Byron Allen, the young stand-up comedian, recently made history as the youngest comedian to appear on the renowned talk show, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. At just 18 years old and still a high school student, Allen demonstrated his comedic talent and wit in front of a national television audience.
The episode began with Johnny Carson acknowledging the challenge of making a first appearance on national television. He shared how he could relate to the apprehension that young comedians like Allen might feel. Carson revealed that Allen had been working at the improvisation for the past two years, honing his skills and preparing for this very moment.
Interestingly, Allen had been offered a shot on The Tonight Show back in February but had turned it down because he had to do his homework. It’s a true testament to his dedication to both his education and his comedy career. Carson instructed the audience to make Allen feel welcome as he took the stage.
As Allen walked out to the upbeat music and applause, he exuded confidence and enthusiasm. He immediately started with a joke about his favorite class, algebra, and how it relates to his real-life experiences. Allen’s humor was sharp and relatable, as he posed amusing questions about consuming Hostess Twinkies and joint smoking.
Continuing his set, Allen shared his struggles with reading and joked about his desire to improve his reading speed. He humorously mentioned the kind of obscure questions that tend to come up in history class, highlighting the droll nature of memorizing trivial details.
Switching gears, Allen touched on his fascination with Native American culture and their use of peyote, a hallucinogenic substance. With funny impersonations and witty remarks, he highlighted the humor in how Native Americans used to speak.
Allen effortlessly integrated his studies of government and the hypocrisy he observed. He cleverly pointed out the irony of writing a statement about equality while having slaves in the background saying yes. His comedic commentary on societal issues brought laughter and applause from the audience.
Expressing his thoughts on government regulations, Allen joked about the removal of aerosol cans from the market and the chemicals found in lunch meats causing amnesia. His sarcastic approach to these topics resonated with the crowd.
As a football player, Allen shared a humorous anecdote about a game against Beverly Hills High where the opposing team consisted primarily of lawyers. He also playfully teased his best friend, Abdullah Steinberg, who had a unique sense of style.
Movies were clearly a passion for Allen, and he humorously described a radio advertisement for a typical macho film, complete with revenge-seeking characters. Allen added a personal touch by ridiculing moviegoers who would complain about such movies.
As Allen ended his set, he left the audience in stitches and received a standing ovation. Even Johnny Carson himself commended Allen’s performance, describing him as new and exciting talent. Carson affectionately mentioned that Allen would be heading back to school the next day, reminding everyone that he’s not only a talented comedian but also a diligent student.
Byron Allen‘s appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson on May 17, 1979, marked a significant milestone in his career. His humor, wit, and charisma left a lasting impression on both the audience and the esteemed host himself. It was undeniable that Allen possessed a unique talent that would surely take him far in his comedic journey.
Originally aired on May 17, 1979
