dry humor. Loved him. RIP.

[@darinb7966]

That isn't humor. You can't break JC.

[@damachine3]

@@darinb7966 You're saying you actually believe this is all serious?

[@dwightballard3868]

One of my favorite films he was in was So I married an axe murderer. He was brilliant when he refused to give up his car when the cop tried to commandeer it... Classic Grodin!

[@pattyoneill6724]

He was funny, and liked Clfford and especially Dave with Kevin Kline..

[@tomsenft7434]

He is the asshole I wish I could be.

[@JohnnyMcMenamin]

I love episodes that go outside of the norm. It really shows the talent Johnny has at hosting a show full of never ending surprises.

[@nickgeorgiou7770]

Could you imagine Jimmy Fallon having an interview like this? Don’t even think about it. It’s a No

[@itsjustme8554]

Grodin would fry him publicly... or "roast" him as they say these days. All Fallon could do is laugh awkwardly every time Grodin mocks him. I have a feeling Fallon would instantly keep his people from calling Grodin's manager to set up an interview because he knows it could end up embarrassing and awkward more than usual. I also think if Grodin Was to be interviewed by him, he'd stay quiet for a while at the beginning to see if Jimmy laughs to keep from feeling uncomfortable.

[@hornetbrown]

Fallon doesn't have the minerals nor the insulation Johnny Carson operated with, left hand tied behind. No comparison.

[@shannonlucas2980]

Fallon is the "comedian" equivalent of a note for note cover band. Very little originality if any at all. Incidentally, I've never seen a performer laugh at their own sketches more than the audience does. Worst late night host EVER.

[@ratso69ful81]

Jimmy probably would suggest a "lip sync battle"...

[@codeblue2532]

Nick G::: TrueThat ! After I watched Johnny’s last show with Bette, I watched Leno’s first show and it was MY LAST ,,,! Long live PARR, CAVETT, CARSON.

[@hungfao]

Johnny demonstrates here how he is clearly the king. Charles was always a tough interview but Johnny handles him brilliantly.

[@deansmeltzer]

This is Charles character. They’re playing off of each other.

[@TheWasif]

Fun Charles Grodin story: a friend of mine wrote promos for The Charles Grodin Show. My friend was at the urinal and CG came in to use the urinal next to him. While my friend was still in the middle of his “business,” Grodin says, “Magnificent.” My friend was surprised and a little creeped out before Grodin continued, “That promo you wrote - magnificent.” :)))

[@jeremybilbrey1133]

that is freaking hilarious...and sounds just like what grodin would have said..LOL

[@georgesotiriou7051]

That's great :)

[@001111bc]

CNBC?

[@TheWasif]

@@001111bc you got it!

[@flstffatboy3910]

Funny stuff

[@johngroves9828]

Two legends. This era of television and entertainment was terrific. The intelligence, the ability to take a joke, & keeping their composure......just so good!

[@ejdd3442]

These guy are a great duo on the mark, both left the planet and after 30 years later they continue to make us laugh, thank you you tube.

[@charlzthehuman6550]

I miss tense & “honest” yet funny like this. Never a boring time with Johnny

[@JECKBLADE425]

Charles banter with Johnny is great. Please post more of Grodin on The Tonight show..Thanks!

[@Mr1gladiatore]

Johnny could be quick when he needed to be. There will never be another Johnny Carson.

[@classierobertson9975]

NEVER

[@scotnick59]

He was the BEST at what he did

[@roygustafson7729]

I mean he's in my top 3.. but can we not say that Letterman is equally cutting

[@callmemastermaster9875]

@@roygustafson7729 Equally cutting, possibly moreso, but nowhere near as warm or kind when he does it.

[@atomicorang]

Terribly miss Carson.. And Letterman was hilarious back before he truly came out of the closet of being a Marxist liberal.

[@DavisSchulz]

legendary conversation

[@jrwheeler81]

This was one of the most entertaining "interviews" I've ever seen!

[@0-by-1_Publishing_LLC]

Two quick-witted entertainment professionals. A gladiator match-up that proved more entertaining than all other interviews that night.

[@thomasjj1976]

Not gladiators. Dancers

[@gerardothielen4310]

That Johnny Carson was really quick.

[@jeffreyshuster4482]

@@guileweaver1574 THIS absolutely 100% did NOT happen. Period. Do your research. It especially exposes you when you phrase it as: “Do you remember when... urban legend.

