Martin Short Impersonates Bette Davis and She's Not a Fan | Carson Tonight Show

[@jmcg9443]

The brilliance is in the listening, Carson is totally engaged and actually having a conversation, not looking for his next laugh, but allowing the guest(s) to shine.

[@kinglyatticus]

And breathing in that second hand smoke

[@jmcg9443]

@@kinglyatticus 😆

[@therealtombrokaw]

The brilliance is actually in Carson not telling me how to vote or think every thirty seconds. I wonder how he restrained himself.

[@jmcg9443]

@@therealtombrokaw Agreed!

[@chickenlittle6756]

What made his show so much better than hosts now is he was an assist to his guests he didn't try to be the guest himself he was humble and interested in others enough to let them shine and also realize that's why we loved his show so much because he brought out the best in his guests he was a treasure

[@dedspin]

I like how Johnny is legitimately cracking up. He loved all the impressions.

[@spacep0d]

Yeah it was great to see them basically playing. Hilarious.

[@christophermclean3921]

Johnny really enjoyed Martin

[@leslievey8453]

He was always so accommodating and free with his laughter with other comedians . No jealousy .

[@anti-ethniccleansing465]

@@christophermclean3921 I just read the early life of Martin on wiki. It’s so tragic. He lost his mom when he was 18, and his dad at 20. 😢

[@donarthiazi2443]

@@leslievey8453 I've heard others say that too. But I've also heard the exact opposite. Cheech & Chong flat-out called him a cock-block. I guess different people have different attitudes...

[@jenniferburman3765]

Johnny Carson always truly appreciated the talents of his guests. Love his laughs.

[@callumnye2562]

Hello Jennifer, how are you doing?

[@josephmango4628]

What made Johnny a great host was allowing his guests to talk and express themselves without constantly interrupting them.

[@codprocamp4690]

@@callumnye2562 stop flirting

[@markcantemail8018]

@@codprocamp4690 Hello ProCamp .

[@tstefanyk6604]

He understood the role of the interviewer. He kept the focus on the guest and knew how to bring out the best in them. He was a rare breed of interviewer, and wickedly funny too!

[@PC4USE1]

Miss Bette Davis trolled Martin before trolling was a thing. That smile she gave indicated volumes. Martin is fantastic and Bette was one of a kind.

[@willrichtor]

It's a shame how little people pay attention to the subtleties of great performers, as evidenced by the many comments here. The camera catches Bette reflexively blowing out an entire 2 lungs worth of smoke the moment he started in with his impression of her. Had she been drinking, it would have been a spit take. Just because the lady was reserved does not mean she was annoyed.

[@kirinrex]

I know! I love her smile. And in so few words, she showed brilliant comedic timing.

[@ericholck3914]

I think Davis knew exactly what she was doing and reclaimed the spotlight in that moment perfectly. She knew his impression of her was spot-on, but I suspect she was also a little irked that Martin and Carson had been largely ignoring her and she was left sitting in the sidelines. It was her crafty way of reminding people who the top dog was.

[@irishron4861]

@ericholck3914..oh she may have been the original Hollywood diva

[@Ch0senJuan]

When has trolling not existed? It’s always existed, just called different things throughout history.

[@Labowski2569]

Martin Short has never gotten enough credit for his level of talent. He's one of the funniest guys to ever perform on stage or in film.

[@xdreampcs8554]

Jiminy Glick is criminally underrated! I agree, Marty is amazing

[@1985cactus]

Really? Never found anything he has done even remotely funny.

[@jennlovesbert1094]

I miss him

[@fu6817]

@@1985cactus Three Amigos is remotely funny. I liked it lot when i saw it as a kid :)

[@pale_saint]

@@1985cactus who’s funny to you?

[@dsh4159]

There will never be another Johnny Carson. He was the king of late night period! God bless JC.

[@kimtaylor3255]

So True.... he can NEVER be duplicated..... can NOT stand Letterman....

[@dsh4159]

@@kimtaylor3255 I did not mind Letterman. Aside from Conan, I think Letterman is way better than the rest of the guys that are on late night these days.

[@Marny5580]

Amazing that he was so painfully shy - and supposedly vomited before going onstage. He truly had "IT" ... and, yes, he is missed. Then there is Robin Williams - and George Carlin - definitely missed!!!

[@dsh4159]

@@Marny5580 very true, Robin Williams, George Carlin, also both comedic genius's in their own right. Both are missed for sure!

[@willymcpeters2982]

@@kimtaylor3255 Stephen Colbert is the true king of late night and blows Carson out of the water

[@heismightytosave527]

Sure wish Johnny and the tonight show was still around, this was a sweet time, and true entertainment!

[@bettycogswell9851]

It sure was. I miss Johnny soooooo much...

[@Danny-ju2ip]

Johnny is gone to that great late night party in the sky but we still have these memories

[@barrymak8061]

His BURTON ....NA ..NA.....I'm Welsh ......NA

[@sohailakhan]

Martin Short has always been one of the pillars of modern day comedy since the 80s. He's absolutely hilarious. I don't think I've ever seen anyone making Johnny laugh so hard for so long. You could genuinely see that Johnny was laughing not just trying to complement the guest.

[@debsterish]

Johnny was truly enjoying himself.

[@rickdesper]

I love watching when Johnny really enjoyed a guest. You can tell he loved Martin Short's comedy - they both had their impersonations of Jerry Lewis which kept getting bounced back and forth. Nobody today is on top of the world of Hollywood and entertainment in the way Carson was during his run.

[@HUsnagzHU]

Johnny wasn't being a tv personality anymore at that point he was just a dude laughing at an absolute PRO!

He is very irritating and not funny.

[@skwerlmouse]

@@rickdesper did you ever see Rod Hall and Emu when they went on Johnny's show? It was comedy madness! Martin Short is one of my favourite comedians, ever.

