As the music started playing, it was impossible not to imagine Ginger Rogers dancing alongside her frequent partner, Fred Astaire. While she has made numerous films where she didn’t dance, Rogers continues to be remembered as one of Hollywood’s most glamorous and talented ladies.

During the interview portion of the show, Carson mentioned that Rogers would soon embark on a tour, starting at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto on February 11th. She would then make appearances in Ottawa at the Waldorf Astoria in March, in New York at the Fairmont, and in San Francisco at the Desert Inn. The tour is set to culminate in June with a performance at the Desert Inn in Las Vegas.

Carson couldn’t resist complimenting Rogers on her incredible dancing skills, expressing his admiration for how effortless she made it look. Rogers humbly shared that dancing with Astaire required countless takes, often redoing an entire dance sequence if even a small mistake was made. She recalled one particular dance in a film called “Swing Time” that took an astonishing 58 or 59 takes to get right.

The conversation then delved into some of Rogers’ iconic films, such as “Top Hat” and “Swing Time.” As Carson showed her various photographs from these productions, it was evident that Rogers still possessed a deep affection for those times. She reminisced about the joy of dancing to beautiful music and the sheer pleasure of performing some of her favorite numbers.

As the interview continued, Carson playfully asked Rogers about her age. With her signature wit, she responded that she loved the person asking the question but firmly stated that age was none of their business. She mentioned that women used to have to put their age on driver’s licenses, but thankfully that practice has changed. Rogers shared that she was 50 years old and pointed out that she was just six days older than Carson himself, referring to a passage in the Bible that states God created his creation in six days.

The atmosphere became lighthearted when Rogers joined Carson, Pat Boone, Lawrence and Bean, and Chris Sarandon on stage. They engaged in a playful conversation about the challenges of dating during their glamorous Hollywood days. Rogers humorously revealed that being seen as too busy often led to fewer suitors rather than more. She acknowledged that the glamorous parties of the past were truly unforgettable, but she also appreciated the simpler pleasures of life in the present day.

Before bidding farewell, Rogers graced the audience with one more performance. With the orchestra accompanying her, she sang “The Way You Wear Your Hat,” which she confessed was one of her all-time favorite songs. Her beautiful voice and captivating stage presence left a lasting impression on everyone present.

Ginger Rogers‘ appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” was a testament to her enduring talent and charm. While her partnership with Fred Astaire continues to define her career, Rogers proved once again that she had her own magic that captivated audiences.

Originally aired on February 5, 1976