[@krisscanlon4051]

Grodin is just busting his chops and letting Carson get back to his old powers...Grodin knew Carsons place and enjoyed this last dash to the finish line

[@victorromeromartinez8565]

Charles Grodin RIP. This was probably one of the best appearances he made on Johnny Carson. We'll miss him dearly.

[@Bluestone524]

The guy is an actor. He's acting. Brilliant. One of the all time awesome straight men.

[@robertrussell8755]

Charles had a personal appearance contract for the tonight show. It was always during sweep weeks. It allowed Johnny to shine with his witty comeback’s.

[@theUroshman]

This insane banter between the two greats intrigued more curiosity about Grodin's book than if they had actually talked about the book.

[@randalcolucci6833]

100% spot on observation

[@burgcarli929]

These two had to be awfully close, they were like a well oiled comedy team. Both guys on the top of their game. Perfect synchronicity.

[@GrantTarredus]

Well said, sir. And exactly right.

[@williamhealy2473]

Exactly!

[@GrantTarredus]

@I've seen the Twinkie and the damage done Thanks; I didn’t know any of that.

[@hiddentruth6582]

What a treat to watch , no fake laughs no nonsense! Jimmy watch and learn!

[@ronnyparker]

Jimmie K a scripted shill...not real, so much fakiness

[@robertthomas5736]

Incredible Interview with Mister Charles Grodin,Recently Passed At 86,May You Rest in Peace !

[@jmaxxtv9912]

Very sad to hear Charles has passed...Rest well, legend!

[@patrickskahill6530]

Charles Grodin gave Johnny Carson a run for his money . Grodin finally cracks when he admits he does other shows. LOL. Great interview.

[@joeschmo2693]

This was Grodin's thing. Had a 'feud' with Letterman for years too.

[@747heavyboeing3]

Jealous, he didn't have much of a career.

[@ElizabethW62]

@@747heavyboeing3 Grodin had a decent career. That aside, *envy* is the term you're looking for, not "jealousy"; they're not synonymous.

[@wills4510]

Best exchange between a talk show host and a guest ever. Period.

[@brianm5621]

Boy Carson didn't miss a beat. How brilliant they both were

[@adamdorgant9454]

You’re right about that!!!!

[@Titan500J]

These are two class acts ad-libbing in perfect timing. What a joy to watch.

[@warrenstephens3705]

A lot of people tried but never could get over on Johnny. Thats why he was the ONE and ONLY Johnny Carson.

[@chrisfeeney5814]

Except Rickles.

[@larasmaith5006]

Hi Stephens how are you doing. I hope you are safe and in good health. I'm Lara from California, looking for a new friend and I saw your pic here. I hope you don't mind, thank you.

[@JustMike2791]

RIP Charles Grodin, a comedic genius. He will be missed.

[@moss8448]

dry ironic wit

[@91dodgespiritrt]

He's ONLY a genius to nitwits.

[@moss8448]

@@91dodgespiritrt his dead pan wry wit is the thing man.

[@xtracheezyy9173]

@@91dodgespiritrt It’s a good thing people’s taste in comedy doesn’t have to coincide with yours.

[@arame29]

When did he pass

[@casienwhey]

Charles and Johnny had a thing they did, pretending to insult and annoy each other. It was their inside joke and they both played it really well each time Charles was on. Truth is they really liked each other.

[@charliefromstarkvillemissi1852]

This is just a smarter, less obvious version of what Kimmel and Matt Damon did years later.

[@hanzen5174]

johnny is legit annoyed here

[@garywalters3007]

c'mon now...this is elementary (literally and figuratively). to me, the audience is the "girl". they are both looking for laughs. each is trying to demolish the other in order to win her hand. tonight, JOHNNY won this one.

[@scottmorley3672]

He was a genius of sarcasm. "Midnight Run" with DeNiro was his finest performance.

[@peaceandlove544]

for me the one with Martin Short

[@jameshudson169]

heaven can wait. he was mr farnsworth's personal private executive secretary.

[@jamesfields2916]

You have two emotions. Silence and rage.

[@jamsheadaziz3999]

Not forgetting Joe Pantoliano's performance as well in midnight run

[@TheGBs1972]

Totally agree ..that film is perfect

[@ObamAmerican48]

This was their thing. They riffed off each other. That's why Johnny Carson had him on so often. He did the same thing with Letterman.