[@irenec7665]

It was a badge of honor to be recognized by Bette Davis as a nuisance. His impression of Hepburn was fantastic.

[@safffff1000]

Betty Davis eyes, lol

[@DigitalBridge.]

I loved the way all you could see was the plumes of cigarette smoke coming from Bette's direction into Martin's face. LOL

[@Anca820]

I loved when he was Hepburn’s “cousin” selling hot dogs from a cart. He nailed her voice.

[@sbhm1108]

@@DigitalBridge. lolol

[@TELEVISIONARCHIVES]

The thumbnail gives the impression she was annoyed but she actually wasn't

[@gregggoss2210]

Johnny was a smooth operator. There is no one currently alive that can hold a candle to him. Miss your presence Johnny.

[@ice9594]

So true. I grew up with Johnny, sneaking out of bed to watch The Late Show. His humor helped me get through a very tough childhood.

[@ThisIsJ.Nicole]

I watched reruns ALL THE TIME. My favorite

[@sweetmissypetuniawilson9206]

The only one that can even come close, in my opinion, is Graham Norton. If you haven't seen the Graham Norton Show, I highly recommend watching! Give it a try! Johnny has left the building. ☮️💜

[@HumanPerson_final]

I don't know that I've ever seen a Carson interview. I grew up watching Letterman and it immediately struck me just how much Letterman seems to have taken after Carson's style.

[@sweetmissypetuniawilson9206]

@@HumanPerson_final Am I stoned? How would you know, especially immediately, that Letterman took Johnny's style if you never watched Johnny? Did I miss something? I'm cornfuzed.

[@vintageMIDI]

Growing up watching Carson while finishing the next day's homework was the best part of my high school years. There will NEVER be another. Miss you Johnny, Ed, & Doc.

[@Cerebrosity]

Me too! I miss Johnny...homework not so much!

[@NJDiMaggio]

No other nighttime show host after him came even close!

[@TeamCat1128]

For me, it was going to sleep (after finishing homework) listening to JC as my dad watched it in the living room. Dad’s gone now. Precious memories.

[@funguy4utube]

Hear Hear !

[@gigisasz4580]

I think Doc is still kickin it and retired mostly but still playing music good.. unless that was an old video I recently saw.

[@ronaldblair7930]

Bette Davis is giving you a WHOLE MOOD....Love it!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@kathleen2754]

Absolutely love Johnny Carson. Miss him to this day. RIP Johnny

[@lindasmith3648]

Too bad he was a drunk and a cheater.

[@11C1P]

Carson was so great. I feel bad for people too young to have watched him or to remember watching him, they have no idea what a late night talk show should be like.

[@rubennazario5769]

the Jimmy's - they wish, Jay - in his dreams, Maybe Dave, Conan and now Colbert doing it fairly good. But not as good as the King of the Night Show JC.

[@sweetmissypetuniawilson9206]

@@rubennazario5769 you gotta see the Graham Norton Show! They're all good but I definitely have some favorites! ☮️💜

[@billyking7372]

That and Dean Martin kids don't know what they missed nobody could do what Dean did on live TV every again

[@eddieg6436]

The stupid, vapid kids of today are too busy making idiotic Tic Tok videos, and looking in the mirror.

[@Cobra-ky9bt]

It was a great show. And I dig your user name, too. AATW!

[@patg-money225]

As a kid growing up in the 70's my parents let me stay up and watch Johnny every night. Thank goodness!

[@Just-Joyce4009]

Then off to bed I had to 🚶go...memorable times....I would not trade it for the world

[@monermccarthy7198]

@@Just-Joyce4009 That's for sure, it was a real treat to stay up late.

[@Boski391]

So, your parents are cool. Nice.

[@brendalg4]

Same... so glad I was allowed to stay up late. I was also able to get myself up for school.

[@lesleythompson6801]

Yes, in high school every day certain friends and I would rehash the previous Tonight Show.

[@kathyhoward9223]

Martin short is one of the few comedians that made me genuinely laugh.

[@jmatt4life]

Johnny was having such a good time! It makes me laugh to see Johnny so wrapped and giddy over Martin Short and laughing!

[@honestone490]

The scene with Bette Davis is fall down hilarious. 7:39 The fact that he impersonated her to perfection and she pretended like it never happened is a comedy sketch no one could ever write. It just happens on its own.

[@freedomchance9982]

"Then we'll skip it. I just wanted to know." She was perfection!

[@treeman2660]

She's got Bette Davis thighs

[@warrenscandrick2663]

Very well said.

[@DejaVu-iy8hh]

She definitely looked like she thought she were the biggest star and couldn’t figure out why she was sitting there waiting for Martin Short to finish. She looked like she would just jump up and leave I’ve she could.. she looked like she was on a bad Starbucks date and just wanted it to end.

[@johnvalentine3456]

@@DejaVu-iy8hh She looked like she wasn't long for this world. About 72 pounds and chain smoking...Probably felt pretty miserable. Martin was probably the least of it...

[@valerielake467]

Nobody can hold a candle up to Johnny.My siblings and I watch Johnny Carson Friday nights and every night on summer vacation., In my house it was never "The Tonight Show",it was," Who's on Johnny tonight?" I really miss Johnny.

[@maryczerniak1902]

Miss him every night, no one will ever be that good.

[@Michelle-jz8vl]

He was a freakin racist. Good riddance.

[@Danny-ju2ip]

I used to beg my mother as a kid to stay up late just to watch Carson cuz it was such a great show. He really knew how to entertain a whole family. My siblings still joke about how I always wanted to watch it.

[@victorjbarker]

Johnny was the best to ever do it.

[@UncleEbenezer77]

@@Michelle-jz8vl When did Carson ever display any racism?

[@isaboteur2562]

Martin Short is absolutely hysterical. This was such a treat to watch.

[@LindaB651]

I really miss Johnny - he was truly the king of late night tv! He brought out the best in people, and showcased it in a way that the audience could appreciate and enjoy.

