The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 15 Episode 158 Irving Benson, Bea Arthur

Irving Benson and Bea Arthur appeared on episode 158 of season 15 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. The episode originally aired on May 4, 1977.

As with every episode of The Tonight Show, Johnny Carson kicked things off with his opening monologue, trading jokes with the audience and engaging in playful banter with his bandleader, Doc Severinsen. The monologue covered everything from the latest news and politics to pop culture and celebrities.

Once the jokes were done, Carson welcomed his first guest of the night, Irving Benson. Benson was a character actor who had appeared in a number of TV shows and movies over the years, including The Love Boat, The Odd Couple, and The Munsters. During the interview, Carson and Benson discussed his career and shared a few laughs.

After Benson's segment, Carson welcomed his second guest, Bea Arthur. Arthur was a Broadway veteran who had recently become a sitcom star thanks to her role on Maude. Carson and Arthur talked about her experience working on the show, as well as her life and career as a whole. Arthur was always a favorite guest on The Tonight Show, known for her quick wit and dry sense of humor.

As always, the episode was rounded out by some fun segments and sketches. Carson engaged in some playful banter with his guests, often eliciting laughs and cheers from the live audience. Musical performances were also a regular feature of the show, with various artists taking the stage over the years.

Overall, episode 158 of season 15 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was a classic example of what made the show so beloved by audiences for decades. With its mix of comedy, interviews, and musical performances, it offered something for everyone and showcased some of the biggest names in entertainment of its time.