[@markjones952]

Always good to see Johnny.

[@ronaldjeffers2415]

Johnny Carson was so amazing so funny and so intelligent what an incredible person he was the great Johnny Carson The Tonight Show

[@2ndHandHero]

“I got to do an hour a night. I need warm bodies!” Classic!

[@GreenArrowNetwork]

This makes me love Charles Grodin so much. And Johnny just kills it. Hilarious.

[@lancelmccune]

I love Carson and his skills show with one of the best straight men of the time.

[@clapoutloudclapoutloud]

If Charles Grodin was not wanted believe me he would not have been asked back on the show, he was asked many times to come back. He also was funny in his movies.

[@williamcervetti1455]

Carson delighted in both actors and comedians who were both edgy (Pryor and Carlin) and wacky (Steve Landesberg, old friend of my wife's), Robert Blake (show biz rebel,uncontrollable maverick) and Grodin, who was a brilliant actor AND performance artist, as is shown in this clip, and not this clip alone. It is to Carson's great credit that he had all of them on again and again. They kept him on his toes, and showed that yes, indeed, there will never be another late night host nearly as good as Johnny Carson. He knew what he was doing.

[@docprocmd]

​@@williamcervetti1455 Love the Bigger Picture perspective WC brings to these comments and spot-on examples, putting Grodin on a continuum with other guests whose appearances with Johnny I know that I, for one, always anticipated with a different sort of excitement. Clever guy, that Carson, parlaying the apparent safety of his own Midwestern, Middle-American persona to lead unsuspecting viewers into some pretty risky territory at times (c.f., Andy Kaufman's first "Tonight Show" appearance). I don't have examples at the ready, but I'm also thinking there were guests less-talented than WC's aforementioned who tried, unsuccessfully, to develop one of these "edgy," "wacky" personae but couldn't pull it off or sustain it. Another all-time great combo on that "edgy," "wacky" spectrum: Letterman and Richard Simmons.

[@williamhealy2473]

“Do you use eyeliner at all?” Carson loved him. Carson loved “playing” with smart guests. There were so many guests that were boring actors where Johnny had to carry the conversation. Trust me if Carson didn’t like him, he wouldn’t be back and he was invited back often...

[@vernpascal1531]

The Johnny didn't fawn all over these guys. Acting like he cared about their latest box office bonanza even if it sucked.

[@lockandloadlikehell]

I love when all the boomers on here here to tell us what intelligent humor they appreciate- as if Johhny is some comedic genius, MEANWHILE they gotta explain the friggin obvious joke lmao Gmafb

[@0patience4flz]

Your generation has no wit

[@PatTheRiot]

Exactly. What most people just don't understand. Johnny is literally saying this. And Charles is doing his best to challenge that boredom. The respect radiates by the end. Thats why this whole safe-zone concept doesnt work. Sometimes you make friends fighting and playing.

[@cleesely]

two times he puts his middle finger directly into johnny carson's face on live tv lmao 9:57 & 12:20

[@charlespage8692]

This interview gives me an entirely new appreciation for how smart and funny Charles Grodin was. Amazing! Toe to toe with dry tongue in cheek humor with Johnny Carson! I'm so lucky to have seen this segment!

[@mckinleymorganfield8494]

This was Amazing! We need Charles more than ever right now. The current line up of late night "talent" would collapse under this man. Friken awesome.

[@AhPhoey]

Charles Grodin at the peak of his powers here.

[@sunlodge6]

Johnny Carson was the king of late night. He's still is the king of late-night even with the re-runs. I was in the audience almost twice a week watching the taping in the sixties.

[@NxDoyle]

Charles Grodin was one of the best talk show guests. He did this to Carson for years, then he did it to Dave. He stars on two of my favourite comedies, The Heartbreak Kid and Midnight Run. Irascible and brilliant. Rest in Peace.

[@tswrench]

Masterful performances from two legends.

[@edwinearl4584]

Grodin always did this. I looked forward to his Tonight Show appearances.

[@pasion4piano]

This interview back then tells me how bad our actual TV show have regress by all means.