[@pjj9491]

didnt base his ENTIRE show on Trump hating...as they alllll do now

[@heatherdequetteville9184]

He was a gentleman in the best of ways. Sorely missed.

[@mad1s]

I agree 100%...these jackholes today suck

[@chriscrawford1555]

Because he understood the show was about the guests, not him.

[@LindaB651]

@@chriscrawford1555 Indeed!

[@doniellestenson3502]

Bette's cigarette smoke had its own chair.

[@ratonautonomo8963]

and probaly better sense of humor!

[@canadianroot]

So did her attitude.

[@rasheedad3750]

Lol

[@cheryldevine42]

I love that image of her holding her cigarettes 🚬 🚬 lol....

[@eileenmaryomalley740]

Hahahaha !

[@ENigma-um8zw]

Johnny’s laugh is like the greatest dad/grandpa laugh in all of televised entertainment history

[@770WT]

In real life not the case .

[@jeanluc1313]

🙄

[@JR-zv6qm]

There's a reason why Mr. Carson is considered the best. He's smooth as silk, doesn't interrupt the guest & knows when to engage the guest as well. He played to the strength of each guest. Amazing talent.

[@GregoryHammerstein-p2p]

I watched this show the first night it aired and it was fantastic martin was at his prime,and Betty was great , and Johnny was always the best host ever !

[@fattoria_di_bastoni]

I loved watching Johnny and then Leno as well.

[@digsjazzalot]

He liked impersonators. And I think he really liked Marty Short.

[@fattoria_di_bastoni]

@@digsjazzalot Rich Little was a big favorite.

[@digsjazzalot]

@@fattoria_di_bastoni someone said he didn’t care for Rich? But I remember as kid he was on there all the time killing.

[@earthling3660]

Martin Short could always make me laugh. The kind of laugh where at the end of it I have a feeling of being in love with this person. This is a fantastic interview. Bette being there is just an amazing bonus. She cannot and will not be upstaged. In character. Marty handled this perfectly.

[@JD.Knight]

The puffs of smoke from Bette was hilarious 🤣 "If I smoke him out, maybe the little pip-squeak will shut the hell up"

[@jennlovesbert1094]

Lol man she was fire..

[@pattiday431]

Why didn't Martin do Betty saying, "What a dump!"

[@krisscanlon4051]

I know so cool so old to see smoking

[@maribethspence9458]

Betty Davis used to scar me just watching her on tv haha. Probably be frozen in fear sitting next to her. Ever since seeing that one movie...dang it can't remember the title of it anymore, but I can still see the scenes. She was good at playing someone who was bat **** crazy that's for sure

[@robertheintz8017]

There is nothing more unattractive than an old wrinkled woman smoking.

[@NikkiGShow]

Her snarky smile after asking him is EVERYTHING! (Bette”s inner voice... I’ll wait... ever so patiently.... for just the right moment... to kick him ... in ... the nuts). Check and mate! Awesome segment!!!

[@britturk123]

And believe me from Shorts reaction she got both of them, she was actually very funny with the wonderful reply " Then we'll skip it I just wanted to know", but she got nothing back I think he was star struck once more and did not even realize she was just being witty, she deserved a touche or Bravo at least for her humor.

[@haverscutie]

Totally agree! It's always the quiet ones you gotta watch out for- Bette was Amazing- and love all her movies!

[@haverscutie]

@Skip Ads seriously? You call one of the most iconic actresses of the Hollywood golden age Ridiculous?

[@haverscutie]

@Skip Ads whatever man- campy drama turned her into a freaking ICON- so

[@TnT24u]

@@britturk123 No that isn't what happened re watch it Martin short did his impression of her and she immediately says "Do you do me"and he answered her sarcastically "No" in her voice and then she said "Then we'll skip it" and that was after he did her to her when he first came out ... apparently, she doesn't know what she sounds like... or in person he was doing her so "over the top" that she didn't recognize his characterization ... or it could have been her dig at him to say in a bitchy but subtle way that "It's NOT that good."

[@cz2165]

Martin Short always makes me laugh, and he has gotten better over the years.

[@frankscarborough1428]

Legends Bette Johnny Ed all gone, but thank God for TV & film we can still enjoy them & others today

[@pbarnwell]

This is the only entertaining Show left, this and jay Leno’s garage

[@Steveshappylittletrees]

Cancel culture will call it racist and remove it from the memory banks.

[@rebeccalankford8573]

Ed is where Opra learned her greeting. 😉

[@lee48lee68]

@@Steveshappylittletrees -Your comment was really ummm, stupid.

[@PLeejo]

@@lee48lee68 wait. It will prove to be prophetic very shortly.

[@BogartFan001]

Thanks for the laughter, Johnny. There will never be another quite like you.

[@nevermind501]

I love Johnny’s laugh, it’s so real.

[@Rocanala]

You can’t be serious

[@fromulus]

Now Fallon does a terrible impression of him every night.

[@ClearOutSamskaras]

It doesn't look real to me.

[@jeremyellismusic]

8:22 to 8:25 for some of the best comedic timing ever. Martin does the 1 second pause and continues like it never happened, and Betty can't help but laugh.

[@DigitalBridge.]

Also, the way he crosses his legs in the other direction and looks at Johnny, and continues the conversation and Johnny cracks up is pure gold.

[@suave-rider]

Bette played oblivious but laughed at the end

[@harryflemming9924]

Ever? What are you 3

[@youtubesucks8995]

Bette was still switched on more than the younger generation knew 😉. “Then we’ll skip it” she set it up to end it.

[@RalphEwell-s5o]

​@@youtubesucks8995I thought it was brilliant.

[@Big_M_T]

I have rarely seen Johnny laugh so hard.

[@sarahalbers5555]

Robin Williams had Johnny in tears!

[@DScritchy]

Have you seen Inner Space? Martin Short at his finest. HILARIOUS!

