The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 16 Episode 124 Joan Rivers, Fred Astaire, Jack Douglas
- April 5, 1978
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a talk show that aired for over three decades, hosted by the legendary Johnny Carson. Season 16 episode 124 featured three special guests: comedienne Joan Rivers, dancing legend Fred Astaire, and comedian and actor Jack Douglas.
Joan Rivers was known for her no holds barred comedic style and controversial jokes. She appeared on the show to promote her new book and share some of her latest bits. She discussed her love of plastic surgery and how she felt that aging was not an excuse to let oneself go. Rivers also talked about her recent expedition to the North Pole, which she described as an adventure that pushed her to her limits.
Fred Astaire was a true Hollywood icon, famous for his elegant dance moves and performances in classic films like Top Hat and Swing Time. In this episode, Astaire recounted some of his most memorable experiences in show business, including his collaborations with legendary choreographer Hermes Pan and his efforts to break into film after a successful career in stage musicals. Astaire brought his signature charm and grace to the show, and even managed to convince Carson to join him for a brief dance routine.
Jack Douglas was a less well-known but still accomplished comic and actor. He had made appearances on popular sitcoms like The Brady Bunch and The Beverly Hillbillies and had a talent for impressions and physical comedy. On The Tonight Show, he showcased his versatility by performing impressions of famous personalities like Richard Nixon and Johnny Cash, and also shared some anecdotes from his early days in show business.
The episode also featured a number of comedy skits and bits, including a spoof of the popular game show To Tell the Truth and a humorous take on the classic 1960s spy show The Man from U.N.C.L.E. There was also a musical performance by a young singer named Laura Branigan, who would go on to have several hits in the 1980s.
Overall, this episode of The Tonight Show was a showcase of some of the biggest names and talents in entertainment. The guests were all seasoned professionals who brought their unique perspectives and experiences to the table, and Carson was the perfect host, able to keep the conversation flowing and engage with his guests in a way that made for entertaining television.