Joan Rivers in Conversation With Henry Bushkin About the Dark Side of Johnny Carson

www.wnyc.org/story/the-leonard...
When Joan Rivers guest hosted recently for WNYC's Leonard Lopate, she sat down with author and attorney Henry Bushkin to remember their friendships with Carson. Both had public fallings out with the charismatic host, but never disregarded his genius.

[@ronnlucas7191]

As a ventriloquist I first appeared on the Tonight Show in 1984. Later In the 1990’s I toured with Joan Rivers as one of her featured acts. Never was I as terrified as I was by every Tonight Show appearance, nor was I made to feel at home and relaxed as I was while hanging out with Joan. Sure, Johnny Carson was a genius but Joan was an angel.

[@NikiBechusWTF]

Hearing that about Joan, makes my heart sing. Thank you.💯🙏

[@valeriehancotte-galan4790]

Nice to hear about Joan ☺️

[@aarondigby5054]

​@@NikiBechusWTFshe was the absolute best.

[@finished6267]

Amazing. Where and how can we see more of you.

[@susanlester1]

Thank you for sharing ❤

[@SaxonC]

Joan always gave Carson the credit for her career before the fallout and after the fallout, she still gave him credit for her career and she was sincere about it

[@revrotunda3206]

I’m not sure why there was a fallout between Carson & Rivers because it seemed like Carson expected Rivers to not advance and or try other things in her career unless of course there were other things involved. He set others up for life by allowing them to appear on his show so what did he expect from Rivers? Carson himself advanced in his career as does any other is able to so why shouldn’t Rivers?

[@bodichair]

Good show

[@stephenedgecock]

@@revrotunda3206 he was mad at her for having her own talk show

[@Rjensen2]

@@stephenedgecock No, he wasn't. He was mad for her going behind his back and running against him. He had every right to be pissed. Joan Rivers was a cunt, that's why she didn't do jack after because she had screwed over too many people.

[@barbarascott3350]

@@stephenedgecockon a competing station

[@brenda9361]

What a joy to hear Joan’s voice again and almost feel like she was never gone from this world.

[@redhead8777]

Back when people had genuine conversations publicly, a sense of humor, good laughs and weren't afraid to speak or joke for fear of offending someone... everyone was equal game and differences were mostly tolerated. Before divisions. Before tech. Before censorship. Back when media was great. It was a fun time. I miss those days! Thank you & RIP Johnny & Joan.

[@TheLordGoat]

That ended in 98 permanently.

[@ExtremelyRadiant]

Johnnie Carson was a part of my late night time with my mechanic father. The whole family could watch Johnnie. I could just look at his face, still can, and just laugh. 😂 He put his reserve self on the shelve, to make us laugh. ❤ He had animals, and child actors or kids in the news, 100 year old citizens, etc. 😊 I am sad he was alone in the end. 😢 He made a lot of people feel okay going to sleep at night. And, in the 60's and 70's, we needed ALL the reassurance, that America was okay. Just for a little while with Johnnie, before bedtime. 🎉

[@helloworldRR]

Trump 2024

[@victoriajarvis2260]

We were proud of him. He was our guy. - Thanks for sharing.

[@johnfury6481]

Very well put and I entirely agree with you.

[@cipher940]

Candies up his nose

[@MM-rr1kp]

i think he wanted to be alone in the end

[@pamelasosin8228]

I remember in the late sixties and early seventies, the Johnny Carson Show was literally what was watched every weeknight in our household. He is really missed even after 40 years. He was that great! Especially the ability to make people laugh! Wonderful interviews!

[@Pazuzu12]

Every time I watch Joan, I am reminded just how much I miss her.

[@blackdog422]

J xx

[@jlp2061]

Truth Pazuzu

[@jgvtc559]

Thank Michael obama

[@billthompson6442]

I agree. Not only was she funny, but amazingly brilliant and Truthful! Rip Joan !

[@billthompson6442]

King of All Buttocks You are the looser buttocks!!!

[@larryvanbarriger6670]

Love Joan, her voice brings me back to my childhood. All of the voice acting she did for cartoon characters, and movies. She is truly missed!

[@scienceforall8778]

The adventures of Letterman. Lol!

[@annmariesantorelli2332]

P

[@larryvanbarriger6670]

@@annmariesantorelli2332 Right? Joan was the first one to tell us Michelle Obama had a penis

[@lydias2012]

@@larryvanbarriger6670 Really? That's what got? Yeah for you I guess?

[@John-zc4rz]

Joan got offed for exposing big Mike one half of the homosexual Obama team.

[@rocko9451]

This was Joan Rivers at 80 years old. She had her faculties together more than any current politician around that age.

[@kellycarroll5036]

My mom and my 2 Aunts had tickets to see Joan on her tour. They were so excited to see her, they LOVED Joan. Less than a week before the show, Joan passed away. Mom and the Aunts were absolutely devastated. Johnnie was an amazing talent. When I read the book, it made me so sad to learn that he was a totally different person behind the curtain. RIP Joan and Johnnie❤

[@blanchdubois398]

She didnt pass away she was murdered

[@danettewelborn5577]

She was killed. Didn't just pass away.

