On the 4th of January, 1983, Carl Reiner graced the stage of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. The multi-talented actor, comedian, writer, producer, and director joined Johnny Carson for a lively and entertaining chat that showcased his insecurities and charm.
As the show kicked off, the audience greeted Carl Reiner with applause and Johnny Carson introduced him as someone who excels in every aspect of the entertainment business. A good friend of Carson, Reiner embarked on the interview by acknowledging the change in tempo of the show.
Reiner admitted he was initially proud to be invited as the first guest of 1983 but quickly started questioning who fell out and why he was chosen instead. Insecurities seeped through as he questioned whether bigger and more important celebrities were supposed to be on the show.
Johnny Carson reassured Reiner that he genuinely enjoys having him as a guest and mentioned him specifically as one of the people he likes to have on the show. Reiner, still unsure, believed that for ratings, the show would be better off with a “big buxom woman” or “a handsomer young man.” However, Carson adamantly denied this, stating that he preferred having Reiner on the show.
The conversation delved into the topic of insecurities in show business. Reiner and Carson both agreed that insecurity is a common trait among entertainers. Reiner believed this feeling of insecurity is why performers ask the audience for validation and applause. To illustrate this, he shared a recent incident where he felt hurt when he received a Christmas card from President Reagan after Carson received a telegram. It was a moment that made him feel vulnerable, like a little boy.
The lighthearted banter continued as Reiner showcased his language skills. He revealed his proficiency in English, but his French, learned during his military training 35 years ago, had become rusty. Reiner recalled a recent trip to France where he proudly conducted interviews in French. To navigate the language barrier, he asked his interviewers to translate questions into shorter versions that he could understand and answer.
Reiner then impressed the audience by demonstrating his talent for double talk in different languages. Known for his skill in English, French, and even made-up languages, Reiner showcased his ability to mimic accents and entertain. His language skills provided a humorous interlude in the conversation.
The interview took another hilarious turn as Reiner impersonated an opera singer performing recitatives. He humorously explained that opera singers do not want to sing long arias, so they rely on recitatives to carry the plot forward. Reiner’s rendition of an opera recitative and his playful banter with the audience brought the guests and viewers to laughter.
As the interview progressed, Reiner and Carson continued to engage in witty exchanges and shared insights on fame and celebrity gossip. Reiner confessed that even though he knew tabloids were filled with lies, he still found himself captivated by celebrity stories. He joked that people, including himself, prefer reading lies about celebrities because it’s more entertaining. Reiner even shared outrageous and fabricated gossip about famous individuals, playing along with the theme.
The conversation wrapped up with Reiner’s participation in Mel Brooks‘ comedic antics back in the day. Reiner recounted how he taught Brooks phrases in English and French, using their shared skills in double talk to communicate humorously. They would often entertain their peers, although it didn’t necessarily earn them good grades in school.
Carl Reiner‘s appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was filled with wit, humor, and candid discussions about insecurities in show business. The conversation revealed Reiner’s charm and his ability to entertain using a range of languages and comedic talents. As the show ended, the audience was left wanting more, eagerly awaiting the next appearance of this multi-talented entertainer.
