Robert Blake and Johnny Switch Places | Carson Tonight Show

[@alpenglow4243]

I was in the audience with my wife the night of this taping in ‘76. When they went to a commercial break after Blake’s challenge to switch roles, Freddie DeCordova came over to the desk to whisper something to Johnny. Johnny then got up and switched places with Blake and started messing up his hair and loosened his tie. I don’t remember Blake or Carson even discussing what they were going to do once they were back from the break. They winged it, and it became a golden moment that was re-shown dozens of times over the years. I feel lucky that I got to see the behind the scenes set up to one of Johnny’s funniest moments.

[@daviddarby6986]

Great show! What was it Johnny said that got bleeped out?

[@pmafterdark]

@@alpenglow4243 Just another ahole spammer. Been reported.

[@alpenglow4243]

He said “Do you ever feel like a third t..t?”

[@brianf481]

Thx for the comment!

[@coldwinter5710]

An amazing memory to have! Thx for sharing ☺️

[@MYSONMYBUDDY]

Burt’s infectious laugh was always a pleasure to hear, him & Dom were quite the comic duo! 😂🤣👏👏👏👏

[@andrahunsaker4781]

Burt’s laugh; priceless !! 😀🤪😁

[@warrenbates2949]

I always hated Burt Reynolds cackle.

[@cautionTosser]

@@warrenbates2949 I was just about to say that. Glad I'm not alone. That whole time period with Reynolds was cringey. It's like after Deliverance he felt like he needed to project this weird persona to sort of lighten the mood. Didn't do anything after Deliverance that I deemed worth seeing until Boogey Nights.

[@bobjames5264]

That’s what I always go back to: that LAUGH! The highlight of all the Smokey & The Bandit movies for me. 😄😄 And this is one of the THE funniest Carson “interviews” ever. I didn’t know Blake had all that comedy in him!

[@lilithslair4120]

*Burt's GAY laugh!*

[@richardpare3538]

Johnny was by far the best talk show host ever. One of his great points that everyone else lacks is that he let his guests shine instead of trying to guide then in a direction.

[@girlart9]

Absolutely! THE best. Second is Jay Leno. Never cared for Letterman that much. Some of his guest were great tho.

[@paulyricca3881]

SO

[@paulyricca3881]

@@girlart9 SO

[@22lyric]

​@@girlart9 Agree completely!! All the other talk show hosts today are really mean.

[@anthonytaylor7928]

Todays host do the same thing

[@lindaclaycomb2629]

Johnny was one of the most talented men ever on TV. Loved him!!

[@zejaguar]

He had one most relaxed work schedules in history.

[@erikrhafer6644]

But a BAD GUY look and see what he did to fed decortava ...

[@stephencolley334]

​​@@zejaguar You try standing up to his "real" schedule. After the extreme high of the show it was hell winding down.

[@suzanestratton3329]

I miss class!

[@Justjudypeaceout]

He’s the best because he just lets the guests go😂

[@Mr7352]

These were very special moments people. They will never be again but glad was here to see them.

[@jefft022]

I saw this live when I was in high school. My dad had just gone to bed and he heard me lose it when Johnny dropped his pants. He came back and shared the craziness with me. One of my all time great memories! Carson was one of a kind...

[@hotrox2112]

"Beauty"!

[@latheofheaven]

What an awesome memory to have Bro! 👍

[@jacksak]

What a great memory with your Dad!

[@karenlbellmont6560]

Ditto!! I would sneak out after homework; when parents were asleep and watched Johnny. Laughed my < bleep off > and got in trouble ... but still had great grades!

[@karenlbellmont6560]

Luv John's hair! LMAO!! Rolling on kitchen floor 🤪!!!

[@jeffreyzeiss1326]

Eat your heart out Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Trevor Nunn and the list goes on and on and on. This is why Johnny Carson is legendary!

[@dwaynesisto5185]

Plus NO POLITICS

[@stevenpyron3406]

Who in the hell is Trevor Nunn?!