[@christinanielsen1917]

He asked Sally field for a date on a certain day. She couldn't make it on that exact evening but suggested another day. I suppose he took it as a no and never had her on the show again. When Joanne phlug (pflug?) Appeared on his show ( he had her on several times) she credited her life and success to Jesus Christ. There was complete silence on the show. There was an uncomfortable vibe probably even from religious people in the audience. Joanne never appeared on the show again. I believe he had a hatred for religious people and believed them to be stupid. Perhaps that's why he would have athiest Carl Sagan on all the time. His son impregnated a black woman who considered herself a Christian. The little girl is the spitting image of Carson's son who looks just like Carson. Johnny went out of his way to make sure that little girl would never be acknowledged. Sinatra's son did the same. That child was not acknowledged but when Sinatra Jr impregnated the housekeeper he included the child in his will. Carson's sons were all irresponsible which is why Carson's sisters son ( his nephew) runs his production company. I consider Joan Rivers to be exceptionally talented but paid her secretaries poverty wages. I don't believe anything she says. She tried to steal Peter LaSalle from the tonight show who not only worked for Carson but was loyal to him although bushkin In this interview says the opposite Johnny's last wife wasn't a gold digger. She was highly educated with a career. She did place herself on the beach yards away from Johnny's home. Sort of like Marla maples a Baptist placing herself at Trump's church. Lastly I worked as an intern at NBC for the tonight show. I saw Mr Carson staring at me but never once said hello. Jay Leno would not only greet me but started conversations with me.

[@lockandloadlikehell]

​@@danettewelborn5577lmao SAUCE ?

[@lockandloadlikehell]

​@@christinanielsen1917wife beater Just like Steve McQueen

[@janeceeastwood8035]

Johnny Carson was the best at what he did, and he’s still better than anyone doing the same today. Johnny never faded away from my heart. Thanks to KZbin, once again, I can watch him every night. Thank you, KZbin!

[@sheilapasquini6232]

Joan never spared anyone and made me laugh hysterically many times. Thank you, Joanie. RIP

[@laserluver1]

What a tremendous loss. On top of being the queen of comedy, Joan was an excellent interviewer. She will be missed. RIP

[@denisepaulsenful]

We will miss her forever. She was lovely.

[@secondstring]

@@denisepaulsenful - Lovely? Ugly as sin.

[@DDumbrille]

Speak for yourself. Joan Rivers was a bitter, jealous, angry woman, full of self-hatred and hatred of others. She can never get through an interview without cutting others down.

[@Valkonnen]

She was addicted to that cosmetic surgery, when you reach her age, it's just not wise to be put under anesthesia unless absolutely necessary.

[@DDumbrille]

@@Valkonnen She was addicted though, again, because she hated herself. Thought she wasn't good enough, pretty enough. Yet she trashed others for a living. Oh, the irony...

[@sunnymagnuson1809]

I did her hair at the Playboy club she’s very laid back not picky at all! Edgar was a sweetheart!

[@gregadamo4423]

Sunny Magnuson did you star on an episode of Highway to Heaven with Michael Landon?

[@TeamoJXZ]

Omg youre so lucky

[@jmstouter6572]

Lucky dog!

[@secondstring]

With her looks, how could she be picky? Anything you do would be an improvement.

[@secondstring]

@Spanish Ramon - You think Rivers is hot you are a sick individual.

[@PatHaskell]

The one great thing about Johnny was that he didn’t politicize his show like so many celebrities do now.

[@susanlester1]

No one used to do that, it's a new thing. Divide and conquer

[@beachgirl48]

Sure he did. He always brought up politics. You just think so because you agreed with him. He was a big Reaganite even when he was a Governor (Blech!), a Nixon man (oh brother) and then stayed fairly quiet through Carter.

[@susanlester1]

@@beachgirl48 Enjoy the Biden WW3

[@Sandto33]

I miss Joan Rivers, she was just so genuine, and funny. All the greats are gone, and this current generation is left with mediocre shows and talent. Sad

[@dianamajka1060]

Sandyman45 I know it’s sad and sadly these folks that are past will be forgotten by this generation that are just ridiculously stupid and they are college educated as well! Just sad!

[@saintejeannedarc9460]

We still have greats like Norm MacDonald. There's a few around.

[@deathlarsen7502]

Killed by the obamas

[@Ran-33]

I still have Roseanne, Joan would have defended her for sure against the progressive cancel culture.

[@saintejeannedarc9460]

@@Ran-33 Rosanne, for sure. Norm stood up for her and that other male comedian that had the masterbating fetish. He stood up for both of them and Hollyweird just about cancelled him just for not condemning them and talking about them like they were real people who lost everything and could maybe comfort each other. But he'd already been blackballed and doesn't care about stuff enough to care, so he survived. He's a fairly decent guy considering the cesspool that Hollyweird is. So is Rosanne. Glad she's coming out of that far left mentalitiy.

[@lynnklein6146]

I loved Joanie! She made me laugh so much with her brilliance and wit! There will never be another Joan Rivers. Rip joan!

[@vcgreer]

There is a video on The Growing Awareness channel inferring it possible Joan faked her death. No opinion here but they have an older Joan on video.

[@redriver6541]

Amen. Well said Lynn.

[@cjhepburn7406]

Starsbless

[@paulpower7018]

Killed for her jokes of truth.

[@darrenkohls7431]

They murdered her !

[@Howard007]

We need Joan more than EVER right now 💜

[@6821hominy]

Beautifully put! Yes we do!

[@theStacyJames]

She's dead

[@aWomanFreed]

For what

[@DDumbrille]

No we don't. She was bitter, angry, and jealous of almost EVERYONE -- hence her put-downs. Plus, she could dish it out, but never take it. Good riddance.

[@ricardocantoral7672]

​@@DDumbrille I don't want content comedians. I want a bitter one.

[@coffeehigh420]

I love Joan especially here. We really lost one of the greats when she passed.

