On an episode of “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” two iconic personalities came together to create a memorable and entertaining segment. The guests were Jack Benny, known for his captivating radio show, and Mel Blanc, the man of a thousand voices.
Many fans of Jack Benny‘s radio show would remember the wonderful cast of characters he had, including Mary and Don Wilson, Rochester, Dennis Day, Phil Harris, and even Kenny Baker. Among the talented individuals on his show was Mel Blanc, who played numerous different characters and also provided the voices for famous cartoon characters like Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, and Barney Rubble from “The Flintstones.”
Mel Blanc‘s expertise in voice acting was unmatched, and his contributions to the world of entertainment were significant. During the interview, Mel shared his journey into the industry, starting with his foray into radio in 1927. He explained that voice actors like him often remained invisible to the public eye until television came along.
Mel recounted his persistent efforts to break into the world of Schlesinger cartoons, despite being repeatedly told that they had all the voices they needed. It wasn’t until Frank Tashlin, a director at the company, asked Mel if he could portray a drunken bull that his talent was finally recognized. This voice became Mel’s first in the world of cartoons, and it opened the door to many more opportunities.
The conversation then shifted to Mel’s iconic portrayal of Bugs Bunny. He explained that the character’s creation involved a combination of tough accents, such as Brooklyn and the Bronx, resulting in the distinct voice we all recognize. The interview took a humorous turn as Mel demonstrated how Bugs Bunny would sound if he had just eaten sour mash. The audience roared in laughter, truly appreciating Mel’s incredible talent.
Johnny Carson, being a longtime listener of Jack Benny, reminisced about the radio show and some of the classic moments he enjoyed. He recalled Mel Blanc‘s incredible sound effects, particularly when imitating the sound of Benny’s Maxwell car. The image of grown men intensely focused on performing voiceovers for a cartoon while standing around a microphone was described as quite amusing.
Jack Benny joined in on the reminiscing, remembering that whenever he needed sound effects for his radio show, Mel Blanc would deliver an unforgettable Maxwell car impression. Reenacting the scene, Jack would ask his fictional butler, Rochester, to start the car, and Mel would take over, mimicking the sound of the Maxwell with incredible accuracy. The studio audience couldn’t help but burst into laughter at the hilariously accurate portrayal.
Throughout the interview, Jack Benny and Mel Blanc engaged in various routines that they had often performed together on the radio show. Whether it was Benny playing a Mexican traveler or Blanc responding with exaggerated Mexican pronunciation, the chemistry between the two was undeniable. These comedic moments were expertly crafted, filled with well-timed dialogue and the perfect comedic punchline.
As the interview concluded, it was evident that Jack Benny and Mel Blanc‘s enduring collaboration had left an indelible mark on the world of comedy. Their ability to create entertaining moments through voice acting and comedic timing had made them beloved figures in the entertainment industry.
With their infectious energy and remarkable talent, Jack Benny and Mel Blanc brought laughter to countless listeners over the years. Their legendary partnership is a testament to the enduring appeal of the talk show format and the incredible power of talented individuals to captivate audiences.
Originally aired on January 23, 1974
