The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 23 Episode 5 Victoria Principal

As one of the most iconic talk show hosts in television history, Johnny Carson returns to your screens for Season 23 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. In this episode, we are introduced to Victoria Principal, best known for her role as Pamela Barnes Ewing on the hit television show Dallas.

Principal, who is appearing on The Tonight Show for the first time, sits down with Carson for a lively and engaging interview. She discusses her upbringing in Fukuoka, Japan, where her father was stationed as a United States Air Force sergeant, and her subsequent move to Florida when she was in her teens. Principal reveals that she originally wanted to be a ballerina but quickly realized that her talents lay elsewhere.

Carson is his usual charming self, drawing out stories and anecdotes from Principal about her time on Dallas. She describes how she landed the role of Pamela Barnes Ewing and the challenges she faced playing the daughter of longtime Dallas antagonist J.R. Ewing, played by Larry Hagman. Principal also speaks candidly about her decision to leave the show after seven seasons and the difficulties she faced in adjusting to life after such a successful run.

Throughout the interview, Principal comes across as warm, articulate, and self-deprecating, and she and Carson clearly have a good rapport. The conversation is punctuated by clips of Principal's performances on Dallas, including some of the show's most iconic moments.

After the interview, Principal joins the show's musical guest, John Denver, for a rousing rendition of his hit song "Take Me Home, Country Roads." Principal surprises the audience by showing off her vocal talents, keeping up effortlessly with Denver's soaring vocals. The crowd roars its approval.

Carson also welcomes comedian David Brenner to the show, who brings his trademark observational humor to the proceedings. Brenner, who is known for his appearances on The Tonight Show and other talk shows, elicits laughs from the audience with his witty observations on politics, celebrity culture, and everyday life. Carson, ever the consummate host, plays off Brenner's jokes masterfully, often delivering the punchline himself.

The show ends on a high note with an impromptu singalong of "America the Beautiful" led by Carson and Principal. The moment is touching and underscores the sense of camaraderie that pervades The Tonight Show.

Overall, this episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a rollicking, entertaining hour of television. Carson is at the top of his game, eliciting laughter and insight from his guests and keeping the show moving at a brisk, engaging pace. Principal is a charming, talented guest whose conversation with Carson is sure to delight fans of both The Tonight Show and Dallas.