[@ronburgundy244]

​@@stevenpyron3406 Pretty sure he meant Trevor Noah.

[@UseYourBrain.]

Jimmy, Jimmy, and Trevor are all moronic puppets. It's an insult to our intelligence to watch those goofballs.

[@bryanessing3344]

Who?

[@ksb2112]

Great to also see Burt Reynolds in there. His laughter is genuine as he was picking up on Johnny's subtle jabs.

[@StukInBuf]

RIP all three.

[@careful...Icarus]

That Bandit laugh is priceless.

[@SUGAR_XYLER]

​@@careful...Icarus I couldn't stand it...never was a Burt fan 😖

[@josephvitielo1693]

Rip micheal gubitosi

[@judithrees6919]

😮 Robert Blake...wow, just wow 😮

[@sandraspidle5972]

Johnny was one in a trillion. He was so good at getting people to talk, laugh, and act out. Greatest entertainer for late night ever.❤️🔥

[@katherinekerbow8344]

No one can beat Johnny!!! The one and only late night talk show host that was always great! Always funny! We sure miss you Johnny!!! ❤❤

[@chesterproudfoot9864]

So much better than the crap that passes for late night tv these days. Johnny Carson was the king. Those of us who were around to watch it live saw the best of the best. RIP, Robert Blake (Baretta, Mickey). Really good actor, he deserved better.

[@Screencappedhats]

Why do you fossils always have to take a shot at today's late night tv in order to prop up the shows you liked when you weren't so old? Get over it.

[@TonyWud]

The mother of his child deserved better.

[@Blood0cean]

mightve been a good actor.... but hes an awfully boring person.

[@dukeallen432]

Today’s late night shows aren’t crap. Just exposed insecure racist idjuts and the idiot they voted for.

[@neilmccormick2064]

RIP murderous nutbag .

[@skeletonmakesgood]

Carson here is at his absolute prime. No talk show host ever even approached Johnny in his prime. He could adapt to anything, anybody, even Robert Blake in an extra wacked out mood.

[@waynemoe3823]

I think Carson was in his prime from day one until the last day, but I will say I enjoyed the show much better when it was 90 mins.

[@Hugh_Manitee]

Does anyone else think RB had indulged in some Califonia Primo before the show?🤔

[@free2roam674]

@@Hugh_Manitee He definitely indulged in something. Burt was an absolute classic. I loved his guest appearance on Archer, perfect.

[@darrolyn]

seth meyers is good with guests too....and also Graham Norton

[@chrislastnam6822]

"wacked out". - Is that the scientific term for it? Robert Blake was one of my favorite deranged misanthropes .

[@ellenhayes7597]

There will never be another Johnny Carson 😊 he is the G.O.A.T

[@neenroe11]

No tv hosts even compare to tv back then, NONE!!! The good ol days. Thankful for this channel and others like it. 😊

[@dekelanson5280]

Back when late night television was still entertaining. RIP Robert, Johnny and Burt.

[@BonzoKilbourn]

Don't forget Ed. 🤣

[@ginajennings1664]

Amen. They are missed.

[@tomwaytula90]

​@@ginajennings1664you miss Robert Blake the murderer

[@stephencolley334]

​@@BonzoKilbourn Ed was so overlooked! He was a master at following Johnnie's lead and contributing "just enough at the right times" without being intrusive.

[@MichaelMattison]

Ed was tactful

[@TexasVernon]

The way Johnny reacts you would think everything had been rehearsed. By that I mean it is hard to believe he can come up with his comments & physical expressions so spontaneously. I loved watching his show.

[@barroncrist5779]

You gotta love Burt's laugh.

[@zokitchvlog]

Miss Johnny 😢

[@lilithslair4120]

*Burt's laugh was "going gay" about this time in his life !*

[@nick-rp2do]

​@@lilithslair4120 that's what you're mommy said about you!

[@donhancock332]

Burt was always up for the joke.

