The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 22 Episode 144 Farrah Fawcett, Ryan O'Neal
- September 27, 1984
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson season 22 episode 144 features Hollywood power couple Farrah Fawcett and Ryan O'Neal. The episode begins with Carson introducing his guests as "two of the most glamorous and talented people in Hollywood." Fawcett and O'Neal sit down on the couch, looking relaxed and excited to be on the show.
Carson starts the conversation by asking Fawcett about her recent project, a TV movie called "The Burning Bed." Fawcett plays a woman who sets fire to her abusive husband's bed in an act of self-defense. The movie was a critical and commercial success, and Fawcett's performance was widely praised. Carson notes that the movie was difficult to watch at times, and asks Fawcett how she prepared for the role. Fawcett talks about meeting with real-life victims of domestic violence and trying to understand their experiences. She also talks about the trust she had to build with her co-stars and director in order to feel comfortable filming such intimate and emotional scenes.
O'Neal jumps in to talk about his own recent project, a movie called "Irreconcilable Differences" in which he co-stars with Shelley Long and a young Drew Barrymore. O'Neal talks about the challenges of playing a character who is unlikeable, and how he worked with the director to find the humanity in the role. Carson jokes that O'Neal is known for playing "the charming rogue" on screen and asks if that's how he sees himself in real life. O'Neal laughs and says that while he does have some of that charm, he's certainly not a rogue.
The conversation then turns to the couple's real-life relationship. Carson notes that the two have been together for years and asks how they keep things fresh and exciting. Fawcett and O'Neal talk about the importance of communication and trust, and how they make time for each other despite their busy careers. Carson notes that they've both had ups and downs in their personal lives and asks how they've been able to overcome adversity. Fawcett talks about her battle with cancer and how it made her appreciate life even more. O'Neal talks about his struggles with addiction and how he's been able to stay sober with the help of his friends and family.
Throughout the episode, Fawcett and O'Neal show off their playful side, teasing each other and laughing at Carson's jokes. They also talk about their children and how they've supported them in their own careers. Fawcett talks about her son Redmond, who was just a baby at the time, and how she hopes he'll follow in his parents' footsteps. O'Neal talks about his daughter Tatum and her own struggles with addiction and mental illness.
Carson ends the episode by thanking his guests and wishing them all the best in their future endeavors. Fawcett and O'Neal thank Carson for having them on and say that they had a great time. The episode wraps up with Carson talking to the audience and making a few jokes about the news of the day. Overall, the episode is a great showcase for two of Hollywood's biggest stars and their enduring love for each other.