[@flstffatboy3910]

Oh yeah for sure

[@absolutelydisgusted3319]

@@r.p.mcmurphy6623 ,is rudeness your first language? What a small, petty remark. Really shows who you are- so...congratulations.

[@mustang7603]

Get woke go broke. Leftist having ruined everything except UFC and golf

[@lockandloadlikehell]

@@mustang7603 golf lmao Golf was ruined from its inception

[@WhatACoolArrow]

Watch Conan interview Will Arnett or Bill Burr. There is still good real interviews out there. Or Larry kings interviews online

[@user-jt5ot4hy9q]

Grodin is the perfect antagonist to provoke Johnny's brilliance with the counter-stab. Sometimes you even suspect it must be scripted and not entirely off-the-cuff. But if it is, you'd never know it.

[@fifthbusiness1678]

Apparently never scripted ... Carson would never meet his guests beforehand in the green room (unless of course they were ultra-famous)

[@josephkelley8641]

They're perfect together - Dave and Charles, same thing.

[@robertrussell8755]

Not scripted but planned to bring out Johnny

[@walterraulerson2986]

Johnny no matter that he was worth a half a billion he still valued 20 bucks

[@454ss67]

One commenter said all of Johnny Carsons interviews and comebacks were scripted, but I don't think so. That would require a script for his guest as well. I had just watched his interview with Stephen Wright after his TV debut. It was clearly not scripted. Wright was desperately trying to have funny/quirky comebacks that matched his stand-up routine, but adlib just isn't his thing. Johnny Carson did this for a living. He was the king of late night for a reason! Carson and Grodin were great together!

[@robertwhitten265]

Chares: What are you proud of? Johnny: That I didn't write a book like this.

[@hexo-mobius]

He roasted Johnny so hard and Johnny was wearing an anti-lava suit. 🐐

[@hellobye11]

(Rest in paradise) Charles grodin ✝️ 1935 - 2021 ✝️ I will forever remember you in Beethoven and Clifford. 😔🙏

[@aram.v]

Midnight Run for me.

[@danusher6919]

@@aram.v yes, Midnight Run for me too!

[@classicfilmfan6382]

The great Muppet caper and Heart and Souls, RIP Charles Grodin, ⭐✨♥️

[@butchl-wyo593]

@@aram.v I signed in to say "Midnight Run". My compliments sir. "Log-roller" ha ha ha.

[@KOSMICKEN09]

The lonely guy with Steve Martin too

[@SteveGia80]

RIP Charles Grodin. You and Johnny can now continue the laughs.

[@lise-annedore8935]

Oh my... Had he been sick?

[@AshleyGreerton]

I can imagine Rickles & Carson still chatting etc...

[@vcvortex6356]

Actually no, they can't. They are dead. They can't do anything.

[@johnps30]

Oh man, two days ago. And George Segal recently too. George and Charles had similar deliveries with Carson. Carson could really mine comedy gold with the pros. For all its faults, life is better with KZbin!

[@mrsj1417]

I doubt that - Johnny Carson famously didn't like Grodin.

[@melsoloh]

One of the best interviews ever. Witty, edgy and genuinely funny. Thank you for uploading this.

[@tgirard123]

A lot of people thought this was real. The truth was Johnny loved having Charles grodin on and going through these silly arguments. It really is fun to watch now

[@drdrew3]

Nobody thought it was real. They each broke character at least 4 times. Laughing through the whole thing. If Johnny didn’t like somebody they weren’t booked on his show. Period

[@jasonbowser5754]

@@drdrew3 a lot of people thought it was real. If you listen to interviews he did off the show, he got tons of mail asking why he was so rude to Carson and to Letterman. That’s what makes it even funnier.

[@sdcoinshooter]

I have seen this about 100 times and still laugh every time

[@gomezaddams4347]

-What’s the paperback go for? -$9.95. -Well, now we’re talking. Excellent, Johnny.

[@shanemcfaddenable]

RIP Charles Grodin. As a kid I only knew you as the dad in Beethoven and as an adult I found out what a fascinating personality you were!

[@jackiepowell7513]

Was he in the Heartbreak Kid? W cybill shephard??

[@terryfriend16]

Johnny is amazing here, bantering with Charles. Two straight up comedians, so funny.

[@krob1957]

Carson was the best, and I love Grodin's sense of humor.

[@nicestrat]

This brought me to happy tears......two of the greatest entertainers of my lifetime.