Well, I never thought my first post after a month's absence, would concern a 79 year-old retired TV host nobody had seen in public for years. A man who didn't flaunt his celebrity, court the papparazi, or flatter himself with "coming-out-of-retirement" appearances in Las Vegas. His name was Johnny Carson and television comedy is much, much better for his having been involved in it.
Do you like stand-up comedy? Enjoy audience-participation gags? How about "Saturday Night Live" ? The man was there. He continued and actually improved upon the inroads made by Steve Allen, and others in the TV talk show genre. And as far as SNL goes, it was his clout that got the show off the ground in the first place.
In the 1970's, when television networks avoided controversial comics like Richard Pryor, and George Carlin, Carson didn't flinch.
He also invited Frank Zappa on the show, to discuss his views on the censorship of rock music lyrics. (They agreed it was political bullshit on the part of Al Gore. Sorry Al ! Wish you got elected in 2000, but in 1985 you were a jackass.)
He was a witty and polite man - the ultimate host and consummate professional. He will be missed dearly.
In fact, I would say that the TV talk show circuit has been missing him for years now.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
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