On a memorable episode of the iconic talk show, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, comedian Flip Wilson took the stage and delivered a legendary baby joke that had the audience in stitches.
Wilson started off by recounting his journey to the show, explaining how he had been on a train from Baltimore to the studio. As he settled into his seat, he took a moment to familiarize himself with his surroundings. It was during this moment that he couldn’t help but notice the lady across the aisle with her baby – an ugly baby.
Without hesitation, Wilson humorously pointed out the baby’s less-than-attractive appearance, making it clear that this was no ordinary cute bundle of joy. His observation struck a chord with the audience, as they erupted in laughter.
Just as Wilson was about to move on, a slightly intoxicated man stumbled into the coach. Fixated on the baby, he stopped in his tracks and openly stared at the less-than-adorable child. The woman, noticing the man’s gaze, quips, “So what are you looking at?” The man replied with a candid comment about the baby’s appearance, calling it a “bad looking baby.”
With a quick-witted remark, the man added, “I bet you’d save a lot of money with that. You don’t need to hire any babysitter; nobody’s gonna bother that kid.” The woman, understandably offended, let her dissatisfaction be known. The situation escalated to the point where the man pulled the emergency cord, bringing the train to an unexpected stop.
Chaos ensued, with curious onlookers gathering around to understand the commotion. Even the sandwich vendor, who typically traversed the train selling his wares, found himself in the thick of it. The conductor arrived, attempting to restore order and grasp the situation at hand.
Attempting to smooth things over, the conductor assured the woman that the Pennsylvania Railroad would do its utmost to prevent conflicts between passengers. As a gesture of goodwill, he suggested rearranging the seating to make her more comfortable. Additionally, he offered her a free meal in the dining car as compensation for the inconvenience caused.
To add a touch of humor, the conductor jested about possibly finding a banana for her “monkey” – a clever play on Wilson’s previous comments about the baby’s appearance. The audience erupted in laughter, appreciating the unexpected twist and the conductor’s quick wit.
This unforgettable joke delivered by Flip Wilson on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson left the audience in hysterics. A true testament to Wilson’s comedic genius, it remains one of the funniest lines ever uttered on the talk show stage. The episode, which aired on September 30, 1965, will forever be remembered as a shining moment in the history of late-night entertainment.
Originally aired on September 30, 1965
