John Travolta Makes His First Appearance with Johnny | Carson Tonight Show

Original Airdate: 08/06/1981
#johnnycarson #thetonightshow #johntravolta
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[@kathleenmckeithen118]

I had forgotten how handsome and well spoken John Travolta was. What a gentleman.

[@edithcarter3554]

I love him

[@ameliaalfonso-brown9948]

I met John Travolta in the 80's in the Hudson Valley at a restaurant. He was visiting James Cagney who lived in Stanfordville, NY. He was so sweet and kind.

[@homanasiri843]

Great man

[@mazsroy9]

He’s so polite and approachable. Gorgeous too.

[@frenchiemoni1665]

Indeed.

[@ApplePie..]

And gay.

[@Jaqlin1979]

​@@ApplePie.. he has children and has been married for years

[@cindymcdaniel6969]

He seemed so shy as well as kind, down to earth and so good looking !

[@narrowgate528]

Wow, he puts on a character well; you’d think he was really a Vinny Barbarino, Tony Manero or Bud Davis, but he is a very soft spoken, respectful, articulate young man.

[@m.e.d.7997]

Thought the same as thing. He is acting like Vinny Barbarino

[@stevenlemken7920]

Johnny had such class and very professional talk host he was definitely the king of late night tv rest in peace johnny

[@narrowgate528]

@@stevenlemken7920 I agree, I loved Johnny. I watched his show all the time back in the day. There was no other host like him and still is not. The only other one who was on par with him in my estimation was Dick Cavett.

[@spaniardsrmoors6817]

Same with Sly Stallone when interviwed, completely different than his Rocky character

[@narrowgate528]

@@spaniardsrmoors6817 Yes, I agree. I particularly love the interview right after Rocky was made, where Sylvester told about what it took to get it made; I was surprised at how well-spoken and articulate he was, there was nothing of the Philadelphia boxer about him. I was filled with admiration about how well he had put that character of Rocky on. He mentioned other actors they were considering for the part; what a mistake that would have been! I am so glad Sylvester fought for the right to play the role himself.

[@amberola1b]

I absolutely love how when John Travolta was asked about signing autographs and how fame has changed him, he asked Johnny Carson the same question as if they were the only two in the room and they were just having an intimate conversation with one another and there was no audience there. I mean it was just one of those moments where John Travolta innocently wanted to know the same thing about someone who he considered a bigger star than him.

[@ianbideshi8021]

I had the privilege of meeting John Travolta at Expo 86 in Vancouver British Columbia Canada. He is a humble gentleman

[@tinylittlefilms3043]

Johnny created a sophisticated atmosphere yet spoke in clear concise terms for the audience and those watching at home. His listening ability was even better than his speaking ability.

[@m.e.d.7997]

I know Joan Rivers interrupted a lot

[@kissthesky40]

His success is well deserved. Love him. Fascinating career with his resurrection in Pulp Fiction. Genius casting.

[@jv-ep2tc]

Resurrection is the right word. I was just thinking about that. Because looking at him on the Carson show he is clearly every inch a movie star. And then it was like we lost him. And then pulp fiction brought it back and he was on his way.

[@susanfontaine3721]

He is such a good guy love him

[@philipbonafede7320]

I met John a buncha years back in Palm Springs and he was very friendly, always smiling and soft spoken. Very genuine.

[@truthseeker3236]

Classy young john Travolta And still to this day through terrible tragedy he has remained classy

[@michellerene951]

What a sweetheart. And he's still that way today. Love JT❤️

[@kasondaleigh]

He is so well spoken and quiet that the contrast to the bombastic videos of today is all the more evident.

[@jasonjackson5696]

It’s amazing how well & intently he listens to Johnny

[@garymcaleer6112]

One of Johnny's best. His let his humility shine along with John's.

[@robertturner6567]

Wow! He seems so humble. 👍❤

[@lauraannbrooks3810]

Amazing how sweet John Travolta is!!!!

[@user-z6p4c]

I remember seeing this when it originally aired. I was laughing so hard I woke my wife up. she started laughing right along when she realized what she was seeing which Honestly has been a really good source of happiness for me ever since I lost my wife so many years ago i was married for 42years I was 24 and she was 20. She got cancer in 2020 I was totally lost without her. She took a major hit the treatment was horrible for her. I could do nothing to change any thing so I felt helpless I miss her everyday. Mothers are the glue that holds everyone together.. it broke me to pieces so seeing comments like this makes me smile.

