The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 17 Episode 67 George Burns, Bess Armstrong
- January 19, 1979
On this episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, legendary actor and comedian George Burns is the first guest. Burns, who was in his 90s at the time, brings his trademark charm and wit to the interview as he talks about his long career in show business. He shares stories from his early days as a vaudeville performer, his time in films and television, and his experiences working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood.
Throughout the interview, Burns proves to be a natural storyteller, regaling Johnny and the audience with tales of his interactions with luminaries such as Jack Benny, Bob Hope, and Gracie Allen. He also discusses his own approach to comedy, noting that timing is everything and that the key to success is to always keep the audience guessing.
Later in the show, actress Bess Armstrong joins Johnny for an interview of her own. Armstrong talks about her role in the hit TV series “My So-Called Life,” which had recently come to an end after just one season. She also discusses her experiences working on feature films, including the horror classic “Jaws 3-D” and the romantic comedy “The Four Seasons.”
As always, Johnny keeps the conversation lively and engaging, peppering both guests with questions and playful banter. He even engages in a bit of comedic skit work with Burns, showing off his own skills as a performer.
Throughout the show, Johnny also engages with the audience, eliciting laughs and applause with his trademark wit and charm. From his opening monologue to his interactions with the guests and the crowd, Carson proves once again why he was one of the most beloved talk show hosts of all time.
Overall, this episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a classic example of the kind of entertainment that made Carson such a fixture in American homes for decades. With a mix of comedy, celebrity interviews, and engaging conversation, it’s easy to see why the show was so popular and why its legacy continues to this day.