[@Melinda8162]

​@@nick-rp2do😂

[@peggypoe8928]

So sad these days are gone, glad we have tape. Burt's hearty and genuine laugh makes this all the more funny.

[@lindapepper1067]

Oh how I miss all of these brilliant entertainers. Carson was the true maestro of the Tonight Show. No one since has come near to his level. But, too, his guests were also high caliber. Together, they provided superior, intelligent & very creative humor that obviously lives on decades later.

[@plainguy4996]

Priceless. I was 17 when this aired. I loved Johnny and watched every time I could. This one slipped by. I'm so grateful to see it. Burt, Robert, and especially Johnny were in top form. Thank you.

[@io3010]

Johnny was the best! Sure, miss him, thank goodness for this KZbin channel!!! Bringing smiles to all of us that need one today!

[@CallMeMicahT]

They’re so quick witted it’s mind blowing.

[@pmpscheduler]

Comedy genius, the quick wit! (Only Americans are this great!) Their brains concoct these one liners, as they discuss the scenes in Hollywood. It’s amazing!

[@JohnDoe-fh4gd]

Indubitably ☺️

[@davehue9517]

True classics... America doesn't have entertainers like this today... RIP Johnny, Burt and Robert

[@trekkiejunk]

Yes they do.

[@770WT]

Blake was a total jerk .

[@bobknobbe3561]

Robert was an entertainer his whole life

[@morningdove20]

A True Late Night Host.. and Comedians who were funny enough that they had no need, or time, to waste on talking to their Viewers about Politics Every Nite. Those were the days when u went to bed at nite still laughing.. ❤ Rest in Peace Johnny, Burt, and Robert.

[@hmc2s]

Yep and all we have now are 3 jackasses on late night TV.

[@paulasoutchek3747]

Right on.

[@morningdove20]

@@hmc2s You Got That Rt!! 💯 👍

[@morningdove20]

@Woke Plantation Blues He sure was... ❣️

[@claudiascott6484]

So true, no politics.

[@clamdigr]

My favorite memory regarding Johnny Carson is that my Dad watched him every night. The world was a better place back when both of those guys were in it. I remember at 9 years old being awakened by my Dad's laughter and walking out to the living room half asleep, climbing up on the couch and staring at the TV. My Dad smiled and let me sit there. It was the first time we watched "The Tonight Show" together and, when I got older, it was a common occurrence. Miss you Dad, tell Johnny I said "hey".

[@RH-cv1rg]

It was a better place back then? Bonnie Bakley might disagree if she were alive.

[@clamdigr]

@@RH-cv1rg Yes, I believe the world was a better place with my Dad, and Johnny Carson, in it. Sorry if that sonehow offends you.

[@RH-cv1rg]

@@clamdigr I get you. I thought you were referring to Blake and Carson, not your Dad and Carson. My bad.

[@conniemclaughlin-miley4404]

@@RH-cv1rgdidnt read it that way. I thought her dad and Johnny were referred to-nothing to do with Blake

[@Mayfitz]

Agree! My mother was alive still! I would come down our steep stairs,ask her if i could watch too. The livingroom a haze of smoke, she passed away of lung cancer in 1978.Great nostagic flashback,ty!e​@@clamdigr

[@joseh3564]

Timeless!!! The 3 of of them together was oddly great chemistry.

[@thomastimlin1724]

Well said....that's the crux of the whole thing here.

[@crazycappy01]

Towards the last segment, THAT'S why Johnny was dubbed "The King of Late Night." And R.I.P Robert. As long as we have funny clips like this on KZbin, you'll never be forgotten.

[@EMJ31]

Amen

[@pmpscheduler]

Thanking KZbin for posts of the Late Night Comedy King! Forever! No one close! Arsenio was good, he admits Johnny C was his mentor! Just found a group of his DVDs!!! Love this one, wirh young Robert Blake, Clint Eastwood, over dresses Johnny C! The bell bottoms are hot on the guys!

