Johnny Carson's Legacy: Racism, Jokes & Vanessa Williams' Story

Did the King of Late Night have a blind spot? Many believe that the legacy of Johnny Carson, an undisputed titan of television, is now being re-examined under a harsh light, revealing uncomfortable truths about his interactions with people of color. The allegations of racial bias cast a shadow on his celebrated career, prompting a necessary, albeit difficult, conversation about the entertainment industry's past and present.

The echoes of 1984 still resonate. Vanessa Williams, the first Black woman to be crowned Miss America, recently reflected on the deeply hurtful and frankly racist criticism she endured after her historic win. The singer and actress specifically remembers a "snarky" and "prejudiced" joke made by none other than Johnny Carson. At 61, Williams recalls the sting of that moment, a stark reminder of the prejudice she faced despite breaking barriers.

It wasn't just Williams. Discussions are ongoing amongst comedians like Godfrey, George Wallace, Yamaneika Saunders, Akeem Woods, and Jonathan Randall, who have publicly discussed Carson's alleged practice of not allowing Black comedians who truly "killed" their sets to join him on the coveted couch of "The Tonight Show." This alleged exclusion, they argue, points to a pattern of racial bias that permeated even the seemingly progressive world of late-night television. One comedian, George, even describes his experience on "The Tonight Show" as deeply hurtful, alleging outright racism on Carson's part, going as far to call Johnny Carson a "racist son of a b@o#%^." The claim is that Johnny Carson was racist.

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The impact of "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," which aired from 1962 to 1992 (though the specific episode referenced aired June 24, 1968), cannot be overstated. Carson was a cultural phenomenon, rightfully earning the title of "King of Late Night." His influence shaped the landscape of comedy and entertainment for decades, launching countless careers and setting the standard for late-night talk shows. Yet, the narratives emerging now force us to confront a more complex and uncomfortable picture of the man behind the iconic desk.

Henry Bushkin, Johnny Carsons former lawyer, wingman, fixer, and confidant, offered glimpses into the life of the notoriously private star, as recounted in conversations with Joan Rivers and in his book "Johnny." However, even those close to Carson often presented conflicting accounts, further obscuring the truth behind the carefully constructed public persona.

Adding to the complexity, a sex tape allegedly featuring a younger Johnny Carson, recorded by one of his wives and circulating in select circles since 2014, has surfaced. While the authenticity of the tape remains unconfirmed, its existence fuels further speculation about the private life of a man who carefully guarded his image.

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However, this re-evaluation extends beyond issues of race. A video clip of Carl Sagan's appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" from 1978 has recently resurfaced, highlighting the astrophysicist's prescient views on the lack of diversity in "Star Wars" (1977). Sagan, who died in 1996 at the age of 62, argued that "it's extremely unlikely that there would be creatures as similar to us as the dominant ones in 'Star Wars.'" His comments, made over four decades ago, speak to a broader issue of representation and inclusivity that continues to be debated today.

Even in 1977, "60 Minutes" recognized the public's fascination with Johnny Carson, persuading the famously private host, who was a fan of the show, to agree to an interview about his true self. He changed his mind after three days of filming. That incident perfectly encapsulates Carson's careful control of his public image.

The anecdotes surrounding Carson's lavish lifestyle only add to the mystique. He lived a life of privilege and comfort, a stark contrast to the struggles faced by many of the marginalized communities that now question his legacy.

Adding to the mix, a photograph from TV Guide, courtesy of the Everett Collection, features Paul Wilson. Janis Ian with Ed McMahon (left) and Johnny Carson on 'the tonight show starring johnny carson' in 1967 also give us the past visual representation of Johnny Carson.

The narrative surrounding Johnny Carson is far from simple. While he remains an icon of television history, his legacy is now intertwined with questions of race, representation, and the responsibility that comes with immense power and influence. As society continues to grapple with its own biases and blind spots, it is imperative to examine the figures who shaped our culture, even if it means confronting uncomfortable truths about their past.

There is the other side to the story: The "Tonight Show" was a cultural cornerstone, but Carsons role as gatekeeper raises questions about who was given a platform and who was excluded. The voices now emerging offer a counter-narrative, challenging the established mythology surrounding the King of Late Night and prompting a more nuanced and critical assessment of his impact on American entertainment.

Don Rickles, for example, famously made his first appearance on "The Tonight Show" in 1965, greeting Carson with the irreverent "Hello, dummy." This bold move solidified Rickles' comedic persona and launched his career, demonstrating the power of Carson's platform to elevate talent. However, the question remains: were these opportunities equally available to all, regardless of race or background?

Even moments of apparent chaos on "The Tonight Show," such as when mayhem broke out four or five songs into a musical set (as documented by Carson Productions/Greenwich Entertainment), serve as reminders of the show's live and unpredictable nature. But these seemingly spontaneous events cannot overshadow the deeper questions about systemic biases and exclusionary practices.

Ultimately, the evolving perception of Johnny Carson reflects a broader shift in cultural awareness. What was once accepted as the norm is now being scrutinized through a more critical lens, forcing us to confront the uncomfortable realities of our past and strive for a more equitable and inclusive future. The debate surrounding Carson's legacy is not just about one man; it is about the values and priorities of an entire industry and the ongoing struggle for representation and justice.

The discussion is happening at various platforms like Spotify episode from in Godfrey We Trust. Where Godfrey, George Wallace, Yamaneika Saunders, Akeem Woods, and Jonathan Randall discuss Johnny Carson not letting black comics who killed come to the couch, George's experience being the basis for Seinfeld's roommate on his show, George's new show on Prime Video and more! Legendary comedian Godfrey is live from New York, and joins some.

Also, the subreddit /r/oldschoolcool celebrates "history's cool kids," showcasing everything from beatniks to bikers, mods to rude boys, hippies to ravers. While these images and videos offer a glimpse into the past, they also serve as a reminder that history is not always as simple or as glamorous as it may appear.