The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 15 Episode 87 Orson Bean, Marilyn Sokol
- February 9, 1977
Orson Bean and Marilyn Sokol take center stage on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in season 15 episode 87. The iconic talk show is well into its second decade on air, and Carson continues to deliver his unique blend of humor and celebrity interviews to audiences across the country.
As the episode begins, Carson launches into his opening monologue, filled with topical jokes about politics, pop culture, and current events. He sets the tone for the rest of the show, which promises to be a mix of laughs, music, and conversation.
The first guest to join Carson on the couch is Orson Bean, a veteran actor and comedian with a career spanning several decades. Carson and Bean chat about everything from showbiz gossip to personal anecdotes, with both men delivering plenty of witty one-liners and punchy comebacks.
Throughout the interview, Bean shares stories about working with famous actors and directors, and pokes fun at his own status as a Hollywood veteran. Carson plays along, quipping that Bean "has been in more movies than popcorn" and teasing him for his distinctive, raspy voice.
Next up is Marilyn Sokol, a fellow comedian and Broadway performer who brings her own unique brand of humor to the Tonight Show stage. Sokol and Carson engage in a lively back-and-forth, with Sokol riffing on a variety of topics and leaving the audience in stitches.
The conversation between Sokol and Carson ranges from the mundane (such as Sokol's experiences with bumper-to-bumper traffic) to the sublime (with Sokol sharing her thoughts on the meaning of life). Despite their differences in age and background, Sokol and Carson quickly strike up a comfortable rapport.
Throughout the episode, Carson also showcases a variety of musical acts, ranging from up-and-coming performers to established legends. From country crooners to rock 'n rollers, Carson's musical guests showcase the range and diversity of the American music scene.
As the episode draws to a close, Carson cracks a few more jokes and bids farewell to his guests. He reminds viewers to tune in again tomorrow for another installment of the Tonight Show, promising more laughs and celebrity interviews to come.
Overall, season 15 episode 87 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a classic example of the beloved talk show's winning formula. With a mix of celebrity interviews, musical acts, and Carson's trademark humor, the show continues to entertain audiences of all ages and backgrounds. As Carson himself might say: "I kid you not, folks – this one's a real doozy!"