[@JOHNWAYNE1920]

Didn't he kill his wife?

[@bobwaller1649]

There is Carson in first and whoever is next is miles away. The true King of Latenight forever!

[@SUGAR_XYLER]

​@@JOHNWAYNE1920 yes, but she was annoying 🤣

[@sjm2is4ra6el]

I reviewed Johnny pretending to be like Blake 3 times and I still laughed where rears ran down my cheek. Hilarious! The expressions and laughter from Burt Reynolds added to the silliness of it all. Great show.

[@cynthiasmith4130]

These were the good old days of late night tv!!!!! Johnny Carson, Burt Reynolds, Robert Blake!!!! What an excellent show!!!! ❤❤❤❤.....

[@joycebruhn1346]

hello blake trial oj trial not guilty .., i go by truth they were guilty gid want s them to declare their guilt ask forgiveness just because a jury doesnt get all information just because they are swayed or bullied into a vertic just because they decide something is reasonable doubt doesnt mean tgey are guilt free many guikty are free many innocent charged because people go out of their way to corrupt the process ... go with the real guilt is guilt they killed they did it they cared only about themselves ... arrogant the world is corrupt we except it

[@julschewo7494]

Greatest laugh in the history of Hollywood - Burt Reynolds.

[@josephvitielo1693]

Steve Allen had a great laugh also

[@Tom-ok2rh]

Ed McMahon had a good laugh too 🤣🤣

[@randallreid424]

Johnny Carson had a way about him without saying a word that could bring a smile to my face I love these old clips

[@pmpscheduler]

Johnny was a natural comedian! Even when his jokes weren’t funny! I have a collection, no one will ever replace him. Dave Chapelle is good, Chris Rock has moved up a notch after his latest Netflix special!

[@ikeskifan]

WOW... I HAD NEVER SEEN THIS .. 3 of the most off the cuff guys to light up your evening at home.

[@walkerhawes2200]

That’s what set Johnny apart from everyone else, he just knew what to do to make the show great. What an absolute legend he was.

[@philipbonner6486]

Robert Blake was doing he done best, acting and having a laugh, Rest in Peace Robert, thanks for the memories seeing you on television.

[@surryhouse]

As a teenager I would stay up every night to watch Johnny.

[@indracaponious]

14:50 Actually in tears, woke the kids up, dog is looking at me with the tilted head. RIP Johnny.

[@sooz9433]

This episode of Johnny wouldn't have been half as funny if Burt Reynolds hadn't provided that fantastic laugh!!😁✨️♥️

[@nonenoneonenonenone]

And his oh-so revealing pants!

[@joycebruhn1346]

itwas so great ilaughed .. robert was for sure more than drinking in his life and such a cute little rascal but you know life turns ... did anyone watch the tim conway episode its funny too carol burnette and i believe dick van dyke omg tim just talkes about this elephant then it turns ridiculous finally carol says something obscene or i think tim lostit too at the end omg funny

[@billstrat2917]

@@joycebruhn1346 Yes! It would have been too weird if Burt wasn't there to be an onscreen audience for Johnny's jokes about Robert's slovenly appearance and attitude. Blake stepped up as the interviewer and was surprisingly lucid. A fun moment on a great show.

[@juliaphillips9436]

Burt Reynolds' laughter is wonderful. Hilarious interview.

[@jayceew.rabbit9358]

I never realized how hilarious Robert Blake was! And I was lmao along with Burt! This was so funny! May all three of them r.i.p.

[@Frankcastlepunisher74]

You find a murderer funny?

[@jayceew.rabbit9358]

@@Frankcastlepunisher74 no, I do not, and this was before that, he was funny on the Carson show. Don't read so much into everything! It was just a comment on this clip, not the dude's life. Dang.

[@suraya1224]

He wasn't funny, he was his typical insecure, foolish self.

[@SlickArmor]

@@Frankcastlepunisher74 yeah this one was kind of humorous that night what of it.