[@timlaughman7074]

Aug 2023 Legend speaking about a legend. I’m glad I found this .

[@blessOTMA]

She lets the guy answer. Amazing.

[@wardharrah55]

Wow!!! What a novel idea!!! The current talk shows should adopt this model...LoL

[@rainbowstarmced191]

@@wardharrah55 🙄

[@kearl3490]

This woman knows where ALL the bodies are buried.

[@nattyrf511]

M. M. , Hahahahaha

[@jeannehageman3198]

I believe that is why she is dead...she knew too much!

[@bwelb7567]

K Earl I love this comment so much

[@kindnessfirst9670]

@@jeannehageman3198 LOL !!! If only she had known not to have plastic surgery over and over.

[@johndoedoe8812]

@@Bigbadwhitecracker 😲😂

[@SaxonC]

I remember when Joan left to star in her own night time talk show on Fox and she was always consistent with how she handled leaving The Tonight Show in 1986. She’s never embellished her explanation and she always credited Johnny Carson for her career. RIP Joan!

[@lesleyheller2271]

Joan Rivers was a great interviewer - asked good questions, let Bushkin speak without interrupting, and made a few priceless cracks of her own. Rivers was great all around - a tremendous loss!

[@MacawAviculture]

For most healthy adult men, a healthy/loving relationship with their mother is essential; and since most men are able to find other men that can substitute for a biologic father, the primary relationship is the mother/son relationship. My lifetime male friends that were not fortunate to have a dedicated mother like myself, are the first to end relationships exactly like Johnny ended his. Incredible interview, thanks for sharing.

[@anneoneill280]

Johnny knew how to let his guests shine. He set them up and showcased them for his audience.

[@TrungNguyen-zj1rz]

Absolutely. Letterman's lack of this gallant trait, and willingness to make his guests look bad or stupid, in selfish attempts to make himself appear more witty & to get more cheap laughs kept Letterman from reaching the heights that Carson reached as a talk show host. Imo

[@jedijones]

@@TrungNguyen-zj1rz Letterman never did anything like that. His guests were allowed to show whatever talent and good qualities they had. You seem to be thinking of Howard Stern.

[@sherburck]

Loved Johnny Carson AND Joan Rivers! RIP

[@tinfoilhatter]

she's alive! walkin' around, in disguise, haha!

[@brockrock2487]

Joan Rivers was never my favorite comedian but Joan wins hands down for managing to move me to tears every single time I watch a clip. We lost such a real woman. i'm so impressed by her ability to make the coldest joke the warmest embodiment of humanity.

[@lemorab1]

I never liked Joan very much as a comedian when I was young, but every interview I've seen her conduct has been brilliant. This one with Henry Bushkin is insightful, intelligent, and I learned some things about Johnny Carson that I didn't know before. All my teenage years and twenties and thirties were spent tuning in to The Tonight Show from time to time. My dad was a musician, getting his start in radio in the 1930's, and in Hollywood in the 1940's and 1950's. In 1997, we went to an industry luncheon honoring Freddie de Cordova and I briefly met him. Some of what Joan and Henry were saying took me back, i.e how shifting loyalties can turn on a dime and people are all of a sudden afraid to speak to you. These two people actually had something to talk about!

[@lightmarker3146]

​@@lemorab1So true. She changed alot after Edgar passed. Left broke from his business practices and not on top anymore she went on QVC and clawed her way back. Her daughter was a good egg and by her moms side . Joan grew up so much and her comedy got better from it. 😊

[@lemorab1]

@@lightmarker3146 In hindsight, I wish I had seen Joan Rivers, post-Carson breakup, in person. I did get to go to the Carson show once, in the audience at NBC in Burbank. I can't remember the year (early 1970's? Late '60's?) but I hope I thanked my parents' friends, Mary and Buzz Carlton, for getting us in. All I remember is that Carson looked and behaved as you would expect him to, assured and smoothly in control, and publisher Michael Korda was a guest. I had read magazine articles written by him, and had an image of someone distinguished looking. Then, this blonde, young guy, about 5'2" tall, looking about 12 years old, comes bouncing out from the wings. I find myself wondering what Joan would say.

[@itsallinthehead]

Very well put!

[@marypat7196]

What a kind thing to say!

[@jerryschutte6970]

I had no idea Joan was this good at Radio. I should have given her background but she's a wonderful interviewer!!

[@secondstring]

And she has a great face for radio.

[@dav1237]

Joan is a great interviewer.

[@cowboybob7093]

25:27 - And she's got a great staff. But like you say, they need a lead as good as she is for them to shine. When I saw the guy in the background nodding his head with that look on his face it made me think of other shows where everyone has a mic and a simple line like that becomes some "unforgettable knee slapper." But they keep the spotlight on her, pass her notes and let her do her job. Plus it's obvious she's read the book.

[@LAFan]

Joan Rivers was Johnny's guest host until she left The Tonight Show in 1986 to star in her own late night talk show at a new network called Fox. Leno replaced her. Johnny never spoke to her again.

[@southsideman4891]

I AM SURPRISED! HER TONGUE IS SO SHARP I THOUGHT SHE WOULD RUN PEOPLE OVER; SHE IS A REAL LISTENER

[@pootdaggy2657]

Shame Carson was a jerk. Joan was great though. Very professional as always.

[@Sadness57]

Joan was .. not is

[@alexyamach3635]

Joan Rivers is the only female comedienne who I thought was as good and better than many of the Male comedians of her era. Very quick witted and able to ad lib. Saw her in Vegas in 1978.

