On a classic episode of “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” the legendary talk show host welcomed a very special guest, the one and only George Burns. The crowd erupted in applause as the iconic entertainer took the stage.
Carson wasted no time in asking Burns about his health, to which the comedian replied, “I haven’t seen blood in 31 years,” drawing laughs from the audience. Burns went on to share the story of how he ended up in the hospital. While playing bridge at his club, he felt a pain in his chest and arm. Concerned, a fellow player urged him to see a doctor immediately.
Burns nonchalantly agreed, wanting to get back to his bridge game. Little did he know, the pain he brushed off turned out to be a serious condition that required open-heart surgery. The doctors explained that they would take a vein from his leg and bypass three arteries in his heart. Although Burns was initially worried about his vocal cords, he understood that the procedure was necessary for his health.
After a successful operation that lasted five to six hours, Burns woke up in the intensive care unit and immediately sang a song to make sure his voice was still intact. He then spent time in a private room, where his good friend Jack Benny came to visit him every other day. Benny even humorously claimed the room for himself, having booked it two weeks prior.
During the interview, Carson asked Burns about his hospital experience, wondering if he had any issues with visitors. Burns, in his typical witty fashion, mentioned that he didn’t mind people coming to see him, as he looked lousy and didn’t mind showing it off. He joked that he even bowed to those who came to observe his less-than-glamorous state.
The conversation shifted to Burns’s friendship with Jack Benny, which dates back an astonishing 55 years. Carson wondered if the two had ever had a falling out, to which Burns replied, “Jack is the nicest man I’ve ever met.” He expressed his admiration for Benny’s good nature and revealed that they had never had an argument. Burns cheekily added that he only stops talking to people he loves, and since he didn’t know the person he had argued with on the bridge, they resumed their friendship the next day.
Throughout the interview, Burns charmed the audience with his quick wit and humorous anecdotes. He delighted everyone with his impromptu singing, effortlessly entertaining with classic songs like “I Love to Call You Rose” and “Yankee Doodle Blues.”
As the show came to an end, Burns bid the audience goodnight with his trademark charisma, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who witnessed his timeless talent. It was yet another memorable evening on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” thanks to the incomparable George Burns.
This episode originally aired on November 13, 1974, and remains a cherished moment in the history of this beloved talk show.
Originally aired on November 13, 1974