[@raptorfromthe6ix833]

@@Frankcastlepunisher74what murder

[@starexplorers1202]

Miss you Burt! 🤣 Miss you Robert! I loved Baretta growing up, especially the theme song. Love the humor back then. Simple and genuine.

[@pmpscheduler]

Comedy; the sold out gig in heaven!

[@TheRivrPrncess]

Same here. I was so happy when grown up and in my own place. I called my mom and said I was watching Baretta-the whole episode and she can't make me go to bed and miss half if it. LOL.

[@johnayalachef]

I don't know but do you think Pedro Pascal is like Burt Reynolds? Similar charisma

[@JD-ij5fi]

Those were the days my friend we thought they’d never end...RIP Johnny, Burt and Robert. We will never see their like again.

[@pmpscheduler]

Truth!

[@stanleywheeler404]

You're so RIGHT about that

[@BigBadJerryRogers]

Nothing lasts forever. Today is absolutely horrible but we'll probably miss it in 15 years.

[@BillSomody]

Iconic moment on the Tonight Show! Loved all three😂! Rest in peace, Johnny and Robert and Burt!

[@SV-nk2we]

I am so glad that I watched this. I didn't know that Robert Blake was so funny and I had forgotten just how.awesome Burt Reynolds's laugh was. These guys were true entertainers. It's a shame that Robert's life took a dark turn later in life.

[@JeffKopis]

If you knew his history, his life took a dark turn the day he was born.

[@darondatoole7439]

Oh how I miss Johnny.

[@BiggMo]

Is Johnny still alive or ???

[@jillkjv3816]

​@@BiggMo No, cancer got him. :( Probably due to the smoking for decades.

[@bigblu54]

I miss letterman

[@coldwinter5710]

​@@jillkjv3816 It was actually Emphysema. Which of course was 100% due to his heavy smoking habit.

[@jillkjv3816]

@@coldwinter5710 The two often go hand in hand. That's how my paternal grandfather died. Cancer came first and set off emphysema. He died in agony. Smoking is not worth it. :(

[@hankgs]

These three were names that EVERYONE knew and loved back in the day. Too bad we no longer have such "entertainers" among us.

[@mariefortunato4737]

So very true 👍

[@markgraham2312]

This was the best Tonight Show ever!

[@catherinewilliams9680]

The last four minutes of this clip showed why everyone loved Johnny. Robert had admitted that he rarely interacted with Carson. But, you wouldn't know it by watching them.

[@suraya1224]

Yes, it was obvious. Blake totally ignored JC when he came out. Rude.

[@mikeedwards7304]

Has to be one of the best Tonight Show segments ever.

[@timf2279]

I have to disagree. The best was Johnny going after Don to the CPO Sharky set over the broken cigarette box. However, this was definitely a top 5.

[@MarjorainMD]

Those were the days my friend…🎸 best of the best gathered here tonight…Oh! how times have changed and not for the better I’m afraid. Love Burt, he was a king in every respect just as much as Carson was. Edit; Robert Blake was borderline genius in this interview, I thought he was fantastic, he’s masterful shtick made up for a great interview.

[@JackiePhillipsTheSocialPet]

He looks drunk or stoned!

[@Chuck_Hooks]

Doc's outfit. Lol. Smart to keep a wide shot to include Burt to get his reactions, too. Robert was totally spaced out here and yet he was incredibly interesting as long as he was with Johnny. And Baretta was a big hit. We'll get the comments about his wife but that was years later and he and Johnny just made it all very entertaining over many appearances.

[@elenalatici9568]

It was Doc Severenson in that wacky suit? I was trying to figure out what year that was. Had to be around '69-'70. I'm not sure Robert was spaced out. He might have been slightly hammered though. I doubt Universal was very happy with his rock bottom truth.telling. Every word 1000% true. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@coldwinter5710]

I would bet this is 1973 when White Lightening came out. Burt was most likely plugging that film.

