The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson featured a memorable moment with actress Shelley Winters and Annie Potts, who was making her first appearance on the talk show. Annie Potts, known for her role in the film “Ghostbusters,” shared her experience of being in the entertainment industry and her desire to be taller. As the conversation flowed, Carson couldn’t resist making a joke about the play on words with Annie Potts‘ name. While Potts didn’t receive as many jokes as her mother, who went by the name Dot Potts, Carson found humor in the situation.
Amidst the laughter, Potts revealed her southern roots from Franklin, Kentucky, and touched upon her parents’ involvement in the entertainment industry. Her mother was a singer in a nightclub, and her father was a major in the Air Force. Carson then inquired if Potts also had singing talents, to which she shared that she used to perform in musical comedies. However, she mentioned that she hadn’t sung in a while.
As the conversation between Carson and Potts continued, Carson couldn’t help but express his familiarity with her, although he couldn’t pinpoint the exact movie they had worked on together. It turns out that they had appeared in the film “King of the Gypsies.” While Shelley Winters, who was known for her perfect recall, didn’t remember working together, Potts recalled the climactic scene they shared in the movie. The conversation took a humorous turn as Carson jestingly questioned how Winters could forget working with Paul Newman in the film.
Despite the lighthearted banter, Potts and Carson wrapped up the segment on a positive note, expressing delight in having had the opportunity to chat. Carson wished Potts good luck with her upcoming film, “Crimes of Passion,” and invited her to return to the show in the future.
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, known for its entertaining and engaging conversations, showcased yet another moment of laughter and camaraderie between Carson, Annie Potts, and the audience. Stay tuned for more unforgettable moments on The Tonight Show!
Originally aired on June 20, 1984
