The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 3 Episode 53 (FROM LOS ANGELES) George Burns

During season 3, episode 53 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, viewers were treated to an appearance by legendary comedian and actor George Burns. The episode was titled "(FROM LOS ANGELES) George Burns," and it first aired on April 26, 1965.

Fans of Burns were excited to see him on the show, as he was already a household name thanks to his long career in show business. Burns began his career in vaudeville in the 1920s and went on to become a successful radio and television performer. He is best known for his work as part of the comedy duo Burns and Allen, which included his wife, Gracie Allen.

As the episode begins, host Johnny Carson introduces Burns to the audience, joking that they had just finished playing a game of shuffleboard backstage. Burns, who was dressed in his signature suit and tie, took a seat next to Carson and greeted the audience warmly.

The two men bantered for a few minutes, with Burns sharing stories about his recent travels and his love of performing. He also poked fun at Carson's suit, joking that it looked like it was made out of his grandmother's drapes.

The conversation then turned to Burns' upcoming projects. He revealed that he was working on a book, which he described as a "self-help" book. Carson asked if Burns was qualified to write such a book, to which Burns quipped, "Sure, I'm 93 years old! I've got a lot of advice to give."

Next, Carson brought up the topic of Burns' age. At the time, Burns was 79 years old, but he still performed regularly and showed no signs of slowing down. Carson asked Burns what his secret to longevity was, and Burns responded with a quote that would become famous: "You've got to have a good wife, and you've got to smoke a lot of cigars."

The two then played a game of "Cigar or Scuba Tank," in which Burns tried to guess the identity of various objects by feeling them with his hands. The objects included a cigar, a scuba tank, a vase, and a kangaroo tail. Burns got most of them right, proving that his sense of touch was still sharp.

After the game, Carson and Burns continued to chat about various topics, including Burns' memories of vaudeville and his admiration for other comedians. Burns also got a chance to show off his singing voice, performing a rendition of "When You're Smiling."

The episode ended with Burns walking offstage to thunderous applause, with Carson thanking him for his time. Viewers were undoubtedly left feeling entertained and uplifted by the experience, as Burns' humor and charm shone through throughout the entire episode.

Overall, season 3, episode 53 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was a delightful showcase of one of the greatest comedians of all time. With his jokes, stories, and musical talent, George Burns proved once again why he was such a beloved performer. Even today, more than 50 years later, fans of classic comedy can still appreciate the wit and style of George Burns.