[@mirozen_]

@@sarahalbers5555 Yep, Robin always cracked him up! Don Rickles did as well!

[@terifringer8560]

There's an episode with Burt Reynolds where Johnny loses it. 😁

[@Lnzinorbit]

Their friendship did not endure but he absolutely loved the humor of Joan Rivers.

[@stephenriggs8177]

I'm still wrapping my head around the notion that Bette Davis and Martin Short ever shared the same stage.

[@Janster59]

me too

[@belamoure]

Here too she was shocked by the noise the ebullient vulgarity the screams. Poor lady.

[@kirby711]

I think she was in shock

[@dagny8336]

I'm still wrapping my head around the fact that people don't know how to spell Bette Davis' name correctly.

[@kirby711]

@@dagny8336 wrap your head around the fact that kids can't do math without a calculator or spell their own names What a screwed up world my friend 🔄

[@charlottemorin547]

Oh, how I miss THIS tonight show with Johnny and Ed! And boy, I have always loved Martin Short. This was a joy to watch.

[@frankjosef3154]

Hello how are you doing?

[@al5945]

I've never seen a successful impression of Robin Williams. I grew up with Martin Short, and this was first time I think I really understood how brilliantly talented he is.

[@jlnasseri4390]

Bette Davis was a great talent, took over the screen in every movie and a legend. She had a battle with breast cancer as well as had 4 strokes which is why she is so thin on this show. She died a year and a half later after her appearance.

[@jaimelee9608]

I agree completely, but she looked so ill, frail, and uncomfortable. I don't like the last appearance of Karen Carpenter for similar, albeit wildly different heath reasons.

[@bend6973]

Smoking cigarettes can't help.

[@em_birch]

@@bend6973 She lived to be 81. That's still a pretty long life.

[@marliesyanke4580]

@@jaimelee9608 Bette was brave to go on the show, she was a gutsy dame.

[@sandisandii2033]

"Whatever Happened to Baby Jane" love that movie..Ive seen it so many times..

[@JackieOdonnel]

I freaking love how every once in a while, at a key moment in Martin's talking, a large puff of Bette's cigarette smoke would waft over on the screen. HA! Made me laugh every time. Gotta love the '80s.

[@susannaCdonovan23]

Right, it was not illegal to smoke in public in the 80,s but it's now illegal to own a cigarette that isn't taxed and a joint that's not purchased from a Marijuana Dispensary.

[@davidgalinat4257]

She was probably the last guest allowed to smoke on the set.

[@JackieOdonnel]

@@davidgalinat4257 My recollection is that public smoking became illegal in the early '90s. So, I think there were a couple more years. But it's possible they had to add a special hardcore air filtration system just for her. HA!

[@carbonbiker]

Nobody told Bette Davis what to do. No. Body...

[@salvadorromero9712]

California, already by then turning into a very ban-happy state, banned smoking in bars and restaurants in the late 1990s--ironically just as its people were voting to legalize medical marijuana. It was the first smoking ban of its kind anywhere in the world (aside from Taliban Afghanistan); bans in other indoor places had long been creeping in, but this was considered a shocking extension even when next instituted in e.g. New York and then Ireland half a decade later. Smoking has been steadily dropping in popularity, at a rate unaffected by bans or other government policy, ever since the late 1960s when the Surgeon General reported on its dangers. So by the end of Carson's run in the early 1990s it was already very rare to have a guest smoke on a talk show, though it had been quite common in the 1970s; you even saw it on shows like Match Game. However the great Bette Davis, already on death's doorstep in this clip, would not go anywhere without her cigarette; so if you wanted her, you accommodated, as they did here with the ashtray and everything. If that's what you needed to get a legend of her status, they'd probably do it today too--especially since such smoking would be legal, easily falling under the stage performance exception.

[@bigh6530]

Making Johnny laugh is a gift in itself.

[@icecol22]

I agree 100% You have arrived if you make Johnny Laugh.

[@Danny-ju2ip]

You could tell Johnny was genuinely entertained here and was very loose and having fun

[@UncleEbenezer77]

It was pretty much a given back then that if Johnny invited a stand-up over to the couch after their set, their career was "made".

[@kevhead1525]

Whether you like Martin Short as a comedian or not, there is no question he excelled on talk shows like nearly noone else.

[@36Kourtney]

Exactly

[@daminashun8868]

1:35 jimminy glick

[@jannivannibell]

*no one

[@lordkingston]

Wow, that Robin Williams impersonation at 4:15 was amazing! Not many can pull it off so effortlessly.

[@omarcrespo77]

As an impersonator I can say that impersonating an impersonator is the hardest thing to impersonate cause you have to impersonate all he/she impersonates with you.

[@ThisIsJ.Nicole]

@@omarcrespo77 This comment needs 1000 likes😂. It's true though.

[@Wicked_Trojan]

Martin Short and Robin Williams were cut from the same cloth.

[@billthomas8994]

My dog used to do an impersonation of Dan Akroyd doing a 70s impersonation of Tom Snyder’s laugh. He was very talented indeed (my dog)

[@moxica93]

I recall from Short's biography that Robin lived with him for a short period of time, so I'm sure he had a lot of time to study his mannerisms.

[@ceofounder]

Martin Short is a comedic golden treasure of a man! Legendary multitalented comedian and actor! Comedy/comedian awesomeness! God bless the late, great: Bette Davis Johnny Carson Ed McMahon. Legends forever!

[@miawallace2306]

Awh, he brought Robin Williams back for just 10 seconds and I started to get teary eyed. I never even met Robin Williams but for some reason it feels like I lost a distant friend.

[@tayooo1000]

i met robin he was super nice took time to talk to some random kid for over 15 mins while he was filming good will hunting

[@paulfrank4551]

Robin Williams has my GOD in him. The Father of LIGHT. Robin is GOD'S LAW. Eternal life forever.

