The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson welcomed a true legend of the silver screen, Bette Davis, as the first guest on a memorable episode. Davis, known as the "indestructible first lady" of Hollywood, has won two Oscars and received numerous awards throughout her illustrious career. The actress recently added the Legion of Honor from France and the Kennedy Center Honors to her long list of accolades.
It's clear that Davis still has a passion for her craft, as she continues to work in the industry. Carson didn't waste any time and immediately complimented Davis on her monologue, recognizing her incredible body of work and the enormous effort she has put into her career. Davis humbly thanked Carson for his kind words and expressed her admiration for his comedic talent and good writing.
The conversation between Davis and Carson was filled with warmth and humor, as the two stars found common ground in their commitment to never giving up. They acknowledged that survival is the name of the game in show business and that perseverance is key. Davis shared that as people grow older, they discover new things about themselves and fall in love with aspects they didn't know before, a sentiment Carson could relate to.
The talk show host also couldn't miss the opportunity to congratulate Davis on her recent marriage. Davis appreciated the kind words but diverted the focus back to her admiration for Carson, emphasizing the importance of having somebody like him in the entertainment industry.
As the conversation continued, Davis revealed how she spent her New Year's Eve at a party, hosted by Melissa Manchester. She admitted to not being a fan of champagne but enjoyed a glass of wine. The conversation took a humorous turn when Davis had a sudden sneeze fit, apologizing profusely for the interruption. Carson lightheartedly reassured her that it was alright and even shared a funny anecdote about Queen Victoria's uncontrollable sneezing.
The topic of difficult people in Hollywood came up, and Davis didn't hesitate to name Faye Dunaway as someone she wouldn't want to work with again. While Davis praised the actress' performance, she cited her uncooperative and unprofessional behavior as the reason for her choice. Davis' honesty was met with applause from the audience, highlighting the candid nature of the conversation.
Carson and Davis also discussed their shared love for smoking, acknowledging that they should quit the habit. Davis admitted to being a smoker for most of her life but believed that if she had lived this long with it, then it must be alright. They expressed their distaste for being told what to do and shared a laugh over their rebellious nature.
Throughout the interview, the talk show host displayed photographs of Davis, showcasing her iconic moments and personal life. Carson revealed a black and white picture from Davis' 70th birthday party, where she playfully posed in blackface and a funeral wreath, poking fun at the milestone. Another photo featured Davis performing a Jitterbug number with a young man during the filming of "Thank Your Lucky Stars." Davis fondly remembered the experience and praised her energetic partner.
Davis also spoke proudly about being honored with the Legion of Honor from France and the Kennedy Center Honors. She expressed her gratitude for the recognition and shared her admiration for President Ronald Reagan, who presented the Kennedy Center Honors to her. Davis reflected on the speeches given that night, which emphasized hard work and perseverance, qualities she believes she shares with her fellow entertainers.
As the interview wrapped up, Davis and Carson expressed their mutual admiration for each other and the joy they found in working together. They ended the episode on a high note, leaving the audience entertained and eagerly awaiting the next installment of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
This lively and engaging conversation between Bette Davis and Johnny Carson captured the essence of these two entertainment icons. Their chemistry and witty banter made for an unforgettable episode of The Tonight Show.
Originally aired on January 7, 1988