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

Great down to Earth guy, that just happens to be a wonderful actor, director, and jet plane pilot.

[@elizabritton4039]

He’s being so humbled and sweet. Understated.

[@suepete]

And he's the same way today. What an amazing guy!

[@Sneakycat1971]

A humble gay man

[@alansheiman4818]

@@Sneakycat1971 He's not gay!

[@Sneakycat1971]

@@alansheiman4818 you gullible man, I need you to open your eyes.

[@alansheiman4818]

@@Sneakycat1971 I didn't know that and I'm the same age he is. I guess I never paid attention to that.

[@LoveMusic9973]

Talk about Epic. Johnny Carson was Epic. ❤️🙏

[@lizkozlowski9358]

John always so gorgeous always will be gorgeous his voice never changed 🤗💞💝

[@LibertyStrength76]

Jon Travolta has been one of my favorite actors and person’s because of his humbling personality and genuine kindness towards others, besides being great to look at! I hope he continues to make his movies while raising his young son.

[@domcali8450]

Nice to see late night with 2 respectful people talking about the entertainment industry instead of political garbage we see today

[@spinynorman887]

EXACTLY, Dom! Johnny deserved the title of King of Late Night partly because he never gave the impression that he deserved it! He stayed in his lane and didn't try to preach to anyone about anything! His only agenda was to entertain! And kudos to Travolta as well! How many times does a guest on Kimmel, Fallon or Colbert answer a question with "Yes sir"? BOTH knew and appreciated the fragility of fame.

[@akhrormuminov7180]

He is one of the greatest actors 👏

[@boticelli9957]

I am discovering him.! So handsome..humble ..calm .. really a true genuine human being ..ouah 💞💕💕

[@lindadeisher1815]

Such a humble, kind, considerate person. I love all his movies especially Urban Cowboy, Sat. Now Live, all the music and his talented dancing is brillant. Just love you so much!

[@Pscotto]

John Travolta. Pure perfection!! 😍

[@drlee2]

Blow Out is arguably Travolta''s best performance.

[@deedeemerry1295]

agree. outstanding actor...

[@Tiffany.1970]

Blowout my fav movie along with Saturday night fever......John Travolta portrayal as Tony manero in Saturday night fever was quite simply a superb performance as a local disco kingpin his dancing was by far superb indeed 😁👍⭐

[@commercialzone4141]

Agreed. Blow Out was DePalma and Travolta’s best.

[@tripjet999]

The original was better, though.

[@lindadeisher1815]

An interview by the best, Johnny Carson! We had the opportunity to see two great talented show people. So much integrity gone now but we had it once upon a time.

[@jimtait6263]

This is the very first time I’ve seen this. One thing stuck out more than anything else for me. He uses the word “Sir” when answering Johnny. Respect is a hard thing to earn but it’s even harder to get it back. That was a great interview. Thanks for posting it.

[@normarayneri8097]

John's face is so beautiful its like seeing an angel ❤

[@marksamuelsen2750]

I’m a 69yo disabled veteran and former Corporate Pilot and I have heard that Mr. Travolta is a damn good pilot. This comes from the instructors at Flight Safety International who certainly can make a call like that.!

[@lulumoon6942]

I can just imagine the focus he has! It's lovely to hear someone doing what they love very well. 👍

[@arielholtz]

Wow!, I like how calm they are.

[@andreaszulauf2834]

The way he acts and talks („Yes, Sir“, humble, decent, respectful) reminds me of the young Elvis Presley

[@superorangeish]

Johnny was so personable and so is Travolta.Great stuff here.Miss this type of tonight show.Now the show has a mannequin for a host

[@starbellak5154]

Johnny Carson !!! I said it before many times...and i am still saying it today. October 10, 2022... No one is better then...YOU. 🙂 🙂

[@m42037]

Fallon is about as funny as a train wreck lol

[@debrawilliams6487]

He was the cutest guy

[@kasondaleigh]

Keep happy. Love it.

[@Sara-dr3xy]

He was very sweet 🌷🌼😘and Johnny Carson was great Gentleman 🌷🌼

[@juliabarone8852]

Johnny Carson the best John Travolta so handsome

[@randycox1101]

Very awesome exchange between two professionals 👍

[@twistoffate4791]

When disco ended & people thought they were "cool" for mocking Travolta, I defended him. I have enjoyed all of his projects & wish JT the best.