[@rocknroth764]

Johnny was one of the most stable thing in my life from childhood to adulthood. Loved seeing his show to tuck me in at night. RIP faux friend.

[@1pt21jigawatt]

The best thing about JC was that he could make fun of politicians and yet you never knew his politics.

[@mwilliams1330]

Exactly..he was an equal opportunity satirist, did not matter the party or person. His wit could cut, yet it was subtle and never directed as personally mean spirited.

[@kindnessfirst9670]

He was more interested in ratings than in Americas future.

[@soniag4516]

He was a Republican but wasn't a biased hater like Colbert, Kimmel and the rest of the lefty bots.

[@soniag4516]

@@kindnessfirst9670 It wasn't his place to dictate Americas future. He was a true entertainer unlike those rats who weaponize thier platform for the left. He voted faithfully and donated to the party of his choice.

[@James-gk8ip]

@@soniag4516 Republicans back then were nothing like the ones today. Nixon, for example, was a social liberal (whatever his views in private). Colbert and Kimmel are geniuses, I don't think anyone's ever called them haters with justification.

[@StereoSpace]

I agree that Carson's Tonight Show was the best late night show I've ever seen. I'll also say Joan Rivers is among the few people I can think of who was consistently funny and always entertaining.

[@justafanintexas7913]

Until she turned into a backstabbing prick - and Carson fixed her ass good when she did by telling any potential guests that if they landed on her show forget about ever coming to mine again.

[@EagleArrow]

@@justafanintexas7913 She had him on her show often in the early 60s. They were great friends, but I think she thought he was to give his show over to her. RIP Joan!

[@justafanintexas7913]

@@EagleArrow - What are you taking about? She had no show in the early 60's and Carson seldom appeared on other shows.

[@EagleArrow]

@@justafanintexas7913 Yes she did! Research it. I watched them myself in previous years on Jewish network as it was interesting to see what topics they talked about then. It was based in NYC. Johnny was on her show a few times and smoked most of the show. It was probably a local NYC show.

[@justafanintexas7913]

Rie Rie 7 - You're talking about the 1966, short-lived, local "That Show"? She got that as a result of her appearances on Carson's show and Ed Sullivan. Carson was her first guest and only appeared on it once. 1966 is not early 60's.

[@sherrifrazier5722]

I felt safe as a kid when I heard HEEEEEEERRRRRRR’SSSSS JOHNNY!!!!!!!

[@jaimhaas5170]

I had to stop and think why your comment struck me...then I remembered it was probably the only time I saw my parents enjoy each others company.

[@sherrifrazier5722]

jaim haas my parents fought all the time when we were little it’s got pretty bad even at Christmas 😔

[@James-cz9lh]

thats weird i thought the same feeling

[@RicardoAGuitar]

Not me. Of course, I'm Danny Torrance.

[@sherrifrazier5722]

@@RicardoAGuitar from The Shinning !

[@floxy20]

The great thing about Johnny was that he could make even dull guests seem amusing.

[@paulpower7018]

He could talk to an old lady with potato chips that looks like celebrity like she was the only one in "room".

[@johnking5174]

28:02 - I have always felt Ed McMahon was a decent, nice man and what he did my going over to say hello to Joan after she went to FOX and Johnny disowned here, this just showed the warmth of the man which comes across on screen on the Tonight Show. Ed had a heart. I always liked Ed.

[@nancystone6044]

HE WAS A USA MARINE! JOHNNY WAS A WIMP IN COMPARISON IN THAT REGARD; ED HAD HONOR, VALOR AND INTEGRITY!

[@jimbeam4140]

This is a very nice comment and also sounds pretty accurate.

[@tonym994]

it's really too bad she took a gamble on her own show. it's tough to make it going up against JC. if she'd waited, she may have had it made. but some say NBC didn't care what Johnny thought about who replaced him.why should they? they made him a multi-millionaire who took Mondays off.so, Joan gave it a shot. but why didn't someone else give her a try? she claimed she was blackballed from ALL late night TV.

[@tonym994]

I had no idea he and Johnny ,in the early days, would close down bars after taping. til' I saw 'American Masters'.

[@bethe192]

Semper fi, Mr. McMahon.

[@tangobango9653]

The “Tonight Show” died when Johnny Carson left!

[@frisbee544]

And the jeroff there now is beating a dead horse.

[@keithwhitson]

Yes

[@cleverkittn]

Joan’s talent and honesty are sorely missed.

[@elizabethlanders9805]

Joan does such a fabulous job here as a radio fill in. She was so gifted at anything oratory. I really miss her. I have Henry's book on audio CD. I can't remember a more spellbinding story. I don't want to sound like a book review here, but Henry gets into the head of our beloved Johnny Carson. The contradictions with him are just fascinating to listen to. I love psychology, and finding out about the relationship between Johnny and his mother seems to really tie things up for this complicated and troubled man.

[@estelleschneider9033]

Johnny Carson had a pattern..he had self protection ..he projected onto anyone he perceived to betray him...slights... Spiritually..he had bitterness of soul.. he had not received Love of his Mother ( or Father ?) As a child or adult.. He reacted to others imaged slights by projecting HIS Distorted View onto people he chose to dislike instead of seeking love he neede...all carried from his childhood. He did not forgive Neglect He received caused his deep inner issue... .took the form Of " I'll fix you" Attitudes He saw all offenders as his Mother ...held a grudge against her all life? The root of his problem was rejection experienced as a child ...he chose his job for the adulation He received from the audience...affirmation he constantly wanted..so he liked always being at work..reportedly Rejection left Johnny with brokenness..a broken heart only Jesus Christ could fill up that place in the soul and heal 💔All else is emptiness; without Jesus we go through life with our baggage ..Jesus knows all about our brokenness Longs for us to come to Him All else is emptiness... Call on.Jesus today..while today is today. Time is short.. God loves you.. John 3:16 KJV 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@benschlechter]

Sounds like Johnny could've and should've benefitted from mental health counseling, maybe to the point of being hospitalized.

