Johnny Carson

John William “Johnny” Carson (1925–2005) was an American television host, comedian, and writer best known for hosting NBC’s *The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson*. Born in Corning, Iowa, and raised in Nebraska, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After college, Carson worked in radio and television before gaining national attention as host of the game show *Who Do You Trust?*. He took over *The Tonight Show* in 1962 and remained its defining presence for three decades, shaping the modern late-night talk format through monologues, sketches, and celebrity interviews. Carson retired in 1992 and was succeeded by Jay Leno.