[@miawallace2306]

@@paulfrank4551 k

[@robertbonzelet2642]

Robin was awesome and a patriot.

[@jasonkracht6723]

This is a common feeling when seeing Robin Williams as well as John Candy.

[@paulaglenn388]

He did Bette perfectly and I loved her response 😂

[@erika8627]

It totally went over her head, awesome!

[@djb1317]

@@erika8627 no she was in on the joke

[@Julius_Paul]

@@djb1317 She was a little drunk, had borderline dementia at this point, and took Martin's answer for face value, not for the joke it was. Martin realized that it went over her head, then timed a perfect freeze of action, then Johnny and Martin jumped out of that mess by making giddy Jerry sounds to deflect from the situation.

[@ShelterDogs]

Very well explained. I couldn't understand some of the current top comments. I also thought something was off. Like some kind of disconnect in that moment. Now I better understand why.

[@al2275]

Bette wasn't just in on the joke, she smirked when she shut him down!!! She was wittier than you think.

[@teresagoben9462]

Late night talk shows have never been the same without Johnny Carson.

[@RetroCaptain]

I used to like Johnny, and David Letterman once both were off the air, I rarely watch Talk Shows. Pop Life, with Richard Crouse, (CTV) is one exception. Always in depth and real. The other side of the coin is The Frank D'Angelo Show (CHCH Hamilton)(the very hometown TV Station for Martin Short) he grills em.

[@bjackins1879]

He really was utterly charming and had a smile and laugh that lit up a room.

[@emansnas]

Easy for you to say. Just imagine how incredibly sad the likes of Kimmel and Fallon would feel if they had a clue.

[@hairynews1973]

He sure was the king

[@RobertLofrano]

I agree totally, it was the tonight show, not the politically correct, tear down the right show, and Ed the best, his classic Heeeeeeerrrrrs Johnny

[@Paul-lm5gv]

These old Carson clips just show how great he was and his guests - and how barren of talent late night TV is today!

[@timg6930]

Johnny knew how to showcase his guests. He made it their show, their time. He was comfortable enough in his own skin, not to make the show about himself when he was talking to guests.

[@buttercupthesweetnes]

I used to watch Carson every night. I haven't watched any of the current crop in years. It's horrible.

[@eutimiochavez415]

Today late night show suck don’t watch it even j Leno is better then the guy they have now.

[@WhoGitDaBiscuit]

Absolutely devoid of talent....

[@leanneneville2431]

Except Graeme Norton, he’s fantastic

[@lili2u405]

The good old days...the 80's were so much fun.

[@valeriesmith3218]

Yes the late 19 hundreds were fun.😅😂🤣😂

[@Dweller415]

@@valeriesmith3218 😒

[@RetroDawn]

@@valeriesmith3218 Nah, the 90s weren't so great for pop culture.

[@lmc2375]

I love Martin Short! How can you not?! He's as great as the greats.

[@freebird5548]

I remember watching Johnny Carson as a child. I always looked forward to watching him because his personality brought me so much joy and laughter. He was a great way to escape if only for that one hour show. When he left the show I was devastated. Thank you, Johnny for just being you. You were the best!!! No one else has even come close!!!!🌼 P€a¢€~n~£0v€✌

[@sweetmissypetuniawilson9206]

The closest I've found is the Graham Norton Show. I wouldn't normally plug another show on a different shows comment section but Johnny's gone now. Give it a try! Although it's not American, there's lots of Americans on his show. You'll also discover lots of 'new' actors & comedians that you may have never heard of before, I know I did! I now love love Greg Davies, Olivia Colman, Eddie Redmayne & lots lots more!! ☮️💜

[@raygronemann8555]

Was an hour and a half FTFY

[@Danny-ju2ip]

I loved that Johhny kept the guests on the couch throughout the nights, it made for an entertaining night of interactions between guests

[@tonirose6776]

@Skip Ads Just as entertainers to today...

[@patprop74]

kinda like the graham norton show before its time.

[@-C.S.R]

That’s what I call a great first appearance on the Tonight Show! He was making Johnny laugh so hard!

[@maxsmith695]

comedian wright and david Bremer also. Davis is such an annoying distraction.

[@jammasterjay4298]

There will never be another bete Davis but she lives forever in her work!

[@sgtleobella]

That puff of smoke blown at Martin at 2:28 when he yelled, 'BETTE!' lol

[@soyitaliana78]

Even though I’m young, I really miss Johnny Carson. He was so hilarious

[@plane_guy6051]

Sorry to burst your bubble, but if you remember Carson, then you ain't 'young' any more

[@LAFan]

I assume you're 43 and that is young. Anyone in their early 40s must of stayed up to watch Johnny once and awhile. It was such a treat to be an 80s kid and stay up and watch his monolgue.

[@2utoday]

@@plane_guy6051 - I can remember Johnny Carson weeknights 10:30pm central time on NBC telling jokes about the news of the day in his opening monolog. It was really funny when nobody would laugh at his joke, Carson would reach up, grab the boom mike, and say "is this mike working?" And sometimes when nobody would laugh at his joke, Carson would do a little dance while the band played. These days, I get a kick out of watching Carson talking to all those movies stars on Antenna TV. It does not bother me at all that most of those old movie stars and Carson have been dead for years. The funny stories from the likes of Don Rickles and Buddy Hackett still make me laugh.

[@karenwebb9098]

Johnny is the right kind of audience for Martin. He cracks up at the right time and this triggers his talent 😂

[@bafflezbiz]

@seiom jvony Huh? Lol, he was the next guest. Was he supposed to face Betty the whole time and ignore Johnny? That would have been a great appearance on the Tonight Show...

[@diamonddog4708]

The puffs of smoke 😆 You'd think Bette Davis was blowing it in his direction on purpose

[@misguidedangel6550]

She was 😂

[@krystal7382]

How is this still hysterical after so many years?? Bette Davis was a hoot. I didn't realize Martin was so funny. Awesome video. Thank you for sharing it 💕

[@mikeweaver8790]

I think Martin Short has long been one of the most underrated comedians of our time.