[@vl5150]

I just finished this book. I picked it up in the mailbox at 4pm and it was done by 12pm the next day. It's excellent. RIP J.R.

[@denisepaulsenful]

Same. It was gripping. It was almost 11 hours audio book. But i couldn't stop listening!

[@ukrandr]

I recall an anecdote from a PBS special about Johnny. He was to be given a prestigious award, phoned his mother to tell her about it and the most she could say was "Well, I guess they know what they're doing." Think about that and tell me it wouldn't affect any thoughtful, introspective person.

[@robinbird6279]

Johnny Carson was so great! I used to beg my mom and dad to stay up late and watch him when I was young, and sometimes I would sneak downstairs to catch some of his guests. I still tune in from time to time on his reruns on cable, he was so witty, and the guests he had on were very talented... those were the days when movie stars were REALLY STARS! Today's talk show hosts cannot even hold a candle to his legacy! RIP Johnny, we miss you! 💖

[@patrickflohe7427]

Absolutely!

[@cherylcooper1885]

I remember my mom laughing late at night at Jinny Carson. I’d get up and watch by my bedroom door. Mom would catch me, “Get back to bed!” 😂😂😂 this was ‘her time’ no kids, just laughter and peace quiet.

[@Rjensen2]

Lmao, so movie stars aren't stars anymore? Nothing changed. You just got older, and more negative and cunty.

[@marcelmchatchet5276]

Whenever he was Tarnak or whatever he called himself when he wore that damn genie hat always made me laugh as a kid. Definitely will never ever be another Johnny Carson

[@doglover-sv4zi]

When I spent the night with my granny she would let me stay up and watch Johnny Carson with her, now I'm 64 years old and I'm so glad she did cause I was hooked and watched him till he retired, I would ask all people to what all the reruns, it will1 give you pleasure and alot of insight into today's world with his monologues

[@ellenw391]

I don't believe that there couldn't be another show as successful as Carson's. The problem is you would need a talent as good as him,And so far there's been no 1 that can hold a candle to him, both on the monolog and being able to chat with people and keep it funny and entertaining. .If anyone could make me laugh the way Johnny did, I would absolutely watch every single day!

[@pellajoe]

Letterman came the closest

[@iamthatguy1169]

@@pellajoe Agree, and Conan gave it a good run as well. Leno was a watch, but nothing special. In the new generation of talk hosts it's all Hollyweird sanctioned politics with Kimmel pandering and crying on cue for his overlords. Fallen Tries too hard and gushes like a childish fan boy over everyone which is off-putting to me, however at least he's not insufferable like all the others

[@elaineteut9579]

All the late night guys are nasty and political. Jimmy Fallon isn’t quite so bad, he just likes to have fun. He was interviewing Trump and they were having a good time and the other night guys gave him so much flak he had to toe the line from then on.

[@brenttaylor7856]

Agree completely... Johnny was just very unique guy

[@dreamitable]

@@iamthatguy1169 Fallen is hard to watch you think you are with a kid.

[@BadlandsVideos]

I would rather watch Carson clips on KZbin than watch Letterman, Fallon ,Kimmel , Colbert etc etc...

[@Teeveepicksures]

You can buy the Carson DVD sets so you can play them at your nursing home and not even need youtube

[@patriciabeutler9518]

I agree....he was brilliant. He could say things with his facial expressions where words would never convey the same things.

[@dr.donnawalter4380]

@@Teeveepicksures - that is good to know and will pass that along by landline...

[@candyjohnson3302]

Stuck in the 70s.

[@dakotail]

YES and YER Mike Fromberlin ~~ I'm whit you on that one!! 7/23/2019

[@hairyscotman]

NO ONE is perfect....neither was Johnny.... still, I loved the guy....always will...he made my parents laugh so loud they woke me up....GREAT memories...

[@MJLeger-yj1ww]

No, they say he got drunk and nasty like many do. He was insecure, although you wouldn't know it on the air. Mean sometimes, so they say, but definitely good at his JOB! I always enjoyed him, I didn't care what he did off air.

[@maristella287]

@@MJLeger-yj1ww YES very good at job.

[@cankhovich1796]

even consuming human flesh?

[@mircat28]

Who you saw on TV was not the real Carson. The real Carson was a cheater and player and darn near an alcoholic and a vicious drunk. People only want to believe what they see on TV.

[@revrotunda3206]

There’s always a difference between the Man vs. his talent in most cases. There are some entertainers/musicians that seem to be balanced all the way around where nothing bad is really ever reported about them.

[@iamthem.a.n.middleagednerd1053]

I went to see Joan Rivers with my wife in Tulsa. I want to say it was maybe two thousand eight or nine maybe 2010 but she played a Indian casino here in town did about an hour and 20 minutes and she killed. she absolutely fucking annihilated the room and the chokes came so fast you had to stop yourself from laughing or else you would miss the next joke. Possibly the single best stand up comedian individual performance I've seen in my life. and keep in mind she was in her late 70s at this time

[@deboramccallum3987]

Her jokes gave you chokes..

