Johnny Carson was seen by more people than anyone else in American history—a fixture of our national life. In exploring the career and life of arguably the biggest star television ever produced, American Masters had the estate’s first-time cooperation and access to Johnny Carson’s greatest legacy: all existing episodes of The Tonight Show from 1962–1992. Filmmaker Peter Jones deftly examines the complexities and contradictions of the man who defined late night television and influenced everyone who followed. American Masters Johnny Carson: King of Late Night will make its national broadcast premiere Monday, May 14th at 9:00 pm on PBS (check local listings). This year is the 50th anniversary of Carson taking over The Tonight Show and the 20th anniversary of his retirement. For additional information please visit www.paleycenter.org
WHO: Peter Jones, Writer/Director/Producer, American Masters Johnny Carson: King of Late Night
David Steinberg, Comedian/Writer/Producer and frequent guest on The Tonight Show
Mark Catalena, Co-Director/Editor/Producer, American Masters Johnny Carson King of Late Night
Brian Tessier, Supervising Producer, American Masters Johnny Carson King of Late Night
Moderated By: Bill Zehme, Author, Carson the Magnificent
Special Guests:
Doc Severinsen: Bandleader, The Tonight Show
Carl Reiner: Actor, Writer, Producer, and frequent guest on The Tonight Show
Angie Dickinson: Actor & frequent guest on The Tonight Show
Drew Carey, Comedian and Host of The Price is Right
Al Jean: Executive Producer, The Simpsons
Joan Embery: Wildlife Expert and frequent guest on The Tonight Show