[@northwestprof60]

Oh, I think he's rated about right. Unless you're 13 or 14-years-old. Then he's the best

[@atheistconservative6211]

his jimmy glick is hilarious

[@mrb4886]

Underrated has long been an overused term on KZbin. Clickbait term.

[@zackamania6534]

@@northwestprof60 yeah... I’d say pretty RATED...

[@canadianroot]

They have ratings?

[@matthewhixson3735]

So great to see Johnny laugh and goof off with Martin! Those were the days.

[@curiouscuriouser2670]

And it was real. Not put on.

[@barbarafox437]

I love Martin Short. He is brilliant with his impersonations. I enjoyed watching him in the TV series Merlin. He was perfect for that part.

[@RIXRADvidz]

I love how Marty was trying to be polite, ''you aren't that easy to do'' Well Then Skip It, it stunned him. That's Our Ms. Davis. BAM

[@brucedillinger9448]

But he WAS doing her in the delivery of that line. I don't think she even realized it. 😁

[@JR-zm2yu]

@@brucedillinger9448 Indeed! Hence, the rolling of those Betty Davis Eyes!😂💜🙏

[@joe-vz6hx]

"BAM?" does that mean "Bitchy Arrogant Madam?"

[@drdre4397]

@@joe-vz6hx Old people and Old stars are like Hipsters and a new band. They all act like it's the greatest thing, will never be as good as back when they first found it. There isn't music like that etc...

[@davenorth8922]

She lit him up in a New York Minute!

[@vilkomen]

Bette got a really good laugh with, "lets just skip it" She knew he was doing her and she delivered that line perfectly.

[@Ed-wx1fe]

Hmm. I saw the original show when it was first aired, and even now looking at it again, I thought she missed the joke. Perhaps she didn't think it was funny or his imitation wasn't good enough? IDK

[@R.I.P.AlienJack]

Yeah she had no clue that he was doing her from the jump.

[@vilkomen]

@@Ed-wx1fe i think it was a good natured gag. She knew that was an impression, but she was playing a bit, the game being that it was so bad she didn't even recognize that it was an impression of her.

[@michaelotten2724]

Her action and carsons guffaw make me believe it was over her head!!

[@clapoutloudclapoutloud]

vilkomen Bette Davis was always a Diva and this shows her handling her cancer battle well, she was no one to toy with, she would tell you off. She was one of the DIVAs that no one can replace even today.

[@mischiefmikeyo]

Johnny was loving it, Martin's impressions always kill.

[@brianrodney712]

I saw Bette Davis at The London Palladium , on stage answering questions from the audience after seeing a performance of one of her movies. She had a wonderful ' presence' !

[@beastarentertainment4926]

Wow Betty Davis was 80 years old on the show one year before she died. What a legend!

[@BigBadJerryRogers]

That's right, kids today need to be more like her. Start drinking and smoking early.

[@meangene98]

She was only eighty?

[@metube5614]

I Don’t miss her.

[@tulsaguy9963]

And she was a chain smoker!

[@coryburns9161]

I don't care what any of you think Bette Davis was great. When I was younger I thought she was crazy but that just was her character she played

[@fanfare100]

I couldn't help but notice the bellows of smoke Bette Davis was blowing in his direction throughout. XD

[@yankee2666]

Wow - you're really right on top of things.

[@noxid1974]

The 80s were awesome.

[@dori-]

🚬 like a chimney

[@diwali333]

@@yankee2666 ]

[@davidmatthews3131]

billows

[@reesebn38]

Martin Short is a true entertainer. So much talent back in the 80s, you sure don't see that today.

[@williamroark]

@cnmmd qiuoo I like Jimmy Kimmell It's just a DIFFERENT TIME now (they don’t MAKE EM LIKE Johnny anymore)

[@benjaminmendezz]

Ok boomer

[@HD-il4rz]

Yes I agree. Along with John Candy, Chevy Chase, Dany Akroyd and Steve Martin. NONE of the comedians today are funny. Everything is politically correct and it's not funny. I work with people of different backgrounds and they all agree. So sad how even comedy has been affected today.

[@ericjones9725]

And people call it progess.

[@reesebn38]

@@HD-il4rz Don't for get the greatest of all Richard Pryor .

[@iamlight1]

Back when SNL had real comedians that were talented and funny. So cute. I love his smile.

[@trevorjennings721]

Hello dear, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the Virus??

[@ElijahRuelas]

Gosh I wish I could have grown up watching these. I’m 30 and today’s entertainment just doesn’t compare.

[@robinmills8675]

Get an antenna for your TV. It's on over the air broadcasts every night.

[@itsbritt9155]

😐

[@January.]

All the Saturday night TV shows were great, too

[@lee48lee68]

Watch Graham Norton. He has a way of making all his guests seem far more interesting and funny than they actually are.

[@pfezziwig]

comedy has been cancelled by today's Leftest

[@Tom-ok2rh]

I never knew that Martin Short was that talented with his impersonations. That was quite impressive but Johnny always was able to get the best out of his guests. I sure miss him

[@RetroCaptain]

He honed his shtick on the good old SCTV 40 or years ago.

[@noitallmanaz]

has you head been stuck up you hole for 50 years?

[@TheRjpiper]

No one will ever replace Johnny

[@Julius_Paul]

Johnny got the most out of his guests, but Martin got the most out of Johnny

[@eddierascalhaskell4954]

Yeah watch some SCTV reruns. That whole crew was on fire.

[@Jedi71]

God this is an actual conversation, not the rehearsed question, answer, question, answer of today.

[@dennishalford5763]

@Regdu Geht I noticed that too! She almost seemed annoyed for some reason. What was her problem? Is she just conceited? Was that it? She didn't even crack a smile.

