In a captivating episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, legendary actor Kirk Douglas made a memorable appearance. As he walked onto the stage, sporting a prosthetic leg, the audience couldn’t help but be intrigued.
Johnny Carson introduced Douglas as a “good friend and a fine actor,” applauding his resilience. Douglas gracefully accepted the warm welcome, jokingly mentioning how strange it felt to stand on one leg while the audience admired his prosthetic.
Carson, always quick-witted, quipped about his shock when seeing Douglas in that condition. It turned out that Douglas had ventured into method acting through the Actors Studio, going to great lengths to deliver an authentic performance.
As the conversation continued, Carson couldn’t help but comment on the discomfort of wearing the prosthetic leg. However, Douglas expressed his love for wearing it, stating that during the film he had made it for, he could only wear it for five to six minutes at a time.
Carson mischievously suggested that they should have removed the prosthetic leg for the picture. Douglas laughed it off, explaining that it was necessary for his method acting approach. He humorously reassured Carson that he didn’t need to worry about inviting him for Sunday dinner, given the prosthetic leg.
Carson playfully joked about Douglas’ tendency to lose body parts in movies, remarking on how he had lost an eye or more in several films. Douglas had a witty comeback, stating that if his latest film, “Scalawag,” didn’t do well, he might lose even more body parts.
Amidst the laughter, Douglas took a moment to talk about the importance of family-friendly movies. He noticed a lack of films that families can enjoy together, free from explicit content. Douglas believed in making movies that provide wholesome entertainment and aimed at allowing parents to take their children to the theater.
Carson acknowledged this sentiment and read a heartwarming review of Douglas’ latest film. The review praised him for a rare ability to sustain his career over three decades, making movies that entertain and enlighten audiences. The film, a thrilling pirate adventure with hidden treasure, drew parallels to classic family entertainment that seemed scarce in those days.
Douglas explained that he directed and starred in the film, attempting to create a movie that parents could comfortably take their children to see. It was a nostalgic nod to his earlier film, “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” In this new production, he played a unique character, a combination of Long John Silver and Jesse James, alongside young actor Mark Lester.
Carson couldn’t resist but ask about the challenges of working with animals on the set. Douglas excitedly shared that besides the parrot, the film included a rattlesnake, vultures, and even a donkey. He admitted that the donkey, in particular, proved to be quite the character—a “smartass” to work with.
As the conversation took a lighthearted turn, Carson mentioned the difficulties actors face in portraying characters with physical abnormalities. Douglas reflected on his experiences, comparing himself to legendary actor Jimmy Cagney. Cagney had taken on challenging roles such as Lon Chaney in the film “Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Douglas shared his own challenges, including dancing with a girl while balancing on his prosthetic leg and learning to ride a horse.
With Carson’s trademark wit, he amusingly suggested a break so Douglas could go backstage and switch back to his real leg before the show continued. The idea of Douglas secretly having a wooden leg all these years amused both the audience and the actor himself.
This Tonight Show episode not only brought laughter and entertainment but also showcased Douglas’ dedication to his craft. With his unique approach to method acting and his commitment to creating family-friendly movies, Kirk Douglas has certainly made a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.
Originally aired on October 24, 1973
