On a recent episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, the audience was treated to an entertaining and lively conversation with actor Tim Conway and world-famous jockey Lyle Dorf. Conway, known for his comedic talents, was promoting his new movie, “The Long Shot,” while Dorf shed some light on the exciting and dangerous world of horse racing.
Conway captivated the audience with his hilarious anecdotes and natural charm. The actor, who has been entertaining audiences for over 20 years, shared that his new movie would be opening in the Midwest in January before reaching Los Angeles on January 24th. He also expressed his appreciation for the reruns of The Carol Burnett Show, on which he appeared alongside Carol Burnett.
During the conversation, Conway and Carson delved into the origins of some of their classic sketches. Conway revealed that one of their most beloved skits, involving a secretary who couldn’t turn on her intercom system, was inspired by a previous job where they had a similar setup. They continued to expand on the sketch, and it became one of their most memorable routines.
As the conversation shifted gears, Carson inquired about Conway’s recent marriage. Conway jokingly stated that he married for money, as his wife would soon turn 90 and was heavily insured. The energetic banter between Conway and Carson continued, with Conway lightheartedly teasing his wife’s adventurous nature and their lack of a traditional honeymoon.
The focus then shifted to Lyle Dorf, who shared his experiences as a jockey. Dorf, a world-class athlete in the dangerous sport of horse racing, discussed the dangers and challenges of being a jockey. Dorf explained that the intricate relationship between jockey and horse is crucial and shared some fascinating insights into the behavior of horses on the track.
In true Johnny Carson fashion, the conversation took a comical turn when Conway asked Dorf about his weight. Conveying his trademark wit, Conway humorously pointed out that Dorf seemed a bit heavy for a jockey. Dorf, weighing around 145 pounds, had a humorous response, stating that he had to step on the scale lightly to avoid setting off an alarm.
Conway and Dorf delighted the audience with their unique perspectives and comedic timing. The conversation concluded with Conway showcasing a humorous film clip from “The Long Shot,” providing a taste of the comedic brilliance audiences could expect from the movie.
Overall, this episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was filled with laughter, intriguing stories, and glimpses into the lives of two talented individuals, Tim Conway and Lyle Dorf. Their lively and engaging conversation left viewers eagerly anticipating Conway’s new movie and enlightened them about the thrilling world of horse racing.
Originally aired on January 3, 1986