[@steverino6954]

@@dennishalford5763 She did once. Right after she asked him if he did her. But she wiped it away quickly.

[@jazzcat9363]

That's why I loved Craig Ferguson so much when he was on the air. He had genuine conversations with his guests. It was quite often he'd end the interview with something like, "oh, we're out of time. We didn't even plug your movie........oh well, who cares?" Watching him with a guest was like watching two friends drinking at a bar.

[@dennishalford5763]

@@steverino6954 Johnny had to have been annoyed by her behavior! He's sitting there talking to Martin Short having a good time while she just sits there like a sour bump on a log. After seeing this, I don't think I like her very much anymore. My choice is now Ingrid Bergman as the greatest screen actress of all time.

[@steverino6954]

@@dennishalford5763 I'd have to give it to Meryl Streep.

[@eliqueiros1137]

I love how he brings out the comic nerd in John. Like John saw a younger version of himself and became a kid again.

[@Lnzinorbit]

Nobody could ever surpass Johnny Carson.. this was an enjoyable episode.

[@benkleschinsky]

It's amazing what you can do when you're authentic.

[@heatherdequetteville9184]

@@benkleschinsky Johnny was not really authentic. He played a character on his show. In real life he was, apparently, introverted.

[@benkleschinsky]

@@heatherdequetteville9184 I think he was generally interested in his guests that would come on the show. If an author was scheduled to appear you would be sure he had read the book. He was a flawed person behind the camera as many celebrities are, but the deep conversations he would get into with his guests is completely absent from television today. Johnny wasn't afraid to go off script. He didn't hide behind laugh cues or teleprompters. This version of the Tonight Show in my opinion is more authentic than all of the ones we had after Johnny left if that makes sense.

[@Lnzinorbit]

@@benkleschinsky Agree.. Nobody Compares.

[@BigLob2]

True dat.

[@ThisIsJ.Nicole]

Martin Short always been one of my favorites. I recall staying up past my bedtime watching reruns of The Johnny Carson show . I used to mimic people all the time when I was little. Seeing this is SO satisfying.

[@FFE-js2zp]

Amazing how long these segments were, when people had an attention span.

[@GeorgiaOverdrive]

Not even the reason. The real reason is greedy networks trying to milk every last penny from advertisers.

[@popland1977]

Commercials on US TV are ridiculous

[@jordanweimer788]

Ever watch a twitch stream?

[@timish71]

They didn't do 3-5 commercials every 5 minutes

[@FFE-js2zp]

I remember when youtube was owned by youtube and was commercial free.

[@jedburghpear7741]

Brilliant, l have so much respect for Bette, she was such a great actor. Martin is just hilarious.

[@zer0gravity184]

The fact that 1.1M views have accumulated over a two day period let's me know that people can identify great talent when they see it.👍

[@elliotmin6246]

I don’t know who these people are but YT made me watch it

[@suzettebavier4412]

Yes, from his guests. Johnny Carson himself was an ass-hole in real life. *Pardon my French

[@dollyvitka9676]

They do not make them like that anymore.. I love old shows thank God for tubi we can watch all good shows of old

[@sheeil8391]

Dumb video, you only got so many hits, because people thought they were going to see a Bette Davis interview.

[@ddubbs7015]

I just wanted to see an old woman get insulted , hes a bore

[@me005003]

He's been looked at first hand with Bette Davis eyes. An opportunity never to be repeated again.

[@stewyoder1806]

She even blew a big puff of sigerette smoke on him at 4:05

[@ldchappell1]

Bette Davis like the song "Bette Davis Eyes"

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

She knows just what it takes to make a pro blush

[@magicman9486]

Johnny forgot he had an audience. He was just having fun talking to Martin short.

[@erikswanson224]

You could tell he was really enjoying it. Like Martin Short was sitting on his couch at home. He even started trying out a few of his own impressions. This was the golden age of late night TV. Now it's pretty much dross, self important stars being interviewed about their latest "projects".

[@progressnotperfection1839]

I love to watch Carson laugh. 😂

[@Exotic3000]

You got that right?

[@emansnas]

@@erikswanson224 True. And more bizarre the Kimmels/Fallons et al make big bucks and have an audience!!! Definitely a sign of the times.

[@serpentines6356]

@@progressnotperfection1839 It is wonderful. He really loved what he did. We sure need a lot more laughs like this these days.

[@brotherowl]

One of the great moments of my life was briefly meeting Martin Short in person and greeting him in homage with my best imitation of Jiminy Glick, to which he responded "Hey, that's actually pretty good...!" I'll never forget it.

[@Thomas-xn4tk]

You can hear his David Steinberg impression in the first minute laid groundwork for ol Jiminy Glick

[@bettycogswell9851]

I love seeing Johnny laugh at Martin. 2 iconic comedians...

[@joseavila3438]

The King of late night...hands down.

[@doddsino]

Ed McMahon was indeed a legend...

[@soving]

Martin glancing over and getting startled at the presence of "BETTY"! Martin is a Canadian gem.

[@johnsjohnson448]

Martin Short has always been the quintessential guest. This is hysterically funny. Thanks for sharing.

[@sarahs5340]

Betty Davis eyes one of my favorite songs. I love how polite people used to be. Wish we could revive the age of manners.

[@plentinough7222]

We can’t change others, only ourselves and hopefully lead by example. Ameyn 🦋👍😊

[@pamelajordan2890]

Me to I always had dark circles under my eyes, when that came out..I felt so 😎

[@conniewaterman1673]

Betty definitely made her sentiments known. She could chill an entire house! Grow a sense of humor!

[@tonyg2170]

Manners except for the rudeness of smoking on stage and blowing it in other peoples faces.

[@marliesyanke4580]

Martin had no manners toward Ms. Bette.

[@Nicholaskcl]

Carson was not only the greatest talk show, but the greatest show in the history of television!