[@XavierKatzone]

So sincere!

[@GoodForYou4504]

I love that Travolta said at the end "i want to keep happy". A good ten year goal. Robin Williams was so good. Miss him. Glad he wasn't on any medication...... 😊👍

[@trishr.3986]

Still gorgeous after all these years.

[@michaelmclaren9293]

It is 2024 now & i have seen John Travolta in many shows and movies but my favorite will always be one of his first WELCOME BACK KOTTER 👍

[@comdrive3865]

never seen travolta so humble lol

[@threeballedtomcat9380]

Wow, it's 41 years later and John Travolta is still doing great movies. Regardless of the Scientology or political affiliation that is a part of Travoltas life, the man is still a great actor. This one brings back a lot of fond memories, thanks for the upload, guys !

[@m42037]

41 year's ago is not that long, the year's go fast, life is short

[@threeballedtomcat9380]

@@m42037 You can sure say that again, Ken....

[@nuschlerclark895]

Now he parks his 747 in his driveway with his own private airfield in back.

[@tripjet999]

Wild Hogs!

[@DrummerDanVa]

By the time of this interview Travolta had been in Kotter, Grease, and Saturday Night Fever. Would any "star" today be as humble as he is at this point with that kind of resume? This is a down to earth interview. Johnny could do funny and serious and make the guest feel comfortable.

[@valeriejohnson5283]

He was BRILLIANT in Face Off!

[@LoveABun]

I love the “Oprah” episode where she surprised the audience with a free vacation. Suddenly, huge stage curtains opened up through which a mock jet rolled onto the stage. The door of the jet opens, the steps extend, and out walks John Travolta, handsomely dressed in his full captain’s uniform! He was going to be their pilot for the trip! The audience went wild with screams! One of Oprah’s very best episodes and audience surprises.

[@lulumoon6942]

Missed that one, wow!

[@pleiadian13]

Michael the film was fun too. A remarkable man.

[@twistoffate4791]

I got the biggest kick out of that movie, that an angel would be a beer-drinking, ass-scratching guy. When someone tried to reach out & touch his wings & he flinches, it was so authentically "bird-like" I had to laugh. But no one ever talks about "Michael". Just us, apparently, lol!!!

[@JA-jm8bk]

Didn't know he is so intelligent & well spoken. Sweet guy.

[@daneedwards2644]

So much better than any latenight now.

[@zero_bs_tolerance8646]

Blow Out is a terrific movie.

[@laurenblainebamartistmgt]

Gorgeous. I spoke with him once about what he did to rekindle his career and he was very gracious. Beauty is in the heart, even with the men.

[@marcoantoniomarquezperez2652]

He seems very humble and calm, and polite. I expected him to be more like Danny Zuko

[@leighpowley8410]

Sheesh! John sounds like he's figured out balance already 🤯🙃😊 I still haven't figured it out 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️😊

[@kchorath5004]

So polite, sweet, unassuming, intelligent and well spoken . What a great person and amazing actor. I hope he finds love again after the loss of his lovely wife. ❤

[@jennsuneditedjourneys]

Interesting about how super shy and quiet he was compared to his movie characters

[@mhughes6303]

John Travolta at 24 years old. Seems like so many years ago.

[@dianewinters8628]

I was in college when Saturday Night Fever came out. I've had such a full life since then.

[@petesmitt]

he was 27 here..

[@lindalamb7512]

Love the purple suit.

[@mburnett3060]

Was that Erma Bombeck on the sofa? I loved her books. Funny lady.

[@scottcurry479]

I said the same thing.

[@mikeg6666]

I thought it was Angela Lansbury but I could be wrong...

[@nanarobin1]

Erma Bombeck! I spotted that too! I was hoping they'd interact!

[@mikeg6666]

@@nanarobin1 Wasn't she a movie critic or something?

[@nanarobin1]

@@mikeg6666 A very funny writer. Sweet as can be.

[@markbirchette8740]

He doesn't feel that way today! 😆😂

[@SEVENISTHEMAN7]

He’s a great person.

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

Travolta would be a great host of his own talk show, based on his genuine interest in speaking with Johnny and his sincere and thoughtful answers...and questions!

