The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 12 Episode 245 12th Anniversary Show

On October 1, 1974, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson celebrated its 12th anniversary on the air with a special episode. This hour-long episode featured a roster of celebrity guests and musical acts, interspersed with clips from past episodes of the show.

One of the highlights of the episode was an appearance by former First Lady Betty Ford. Ford had recently undergone a mastectomy and had become an outspoken advocate for breast cancer awareness, and she used her appearance on The Tonight Show to discuss her experience and encourage other women to get mammograms. Carson and Ford discussed a range of topics, from Ford's recovery to her thoughts on the state of politics in America. The interview was a moving and enlightening moment in television history.

In addition to Ford, the episode featured appearances by a number of other famous faces, including singer Tony Orlando, who performed a medley of hits with his backing band Dawn. Orlando had been a frequent guest on The Tonight Show over the years, and his energetic performances were always a crowd-pleaser.

Another standout moment from the 12th Anniversary Show was a musical number performed by comedian Carl Reiner. Reiner, who was 52 at the time, donned a pair of skates and performed an impressive skating routine on the Tonight Show stage to the tune of "The Skaters' Waltz." The routine was a hit with the studio audience and remains a beloved moment in the show's history.

Throughout the episode, Carson also took time to reminisce about the show's early days and the many memorable guests and moments that had graced the Tonight Show stage over the years. Clips were shown featuring legendary performers like Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, and Lucille Ball, as well as comic icons such as Don Rickles and Joan Rivers.

As the episode drew to a close, Carson was presented with a special plaque commemorating the show's 12th anniversary. He thanked the audience for their continued support and promised to keep bringing them the best in entertainment in the years to come.

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was a fixture of American television for more than 30 years, and the 12th Anniversary Show was a testament to the enduring popularity of the show. With its mix of humor, celebrity guests, and musical performances, The Tonight Show remained a must-watch program for viewers of all ages.