[@gabbarrf1745]

2023 just discovered the phenomenon that Johnny Carson was. He really was the best late night host.

[@lighthouse44]

Johnny Carson was a fascinating character study. His life was full of contradictions. On one side you had a shy Midwestern guy with a fierce desire for solitude and privacy, and the other side was the demands of being an iconic talk show host who was so good at what he did he became part of the American fabric at the time. It seems like he was always in a state of conflict with whose two extremes. But all that being said, no one and I mean NO ONE will ever top Johnny Carson. He was the absolute best at what he did. You can take all of the late night talk show hosts today and put them all together, they aren't even fit to hold Carson's cue cards.

[@halbennett6256]

+lighthouse44 You are right, Sir! There's no question that Johnny Carson had problems coming out of his relationship with his mother. Would it have been better if he had overcome those problems? Of course. An amazing thing about the man, though, was how many lives he touched for thirty years. How do you calculate that, and might we agree (or not agree) that so much good that he did might far outdo the bad he did? For example, how many depressive nights, for how many people, did he turn into enjoyable evenings, simply because of his ability to make people feel good? Another amazing thing is that even though he apparently had trouble with close relationships, he was able to function on a vast public stage. In "It's a Wonderful Life," Jimmy Stewart is told that because of his insurance policy he is worth more dead than alive, so he tries to kill himself. If Johnny Carson knew that he was better for people on stage than in personal relationships, who am I to say that he was wrong in his choice to be more personable on stage than in private?

[@m.e.d.7997]

What was the problem with his mother?

[@m.e.d.7997]

ok.

[@larryjohnny]

lighthouse44 not true letterman and early Conan were brilliant and so was Jay.. Guess it depends want era?

[@m.e.d.7997]

Letterman was quick and Conan too. Still Johnny was something extra IMO. Jay....NO!

[@7550375503]

I love Joan Rivers. She lives forever in my heart.

[@MrJt3451]

mine too only thing I say about dying is i hope i get to have fun with her lol

[@amstaylorph]

I miss Joan Rivers and her brutal, funny, and uncommon honesty about all manner of things, especially precious celebrities.

[@lizrigby-jones3700]

Joan Rivers was an excellent interviewee. I am captivated with her honest questions and incredible hypnotic voice.

[@lol365]

That was fascinating, two people who really had something to talk about. I will miss Joan for the rest of my life, what a woman.

[@ChatsWithChris]

lol365 amen

[@hawkeye9382]

She is alive. Out if sight.

[@noluthando6757]

Same here🌹💔

[@southsideman4891]

RIP

[@leeroykincaid2172]

lol365 she’s. Still alive YT Joan rivers alive

[@mrslinarcos]

My late husband worked at the Terminal Barber Shop at The Savoy Hotel next to Central Park. He cut Johnny Carson's hair, said that Johnny was very much an introvert, but always a generous tipper.

[@Onigirli]

Not really a meaningful anecdote. "Rich guy tipped well"

[@peacefrog9306]

@@Onigirliyoud be suprised how many rich guys dont

[@seesea-sv3xw]

Joan should have never been silenced, she was hilarious.

[@1986yamahafazer69]

She’s missed by so many.

[@tydelwave]

NOBODY can interview like Joan. So classy and hilarious. What a rare talent.

[@Emapten]

tydelwave Classy? That's a stretch

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

I don't think you know what the word classy means. She was funny though.

[@KaneRobot]

She's trash compared to the person they're talking about in the video. Get a clue.

[@corncakes6941]

talenta

[@wkworld6741]

@@KaneRobot JC was nothing compared to Joan

[@donbonser]

Great interview here; I'm both a Carson fan and someone who has read Bushkin's book. His book is an extraordinarily insightful view into a very difficult, troubled, generous, caring, and petty man's life. I truly believe that had Carson not met Bushkin, who set Carson's finances straight, that the Johnny Carson we all remember and miss would not have been the same. He did a lot for Johnny, and truly cared about him. I'd give anything to be able to turn back the clock and turn the TV on and see The Tonight Show with Carson at the helm again.

[@stockinettestitch]

I read the book too. He got basic things wrong: his birthday and death date. It was bizarre.

[@caroletalaway5132]

My father was from Lincoln, Nebraska. His parents were also very cold & strict. My dad was a trained baritone & was offered a contract with Capital Records. My grandfather put his foot down & forced Dad to go into the children's clothing business with him in Beverly Hills. That strict upbringing bled into the way I was raised. It caused a rift between my parents & I that lasted until I was in my 30's. That feeling of never being able to please my father stuck until I realized I didn't need. Liberating. Johnny was definately shaped by his upbringing. He may have been an SOB in private but my family never skipped a night watching him. Late night hosts are a mere shadow of Carson.

[@vascoemyer]

I'm so glad KZbin affords me an opportunity to experience Joan River's talent; I loved her humour, I loved her honesty. Joan's truth had humour and she certainly took things right to the edge with her comedy. To the edge. No-one does that these days, they're too afraid to say 'boo' let alone anything of any substance. RIP, Joan. 🎈🌈

[@lincolnpaul1814]

I caught on to Carson when he told a story of walking to the studio in New York and a fan recognized him and walked with him. The fan said, “ I’m so excited I don’t know what to say “. Carson said try saying goodbye. I thought it was a unkind hurtful thing to say to a person who helped Carson become famous. Never watched him again.

[@joyceriddle3258]

james crowe and v

[@benschlechter]

He was a jerk. He was lucky that it wasn't a thug.

