The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 27 Episode 8 Orel Hershiser, Floyd Jackson, Susan Sullivan, Lee Ritenour
- October 21, 1988
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson season 27 episode 8 featured a variety of guests from the world of sports, entertainment, and music. The first guest was Orel Hershiser, a former pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The two discussed Hershiser's legendary performance in the 1988 World Series, where he pitched a shutout in the decisive Game 5 to lead the Dodgers to victory. Hershiser also talked about his transition to broadcasting and his ongoing work with the Dodgers organization.
Next up was Floyd Jackson, a retired football player who played for the Dallas Cowboys in the 1970s. Jackson and Carson reminisced about the glory days of the Cowboys and their legendary head coach, Tom Landry. Jackson also discussed his involvement with various charities and his work as a public speaker.
The third guest was Susan Sullivan, an actress best known for her roles on television shows like Falcon Crest and Dharma & Greg. Sullivan talked about her longtime friendship with Johnny Carson and recounted some of her favorite memories of appearing on The Tonight Show over the years.
Finally, the show welcomed musician Lee Ritenour, a Grammy-winning guitarist and composer. Ritenour performed several of his songs, including "Rio Funk" and "Waiting in Vain," showcasing his virtuosity on the guitar and his signature blend of jazz and rock.
Throughout the episode, Johnny Carson provided his usual mix of humor and charm, engaging with each guest in his own inimitable way. Whether discussing sports, entertainment, or music, Carson was always able to connect with his guests and entertain his audience with his wit and warmth.