LOS ANGELES -Johnny Carson, the Tonight Show host who served America a smooth nightcap of celebrity banter, droll comedy and heartland charm for 30 years, died yesterday. He was 79.
Mr. Carson passed away peacefully early Sunday morning
his nephew, Jeff Sotzing, said. He was surrounded by his family whose loss will be immeasurable.
He did not provide further details, but NBC said Carson died of emphysema at his Malibu home.
The boyish-looking Nebraska native with the disarming grin, who survived every attempt to topple him from his late-night talk show throne, was a star who managed never to distance himself from his audience.
His wealth, the adoration of his guests -particularly the many young comics whose careers he launched -the wry tales of multiple divorces: Carson's air of modesty made it all serve to enhance his bedtime intimacy with viewers.
Heeeeere's Johnny! was the booming announcement from sidekick Ed McMahon that ushered Carson out to the stage. Then the formula: the topical monologue, the guests, the broadly played skits such as Carnac the Magnificent.
But America never tired of him; Carson went out on top when he retired in May 1992.
McMahon said yesterday that Carson was like a brother to me.
Our 34 years of working together plus the 12 years since then
created a friendship which was professional
family-like and one of respect and great admiration
McMahon said in a statement. When we ended our run on 'The Tonight Show' and my professional life continued
whenever a big career decision needed to be made
I always got the OK from 'the boss.'
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