[@Hernal03]

@@coldwinter5710 Actually it was 1976 --- the original airdate is posted in the description above.

[@SlickArmor]

Well that wife was quite a piece of work. Blake may have done the world a favor.

[@johnstrika9170]

That was Doc? I couldn't tell if it was him or Sonny Bono lol

[@voiceguy3635]

I never thought Burt and Blake would get along,but this was a three sided comedy classic.

[@johnnybmean74]

Did they really? I felt some alpha tension going on here.

[@rustybearden1800]

I've watched the JC show all of my life and I've watched most of the crazy stuff as it was broadcast but this has to be the goofiest, oddball clip ever. Johnny was genius!

[@prozac623]

Robert Blake was high as a kite. Carson was, and always will be, the king.

[@clicketysplit1817]

Either that or just bisexual. He does seem to exude the same energy someone that is bi would.

[@johnsewell6593]

​@@clicketysplit1817What the ??

[@seeharvester]

@@clicketysplit1817 Here we go....

[@clicketysplit1817]

@@seeharvester it's all good ... The homosexuals that walked out for the chosen ideal with conception will always come to the rescue 🛟 of the bisexuals with the sexual abuse vic and the transgenders with the hysterectomy. Long live King Charles

[@maureenmcgrath5501]

got away with murder...

[@xz-187]

The unfortunate part is these three stupendous personalities have passed away. RIP Robert Blake, Johnny and Burt the Bandit.

[@Screencappedhats]

Well this was over 50 years ago so....

[@JJStetson]

Hey now, Doc Severinsen is still with us at 95. Not so sure about his Currier & Ives suit.

[@xz-187]

​@@Screencappedhats 46 years

[@xz-187]

​@@JJStetson that's why i don't mention him. Perhaps he left his suit on his horse ranch somewhere in eastern Oregon 😀

[@erictalbert4633]

Robert Blake just died! I had to google to see it

[@dalereynolds8703]

Carson was, is, and always will be, the KING of late night I don't think they could've rehearsed that for that could have come out that funny

[@robertkroberjr.157]

Childhood memories right there! 😎🍻

[@sheydoll]

I remember as a child, watching Johhny Carson with my grandmother & grandfather on the weekends & in the summer. Brings back great memories 💕💕

[@lynettenasseri753]

Robert Blake was such a unique, quirky and likeable character. He said it as it was and didn't bs. He also had such a strong presence in every movie and tv show he made. None like him since.

[@tommymas1]

Until he killed somebody.....lol.

[@Drdan-i6e]

@@tommymas1yep, those “quirky” murderers get ya every time

[@paulajay473]

He was found not guilty

[@tommymas1]

@paulajay473 Jury didn't have enough to convict him. Doesn't mean he didn't do it. Also, he was found civilly guilty of her death. Dude was guilty.

[@JosephPerrotta-db9xp]

Absolutely ​@@tommymas1

[@robitaillefan20]

Love Bobby Blake. So cool, adorable. Rip

[@TheRivrPrncess]

Extremely cool, cute and adorable.

[@MustertheBrohirrim]

Johnny's instincts were impeccable

[@sunlion9676]

Wow! I think that has to be one of my top faves in tv history!!!

[@christineblaszczyk1602]

Always loved Johnny Carson, looked forward to watching him. No one could ever replace his comic abilities as a talk show host. Epic. We will always miss him.

[@TheRivrPrncess]

So heartbroken hearing of Robert Blake's passing. I remember crying real hard when I was young when I had to go to bed after only seeing half of his Baretta tv series. I loved his humor. I'm sorry he thought Baretta wasn't a good show and he had trouble with it. I hope he knew we fans loved it as well as other things he did. You are so missed, Robert. I will be so glad to see you in the resurrection. Miss you, too Burt. I'll be happy meeting you, too.

[@pattyclark1296]

RIP Robert. Was always a fan ♥

[@jeromeblue3854]

He murdered his wife.