[@jaysonb.6669]

Maybe for PBS. He'd be a TERRIBLE late night talk show. he's built to be a movie star, not a standup comedian or outgoing talksho whost

[@starbellak5154]

Pulp Fiction and Face/Off... 2 more good movies that Travolta was amazing in it.

[@hanenkamm1979]

Travolta is the only other actor who could have possibly played Jim Morrison as well as Val Kilmer did.

[@andrepellegrini2849]

Carson was the best,

[@jayshomer4191]

Well, it was 14 years from that point that John would make a come back in a film titled ‘Pulp Fiction’ ! 🎞

[@Chuck_Hooks]

Was shocking to see Vinnie Barbarino star in two monster hits in quick succession. Salute to a great career.

[@mikeg6666]

What , where , who , when 😉 I really didn't like that show but we didn't have many choices back then. I think I was around 7 or 8 when that show started....

[@Chuck_Hooks]

@@mikeg6666 You haven't lived until you see the Vinnie Barbarino dance.

[@mikeg6666]

@@Chuck_Hooks I used to watch that stupid show all the time because their was nothing else on. We only had 3 channels , remember how lame that was?

[@VesnaVK]

@@mikeg6666 kind of a silly comment. It was an excellent show. But. It wasn't a kiddie show.

[@mikeg6666]

@@VesnaVK Come on you can't be serious , that show was horrible and unfunny. Have you ever tried going back and watching shows from the 70's again , especially shows like Happy Days. They were so hokey I can't believe we used to watch them... PS you must have a dry sense of humor if you thought the Sweathogs were funny!

[@boncoon]

Wonderful character/personality, this guy. would love to meet him. well wishes all around, Bonnie

[@cherylbouvier9626]

My parents always told me when I was growing up treat others the way you want to be treated. So true. He is very polite and treats people well. I saw all his movies. The generals daughter was a good movie

[@user-z6p4c]

I remember seeing this when it originally aired. I was laughing so hard I woke my wife up. she started laughing right along when she realized what she was seeing which Honestly has been a really good source of happiness for me ever since I lost my wife so many years ago i was married for 42years I was 24 and she was 20. She got cancer in 2020 I was totally lost without her. She took a major hit the treatment was horrible for her. I could do nothing to change any thing so I felt helpless I miss her everyday. Mothers are the glue that holds everyone together.. it broke me to pieces so seeing comments like this makes me smile.

[@cherylbouvier9626]

@@user-z6p4c sorry to hear you lost your true love. I hope you healed from your tragic loss. I lost my 44 year old sister in 2013 from cancer. It’s a horrible disease. She turned 44 the end of April in 2013 then passed the following month (May) of 2013. I miss her terribly too.

[@user-z6p4c]

@@cherylbouvier9626 Oh I am so sorry to hear about your sister's death she would have been 55years this month I pray that may her soul continue to rest in peace. it is not easy losing a love one because the healing has been hard on me a lot. Thank you for taking your time out to respond to me

[@cherylbouvier9626]

@@user-z6p4c your welcome! I really wish you well.

[@user-z6p4c]

@@cherylbouvier9626 it must have been really difficult for you after the lost of your sister, which can be really painful. I have no idea if you're getting my messages at all

[@DosBear]

Very likeable guy at this time. My favorite of his movies was Pulp Fiction.

[@aniagoszczynski8194]

Like him👍

[@suecrane1999]

such a cutie and heart throb

[@latinadavis3691]

Oh my word John is so mutha freaking sweet like candy and handsome like prince charming, UGH!!!!

[@paulaswad4841]

An absolute Hollywood legend

[@englisheveryday4251]

In every interview Johny always seats the way he did here🤔

[@milfordcivic6755]

"He hits my hair........."

[@Barison]

BLOW OUT is a magnificent film.

[@mikeg6666]

I liked Urban Cowboy better!

[@elizabritton4039]

I saw that it took 18 million to make and it only made 13 million. I would love to see it.

[@Barison]

@@elizabritton4039 In my opinion, it's Brian De Palma's masterwork. Tarantino was obsessed with this film, and was one of the reasons why he cast Travolta for PULP FICTION. Oh, on regards to the film *coff*It's-on-YT*coff*

[@elizabritton4039]

@@Barison thankyou

[@rosemarienikkels5345]

He sure was a cutie

[@aaa7189]

Wish they would show the clips to us

[@spaniardsrmoors6817]

I'm sure YT has some, just search the film.