[@johncastle8254]

Joan is such an honest person ,so warm and funny .

[@Blustone60]

Rest in peace Johnny Carson and Joan Rivers. She is so adorable.

[@willaknotts1298]

Loved Joan Rivers no matter as erratic comedy show or selling clothing on QVC. What style!

[@bigallan121]

Between college semesters I decided to drive alone from Baltimore to Orlando. Halfway there, I stopped in Hardeville, S.C. Lonely and tired I checked into a Days Inn. At 11:30 PM, I turned on the television and watched the Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson. For an hour, I was no longer alone. Like an old friend, Johnny Carson spoke to me and it brought me comfort that I will never forget. I wish that I could have thanked him. Who cares if he had a falling out with Joan Rivers or Buskin or his wives. He did his job superbly. He brought humor into a world that needed it then and needs it today. I miss him. Allan Wood :)

[@mp5249]

Al Wood It wasn't real. In real life, her refused to be a friend.

[@Earnestlie]

Joanie, we miss u so damn much. I still cannot fully grasp that you're gone. You left way too soon! Way too soon. (Love you anyway and always 'til the end.)

[@frankendoll1455]

I rewatch Joan often....I miss her like crazy!🥺💜

[@MrJt3451]

i do too it helps this me in this world no one ever or ever will make me laugh like her and just feel good she was a gift and the world sucks without her

[@robinmead5826]

I loved the Johnny Carson "Tonight Show."

[@heavenboundsonliibaan52]

Rest in Heaven Joan Rivers

[@GodsFavoriteBassPlyr]

The incomparable Joan Rivers! Truly lovely and genuine person... There's only one!

[@rdecredico]

You cRaZy.

[@laurenlor3690]

Lovely , she was a racist and like Don Rickels made her money disrespecting people, ANYONE can do that , THAT is NOT talent !

[@GodsFavoriteBassPlyr]

Can you define the word racist?

[@justafanintexas7913]

@Bill Wilson - How funny was she when she backstabbed Carson? Of course, he got his revenge by virtually drying up the talent pool to go on her show and then get waxed off of his if they went on her show.

[@sdne1959]

. "Backstabbed" Carson ??? She tried to parlay her success, by launching her own show, hoping to take her career to the 'next level', as most show biz people REGULARLY do, once they've started building a career, and begin having some success. People don't look to stay where they are in life.....especially in their careers. Do You?? They are ALWAYS looking to better themselves, by moving up, whenever, and however they can do it... No......Johnny Carson, for some reason (Maybe, partly, because she was a woman? Would he have done this same thing, if Joan Rivers had happened to have been a man?), thought that since he helped her career immensely (which Joan Rivers has ALWAYS acknowledged!!), he "owned" her, and because she made the "mistake" (at least, in HIS eyes) of not asking him first what her next step should be, instead of just going out and getting a deal done for her new show (which, of course, is EXACTLY what she did), and THEN letting him know, he somehow saw this as a friendship-ending betrayal.... .

[@elaineteut9579]

I’m watching this years later and it was so enjoyable. Loved you Joan and really liked your clothes line on QVC. Johnny was the one and only late night king, no matter his personal life. He would have the biggest stars on, some nights two or three. One night he had Bob Hope, Dean Martin and George Goble. I laughed till I was crying, so funny. I miss that era so much.

[@SenorZorrozzz]

He was friendless. He was colder than anyone. No warmth in that man. Angry. An atheist. Mean. Attacked by using others. On camera he played a very polite, soft spoken, average guy. The audiences loved that character.

[@benschlechter]

And he's probably burning in Hell.

[@beastsaver6514]

Did you know him? That's very sad. Wow

[@wet-read]

Leave his atheism out of it.

[@FranklinParkIL]

Joan is a multifaceted diamond. A most interesting lady. The interview is has universal meaning beyond Carson. Excellent!

[@justafanintexas7913]

You have a taste for shit. You must respect disloyalty - a lot because Joan owned it.

[@UberLummox]

@@justafanintexas7913 You may want to re-read his post. All you had to say was "Texas"...we get it.

[@justafanintexas7913]

@@UberLummox - I stand by my post and so do countless others. Rivers violated her agreement with Carson Productions - pure and simple and pissed away a great opportunity, that's why she's mad at everybody. She's also the same piece of shit that went around selling people on the idea that Michelle Obama is a man - real class by Joan. I live in Texas but not from here. Nice attempt at a snarky shot across the bow. Next time make sure there's water in the pool before you dive in head first, eh?

[@sclogse1]

Joseph Von Sternberg, baby.

[@babblingbrookc.8659]

@@justafanintexas7913 If you believe Michelle Obama is a woman then you've got problems the size of TEXAS hun. Sorry not sorry!!!!

[@pkpopkpo]

Today's late night shows can't hold a candle to Johnny Carson. They are horrible.

[@spizzlo]

Carson is on another level, but Conan is a brilliant comedian.

[@James-cz9lh]

right on

[@helenchappell6502]

I miss Letterman.

[@fmills1583]

I used to watch Johnny every night he was on. I haven't watched any of the late night talk shows since Leno was fired.

[@James-cz9lh]

i dont like arrogance and each late night host have a ton of it

[@MsCNail-fe1sj]

Joan was such a great interviewer...I miss her so much. Love the book...it was a real page-turner. Henry, you did a wonderful job capturing Johnny.

[@sambrownsings]

God, I miss Joan. She was such a great talent, honest and full of class.

[@user-ls4vb6dq7z]

Boy, do I miss Joan Rivers!

