On a recent episode of ‘The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson‘, viewers were treated to a special appearance by a highly skilled basketball player and a beloved comedian. The talk show host, Johnny Carson, introduced the audience to Dunk Dorf, an outstanding forward for the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite his shorter stature, Dunk Dorf showcased his incredible basketball skills, proving that height is not always a determining factor in success on the court.
Carson expressed his curiosity about how Dunk Dorf ended up pursuing a career in basketball. Interestingly, Dunk Dorf began his journey in the sport as a cheerleader for the Lakers. He gained fame for his iconic cheerleading routine, “swing him to the left, swing him to the right, sit down, stand up, fight, fight, fight.” In addition to cheerleading, Dunk Dorf was also known for inventing the Lakers’ famous letter spell-out routine. Carson and the audience couldn’t help but reminisce about these memorable moments.
As the conversation continued, Carson asked Dunk Dorf about how he managed to score an impressive 20 points per game, despite his height. Dunk Dorf revealed that most of his points came from the foul line. He strategically positioned himself so that opposing players would run into him, drawing fouls and allowing him to score from the free-throw line. Carson and the audience were amazed by Dunk Dorf‘s ability to excel in the game despite his physical limitations.
Furthermore, Dunk Dorf divulged that being shorter than most basketball players gave him a unique perspective on the game. He humorously mentioned that he not only saw the game differently but also smelled it. Dunk Dorf jokingly explained that as a shorter player, he spent a lot of time around opponents’ shoes and socks, which gave him a distinctive olfactory experience throughout the season.
The highlight of Dunk Dorf‘s appearance was his incredible slam dunk demonstration. He revealed a special piece of equipment that the NBA allowed him to use – a small box with a balanced platform. This equipment allowed Dunk Dorf to reach the rim and execute impressive slam dunks. The audience erupted in applause as Dunk Dorf effortlessly showcased his dunking skills, defying expectations with each jump.
The excitement didn’t stop there, as the beloved comedian Tim Conway made a surprise appearance on the show. Carson and Conway engaged in delightful banter, reminiscing about past collaborations. They talked about Conway’s alter ego, Dwarf Dorf, and his upcoming video release called “Dwarf Dorf on Golf.” The audience eagerly awaited its release, knowing that Conway’s comedic genius would be on full display.
Carson and Conway’s entertaining conversation delved into their experiences at a recent birthday party for their colleague, Harvey Corman. They jokingly shared stories about the event, including their frugal travel choices and their humorous encounters while flying Econo line. The audience roared with laughter as Conway’s comedic timing shined once again.
The episode ended on a lighthearted note, with Carson and Conway playfully goofing around and entertaining the audience. It was another unforgettable night on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson‘, filled with laughter, surprises, and exceptional entertainment.
As fans of the chat show, talk show, and ‘The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson‘ eagerly await the next episode, they can reminisce about the exciting moments from this particular show. Dunk Dorf‘s impressive basketball skills and Tim Conway‘s comedic brilliance brought joy to viewers’ screens, reminding everyone why this talk show continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Originally aired on March 17, 1987