[@ellenbedford3888]

A old acquaintance of mine was an extra in Blowout and Taps. He said Travolta was much nicer than Cruise.

[@TheDivayenta]

Not surprising!

[@JonnyBoots2020]

He's so nervous 😅

[@marcelamartin2954]

Me encanta la forma de conversar del entrevistador, él es muy bueno, son muy pocos los que consiguen que el invitado se sienta como en el comedor de su casa...es increíble que este joven interprete a sus personajes de la forma en que lo hace, sus representaciones no tienen nada que ver de comoces él verdaderamente en el mundo real, lo que nos dice esque es un GRAN ACTOR!!!

[@SunnyIlha]

Remember how Travolta was in that TV series 'Welcome Back Kotter'

[@mikeg6666]

Where , when , who 🤣

[@SunnyIlha]

@@mikeg6666 "Mistah Kattah!! Why Yu tryna teach us!" 😆

[@mikeg6666]

@@SunnyIlha Hey Mista Carter I gotta note 😐

[@SunnyIlha]

@@mikeg6666 Gabe Kaplan 😳🤔 Travolta: No Mistah Kattah, not what are you trying to teach us; ...WHY Yu tryna teach us! 😆

[@SunnyIlha]

@@mikeg6666 😁✓✓

[@VesnaVK]

0:55 Travolta says his first appearance was with David Brenner subbing, about four years earlier.

[@james1795]

So?

[@TheWilliShow-r4v]

@@james1795 So it’s not his first appearance

[@petesmitt]

@@TheWilliShow-r4v first with Carson.. fill-ins don't matter.

[@james1795]

@@TheWilliShow-r4v. So....he already said that

[@Kinkle_Z]

Travolta was 27 here. I was 32. I remember seeing him in reruns of Welcome Back Kotter when I got out of college in 1980 and finally got a TV set. He seemed like a dork to me... I mostly remember him for his 1977 introduction of Vanessa Redgrave for Best Actress in a supporting role at the Oscars which Vanessa won for her film "JULIA"... and for which Vanessa gave a gorgeous acceptance speech invoking the cause of the Palestinian people to the GASPS of Zionists in the audience. 1977 was also the year he made "Saturday NIght Fever"...and the year I was working intensely for a college degree at Temple U.

[@lifewithnofilterlnf4911]

i played Danny(John Travolta) in elementary when we did the play "Grease".. my brother was the curtain boy and "accidentally" dropped the curtain right on top of me. smh.. 😔😅.. it was all bad!! haha

[@TheDivayenta]

You got ramalamadingdonged!

[@robynhurley5119]

loved john in boy in thr plastic bubble

[@lulumoon6942]

Ooooh good one!

[@guestuser4503]

Him and Brando have something in common

[@Bringos76]

Blow Out is a great film

[@dougrogers835]

Wow, I agree he is so shy and humble. Nothing like today. As a guy I can not imagine wanting to be a actor. The boys that took drama when I was in high school were extremally feminine. Always wondered how people like John Wayne chose acting. Someone had to play the heavies, but none at my school did. Look at all the tough guys in Hollywood, curious how they got their start

[@kathleen9456]

My son was in theater and is masculine and so we’re some of his friends. I think you are generalizing and showing your homofobia

[@NebulizerChi]

Dayum, I remember watching this on the nite and in fact thought of it in recent days ---he was doing pub for Blow Out (referenced clip unshown here), which I've never seen but did a deep lookup on just within the last few months based on my abiding recollection of this from the summer of '81...Charles & Diana had gotten hitched a week earlier, and the baseball players' strike just had ended

[@lulumoon6942]

Seems like yesterday!

[@RichaRd_JeRome]

Keep Happy 😊 from 🏡 HopKins Minnesota

[@spinynorman887]

Respect and humility both ways! Johnny downplays his own fame (you won't see Kimmel, Fallon or Colbert do THAT!), and Travolta repeatedly calls him "sir"! Neither one acts as if they are better than(or know more than) anyone else, and neither feels the need to push an agenda, trash a politician, or do anything but talk life and shop. THIS is why Johnny was the King of Late Night and probably will be forever. Respect to John Travolta as well for keeping right-sized.