[@hanginlaundry360]

There is nothing worse than having a cold, unloving mother. Poor Johnny. His behavior in what should have been close relationships is completely understandable. Johnny was fantastic. A complex, flawed man, but a class act. His show has never been eclipsed by any other host.

[@benschlechter]

He could've benefitted from psychiatric counseling. His mother apparently had issues as well.

[@lindalamb7512]

What a great interviewer Joan was!!

[@su90069]

I was a street kid from the early sixties. My mother was a night shift factory worker for Elizabeth Arden in LIC. She had no control over me but I made certain I saw. Carson’s monologue at least because I wanted to smile before bed. He is for me a treasure and I disagree with Joan about Fallon. Johnny Carson to this day cannot be touched. But as I have learned recently, he true gift to our world is Joan Rivers. I’m catching up on her trip. I say she is the iconic American Comedian. Thank you Mr. Carson.

[@jan09able]

Everyone has his own dark side. Johnny Carson is by all means human. He got where he was on his own but never kept it for himself. This people would have more credibility if they had done this when the man was still alive. This is how great Johnny is, even in death, he still can provide for these people.

[@retacardinal2736]

I sure miss Joan. She was hilarious 🤣 💕

[@hrhrae1959]

Such a pleasure to listen to a civilized conversation. Where did they go? No one upmanship only a great way to discuss a memoir.

[@thomasmurphy1562]

This woman knew so much about powerful people. It's hard to swallow she was not eliminated for the Obama statement as the news cycle would have forced the truth out.

[@Texture-roller]

Thomas Murphy that’s the statement that did her in.

[@desertrose6100]

Thomas Murphy I very much agree

[@mindylinsdau6072]

Agree.

[@esmegoing7592]

@@b.gallina1769 BIG MIKE, PASS THAT ON, I STARTED THAT, ITS GONE CRAZY

[@sylviabriggs4087]

Defiantly and if you search you see him,= Michael in his true image,

[@warchild2005]

Great interview good job Joan

[@46reno]

Carson was a mess as a human, but no one has ever come close to him as a talk show host. The ones on now are the worst.

[@th8257]

The era of that kind of talk show that Carson made a success has probably gone. Society has changed so much - Bushkin puts his finger on it when he says choice is so diverse now and Carson probably couldn't exist today.

[@dumbbo1]

Johnny joked about the politicians of his day, but he stayed away from outright cruelty. In fact, when one pol he joked about turned out to be an alcoholic, Johnny backed off from him. The furthest he ever went was joking about Wayne Newton, back when he and Newton were both trying to buy a casino. Johnny found out too late that the bank he partnered with was backed by La Cosa Nostra, and backed out, but took out his frustrations on Wayne, who by all accounts is a pretty decent guy. Wayne walked into NBC Burbank, into Johnny’s office, told Freddy De Kordava to leave, and told Johnny he was to cut out the gay wisecracks or he’d punch him out. Problem solved! Comes the 21st century, and we saw Colbert run off to Russia to cavort around gleefully in a hotel room where the President supposedly paid hookers to perform disgusting acts, yet not one word of contrition when it was exposed as an outright fraud paid for by the other candidate. Too bad the President couldn’t just walk into the Ed Sullivan Theater in NY and dangle Colbert out the window by his ankles. 😄

[@victorvictor8587]

You look like Dennis Rader .

[@mikestevenson576]

@@th8257 Well said, TH. I think this would be a tough environment for all of the generalist broadcasting stars. Carson, Dick Clark, Larry King, etc.

[@Mike1614b]

a mess as a human? like you know

[@sophfores430]

I love her and miss her. What a loss for all of us.

[@raeannhightower8031]

I so miss all these people. No one today could ever compete with these people.

[@thezmanchar]

Look at how serious and professional she is in certain situation. She was awesome. A class act until the last breath. I miss her so much.

[@jadezee6316]

no performer owes an audience anything but their best performance

[@popland1977]

It's crazy to think Joan died about 7 months after this interview

[@jonchaney]

her face rejected her body.

[@symunir9022]

Hat’s off to Henry Bushkin for his finely-worded insightful commentary about his book. Great interview.

[@ratso4444]

Johnny was an introvert who slipped into his stage persona each night. So what?

[@XUCHPRA1]

RIP Joan

[@williampryor3847]

'qzQ0

[@chevydude658]

Joan Rivers was an incredibly intelligent woman. To be successful in comedy you have to very intelligent and diverse. She was such a well educated woman. I would have loved to have known her personally. I don't think I would have been disappointed by getting to know this smart and responsible woman.

[@finished6267]

Love Joan. An absolute ICON

[@TownieGirl1974]

RIP Joan!

[@KatherineWhoKnows-ni4nq]

I miss Joan. Great interview.

[@Blayne-jh1pg]

Joan Rivers and Henry Bushkin … what classy people, really. What great character they possessed.

[@pace348]

Lol

[@daleatkinson941]

Thank God for the reruns of the Tonight Show when Johnny ruled the roost. I watch them all the time. Its been nearly 30 years since he hosted the show and even in death... I still consider Johnny Carson the King of Late Night TV. No one has come close since he stepped down in May of 1992.

[@brookehanley3659]

He would be so pleased with this. It would have been what he wanted.

[@jedijones]

@@brookehanley3659 It's tragic that almost all his tapes from his show's first 10 years were destroyed. On the other hand, the shows that are available online and in reruns are just a fraction of what aired in the remaining 20 years of his show. There is a ton of material out there that should be made available on demand.