A new book is looking back at the life of Johnny Carson, the famous host of “The Tonight Show.” Author Mark Malkoff shares some interesting details about Carson’s career and personal feelings.
One thing that comes up in the book is Carson’s dislike for “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). According to the book, Carson didn’t appreciate the way SNL often made fun of him and his show. Actor David Steinberg is quoted as saying Carson “never liked it.” Malkoff also notes that Carson stopped inviting SNL cast members onto his show because of this.
The book suggests that the jokes made by SNL, along with some decisions made by the network, may have played a role in Carson’s decision to leave “The Tonight Show” in 1991.
Malkoff writes that after hearing that SNL was planning another parody, Carson said, “If they are going to make fun of me, it’s time to go.” Shortly after, SNL aired a sketch called “Carsenio,” where Dana Carvey acted like Carson but with the style of another talk show host, Arsenio Hall. Just days later, Carson announced he was leaving his show.
It wasn’t just that one sketch, though. SNL had been poking fun at Carson for years. In 1977, Jane Curtin joked on “Weekend Update” that “The Tonight Show” would no longer be live, comparing it to California’s euthanasia law.
Carvey also did several sketches in the 1980s that made Carson seem old and out of touch. Carson eventually responded to these jokes, even making a jab at SNL in his monologue just before his final show.
Carson’s last show was on May 22, 1992. As a sign of respect, Comedy Central stopped broadcasting for an hour, and Arsenio Hall aired reruns.
In his final words, Carson thanked Ed McMahon and Doc Severinsen, who worked with him for many years, and said it was an honor to be in people’s homes.