[@BigBadJerryRogers]

​@@jeromeblue3854it's possible she had it coming

[@steelcity3534]

I am lucky to have grown up when Johnny was on the air. I can remember staying up late w/ Dad & Mom to watch him. Specifically, when Rober Blake was on. He was always cooky and funny. Robert's chilling portrayal of Perry Smith in the film "In Cold Blood" is excellent. rip, Mickey

[@elenalatici9568]

That movie! I went to the movies that night thinking I would see another film. When Cold Blood started I thought it was a really long trailer. I would never have chosen to see it. Your comment about how chilling Robert was brought that film right up on the screen I carry around in my head.

[@missingbitz9831]

And then later in life, he got away with killing his wife. F him.

[@davidc.2878]

I laughed through all of this. Robert Blake is actually quite funny as well. And Reynolds’ knew how to roll with a scene. Johnny knew how to spin straw into gold. And he never upstaged his guests-unless they asked for it, like Blake did here.

[@krisscanlon4051]

Well said

[@blindkimberly1360]

This is still hilarious. I miss Burt’s laugh! Be at peace guys.

[@SA-ud9nf]

Blake was strange but a nice guy. Loved him in Baretta. God rest his soul.

[@DennisMoore664]

Wasn't the bird named Fred? I heard Blake calling the show "Barfetta" at 3:58 (ish) so I guess he wasn't a fan but I thought it was fun back in the day. He certainly led a dramatic and interesting life.

[@dmontes133]

Johnny and Burt were so great together!

[@coldwinter5710]

They became very good friends over the years. A perfect pair on late night.

[@randybourdon2791]

That was one of the funniest episodes I’ve ever watched.😂😂

[@crumblefest]

You don't see any of the current late night hosts approaching this level of humor... Carson Rules... but we knew that!

[@kingdoc3262]

Too funny! Blake was pretty much correct Johnny whole purpose existed around hosting this show. Once he retired I sense he felt he had no further purpose. Thank you Johnny and Robert and Burt👍🏼🙏🏽🤣

[@delanohill4599]

I never thought about Blake until watching this clip of Carson

[@drumsport]

Moments in time we'll never see the like again. RIP to these cinema giants.

[@bruhager]

Carson taking the challenge and basically doing the best impression of all of his worst and most difficult guests combined in one hilarious character was brilliant.

[@voiceguy3635]

He was actually doing an exaggerated impression of Robert Blake--who wound up getting a huge laugh out of it.

[@CalebDiT]

Yeah, Blake didn't realize Johnny was making fun of how stupid he was behaving.

[@peachespavalko1980]

🤣 You’ve made my morning. Thanks! 🥰 I missed this episode featuring one of my - if not THE - favorite guests of JC, so this is extra-special.

[@MeneerHerculePoirot]

Robert Blake and Carson became close friends. Blake credits Carson for giving him timely advise about project choices and just life in general. Said in an interview that Carson would call him once in while and never failed to take a call from Blake.

[@mickeyandres2651]

This was the best of late night, period. Miss you Johnny!

[@raymorton8588]

always loved Blake, I loved watching Johnny when he was a guest...

[@northernreflections4653]

I grew in the days of Barretta…he was so very cool in that show. Loved the Sammy Davis Jr theme song.

[@angelagoodwin5758]

Yep. Barretta and Starsky and Hutch were the hippest cops on the streets of prime-time tv in the 70s.

[@northernreflections4653]

@@angelagoodwin5758 Yes indeed!

[@notadumbblond3]

Love Burt Reynolds laugh! It's as iconic and infectious as Jim Breuer's laugh. And Dom's.

[@thomastimlin1724]

Burt once lived in my home town of Lansing MI. He was born in 1936, Reynolds lived with his parents in a two-bedroom house on Donora Street until 1943, the year it was sold. I don't know if the house is still standing or not.

[@sparfarkel1266]

That's so funny!! Don't have anything like it today. Miss you Johnny!!!

