The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 21 Episode 216 Jack Lemmon, Wil Shriner
- December 13, 1983
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson season 21 episode 216 features two very special guests, Jack Lemmon and Wil Shriner. Jack Lemmon is an accomplished actor who has starred in classic films such as The Apartment, Some Like It Hot, and Days of Wine and Roses. Wil Shriner on the other hand, is a comedian and director who is perhaps best known for his role in the hit television sitcom, Growing Pains.
The episode opens with host Johnny Carson launching into his opening monologue, cracking jokes about the latest news headlines and poking fun at the latest silly trends. As always, his timing is impeccable, and the audience is roaring with laughter from the moment he hits the stage.
After the monologue, Johnny welcomes his first guest, Jack Lemmon. The two have an easy chemistry, and Johnny is clearly thrilled to have such a Hollywood legend on his show. They start by discussing the making of the classic film Some Like It Hot, in which Jack starred alongside Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis. Jack shares some fascinating insight into Marilyn's work ethic, and the challenges of working on such an iconic film.
The conversation then turns to Jack's recent projects, as he discusses his work on the critically acclaimed drama, Glengarry Glen Ross. Jack is clearly proud of this project, and he talks at length about the intensity of the filming process, and the challenges of working with such a talented ensemble cast.
After a commercial break, Johnny welcomes his second guest, Wil Shriner. Wil is a much younger guest than Jack, and his comedic talents are a welcome contrast to the more serious tone of the previous conversation. They start by discussing Wil's work on Growing Pains, and Wil shares some hilarious behind-the-scenes stories about working with the cast.
The conversation then turns to Wil's career as a stand-up comedian, and he regales the audience with some of his funniest bits. His energy is infectious, and the studio audience is loving every minute of it.
As always, the show ends with performances from the house band, and Johnny says his goodnights. This episode is a great example of the wide-ranging content and guest list that was typical of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. It's a classic episode that will appeal to both fans of classic Hollywood, and fans of cutting-edge comedy.