[@SwankeyMonkey]

Yes, for its time and still holds today. Fairly recently though, *Craig Ferguson's* show was one of the best kept secrets of Late Night talk shows. Must look up his stuff on YT if you need some good cheering up.

[@Nicholaskcl]

@@SwankeyMonkey love Craig. My top 3 new era late night shows would be late night with Conan, late late with Craig and late show with David

[@SwankeyMonkey]

@@Nicholaskcl I would largely agree with your choices, regarding the *early* Late Night Dave Letterman and Conan, but recently Dave got way too political making him no longer funny and all of Conan's virtue signaling gets tiresome. Craig on the other hand purposefully stayed apolitical and focused on everything that was funny making his show the better for it. And because of that, all of Craig's guests felt comfortable and let their guards down and made for much better and funnier interviews overall.

[@MrPetepeeters101]

@2020 Rox 😆

[@alvintiangco351]

Yeah

[@ambermoffat9700]

I love Betty's little sassy puffs of smoke here and there.

[@michman2]

Carson. One of very few that I still miss.

[@drivingmusic5923]

Can’t believe I actually watched this episode in 1988! Great times!

[@derickfeigum1467]

Over 2 million views in a week people still know talent I'm glad to see it

[@alanc1491]

And two days later... 3 million!

[@bluestrife28]

Ahh Bette was such a woman of steel. I love at even this age she’s still quick with the wit and the attitude. “Then we’ll skip it.” 😂😂

[@beatricefaria-clendinning8943]

All time Hollywood legend!❤️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙏

[@OfficialMarkZuckerberg]

She honestly just seems like she's got a shitty attitude honestly. Toughness is not the same thing as rudeness.

[@fl0nk11]

@@OfficialMarkZuckerberg She totally caught the impression and cracked a joke. Look at her expression afterward. She wasn't being rude, she was being funny.

[@OfficialMarkZuckerberg]

@@fl0nk11 I just don't know her sense of humor, she just seemed upset she was even there

[@zombywoof1015]

As cool as they come Bette is.

[@tubereuse_criminelle]

Why isn't she a fan? She's giggled😄Our beautiful one and only Bette❤

[@kevyak]

It was her persona to not be impressed by anything.

[@15packman]

Honestly, a great actress, but not pretty…

[@tubereuse_criminelle]

@@15packman no, not "pretty", I quite agree. Bette was beautiful!😍

[@RichieRich1234RICH]

@@15packmanyep let’s not kid ourselves. Bette even in her youngest roles was a character actress. She did look great in some movies but she wasn’t Hedy Lamar. She never relied on her looks which is why her career was so long.

[@sarahmariah100]

Right I got the impression she did think it was funny. Kind of hard to tell but it seemed like she did think it was funny, but acted like she didn't - but, then, with her face being older and all it kind of obscred her little irony and made her seem like she really might not be amused.

[@valenciat6639]

I've only seen clips of Johnny Carson but always liked him. I can't imagine how devastated long time viewers must have been when he retired after so many years.

[@MrJett1971]

One of the biggest losses in television history when he retired. Nobody before or since can touch Carson on his off days, let alone at his best.

[@PlainVidz]

We loved him, hard to explain. Not like how people would feel about today's guys, or even Leno or Letterman. Johnny was.......Johnny.

[@j.brown70]

I’m 50 and remember watching Carson w/ my mom sometimes as a kid (most likely during summers and school holiday breaks when I could stay up late). I also watched during high school and college. My fav was his Carnac bits w/ Ed. I fell off watching Carson regularly when Arsenio Hall started his show but I made it a point to watch his final show, and teared up when he did when Bette Midler sang that song. It did feel like an era was ending. Also remember Arsenio Hall gave him love and props on his own show on Carson’s final night. Saw a great documentary on Carson many years ago. If memory serves it revealed he seemed to be a bit of a sad sort outside of his work and he was very private. In any event I do enjoy watching these clips.

[@pewsterbaby]

When he left in early 1992, laying in bed at 11:30 at night with the tv still on was never the same again. He used to be the last person we'd see at the end of our long weekdays.

[@gjk540]

He was one of a kind--irreplaceable. I still miss him after all these years. I watched him every night--without fail.

[@dand2760]

His Jimny Glick skits always make me laugh even though I’ve seen them over and over 😄

[@piehound]

Great stuff. I had no idea Mr. Short was that talented. Thanks for posting.

[@ic1815]

The Lucille Ball impression “GARY get me my clutch bag, hurry!” 💀😂

[@guythecat490]

Man the thin legs, that summer boating outfit, that attitude...and the smoking. From another ERA.

[@scrapplepig]

Not a bad era, and she was pretty hot back in her era. Time takes it's toll.

[@pogo9876]

@@scrapplepig Hot? Better Davis was never known for her looks. As a matter of fact, she was known for being plain with crazy large eyes....She had talent, never much in the looks department. She's attested to that numerous times during her life.

[@scrapplepig]

@@pogo9876 Yes you are right. I went back and looked, she was good looking but not hot.

[@kellicouch5883]

I know! The smoking! It's so hard to believe that smoking used to be permitted anywhere & everywhere! Hospitals, office buildings, restaurants, etc. Crazy!

[@Elena-er7zp]

@@pogo9876 yes she was known for being sexy.

[@chicagocathrun7738]

Martin Short, always a brilliant, hysterical energy who seemed to be a genuinely nice person.

[@robpelick7460]

An interviewer (who didn't know his wife had recently passed away from cancer) asked Martin Short if he was still in love after 30 years of marriage. He smiled sweetly and said:"Oh, very much so." A perfect gentleman and a kind man.

[@sharonspeer418]

Brilliant artists all of them- hilarious too! I couldn't live without humor- it's my oxygen!😊

[@karencawthorn3173]

I avoid people who don't laugh. There's something wrong with them

[@judithpevy]

Martin Short is adorable.