[@notsosilentmajority1]

That was Johnny's "F" you to Robert Blake. He was really making it difficult for Johnny for a while, thankfully, Burt Reynolds was there with his contagious laugh to help lighten the mood initially. We can see why there was always talk about Robert Blake being weird and difficult to work with. Great job by Johnny and Burt. Robert Blake was an excellent actor, even with the difficulties that may have come along with him. Today we lost the last of these three men. R.I.P. Robert Blake.

[@sliceserve234]

Oh I think Johnny was quite aware this was super entertaining, and he played into the bit with great skill, he was thrilled by every second of this, and he beautifully held his own

[@elenalatici9568]

Exactly. Johnny was showing Robert what a pain in the ass he could be and Robert.knew it. 🤣 For the most part, the guests on that show were never stupid boring dolts

[@notsosilentmajority1]

@@elenalatici9568 Spot on..........

[@sliceserve234]

@@elenalatici9568 but I think that overlooks the opportunity Johnny saw to make comedic hay out of the situation, I don't think Johnny was pissed off, I think Johnny saw an opportunity and took it like the comedy pro he was. Blake made excellent material for talk shows.

[@VickieannOglesby]

They was just having fun

[@LD__RN]

RIP Robert Blake. His book Life of a Rascal is fantastic, life fully lived.

[@cynthiasmith4130]

Johnny is the Man, the King of late night!!!!! Love this show, watch it every night!!!!! Yes, RIP Robert!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️.....

[@TheViking1980]

Johnny was the best

[@brianandlindafairchild1237]

This little chunk of Carson is better than anything on late night in the last ten years.

[@DRpokeme]

RB was just having fun. What great show. What a great episode. Damn it was so well done.

[@DK640OBrianYT]

Always such a pleasure to watch.

[@mitchelllonas2210]

That was awesome. Hilarious. johnny was an amazing person thanks for posting this

[@fitmiller]

No one will ever hold a candle to the best late night host ever, Johnny Carson.

[@ANDYYANKEE]

You will never see entertainment like this ever again!!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@trekkiejunk]

You should watch Graham Norton. He has actors goofing around and being really fun all the time. Remember, Carson had hundreds of shows a year. A lot of it doesn't hold up. You're watching all the curated highlights on KZbin, giving you a false impression of the whole.

[@geng8667]

🤣Oh my goodness, this made me lol! This one is a true gem!!! As a kid in high school, I used to make it a point to tune in to The Tonight Show when Robert Blake or Burt Reynolds were going to be guests. Robert Blake was especially entertaining with all his weirdness!😂

[@julier.1902]

Burt brought some shaving or whipped cream at least once and that was a blast! I kept hoping for more after that. Sally Field came on one night, opened her purse, and took out some shaving cream. Guess what happened?? LOL

[@SlickArmor]

@@julier.1902 took off half of Burts stache?

[@josephharper3072]

Maybe the funniest thing Carson ever did. We miss you Johnny!

[@hotrox2112]

Took a page out of Art Carney's & Foster Brooks playbook for sure..

[@shellthomas3123]

Three of my most favorite men all at one time. ❤️❤️❤️

[@karenlbellmont6560]

I always loved Burt Reynolds laugh!

[@kcinks]

Johnny and Burt were the best of friends and this episode shows it!

[@TERoss-jk9ny]

RIP Robert. It was great while it lasted.

[@speedyboris]

Some of Robert Blake's best appearances was when he was complaining that one of his films, Second-Hand Hearts, was delayed/shelved by the studio but was still able to show clips from it- he surmised that if he came on repeatedly throughout the years and showed a different clip each time, the audience would eventually see all of it. Of course, the film was eventually released in 1981.

[@pattysalyer382]

I loved watching Robert Blake on Johnny Carson's show !!! It was really funny !!! 🙂❤🧡💛💚💙💜💐🌹🥀🌺🌻🌼🌷🌈

[@maryperry1773]

Blake is so underestimated. What a card. I wish he was here to appreciate my compliment. RIP you legend 🌟