In a rare and exciting occurrence on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” David Brenner made his first ever television appearance. The talk show host was always thrilled to introduce new talent to his audience, and Brenner’s clever and somewhat warped comedic style left an impression. The audience was glad to see Carson in such a crazy mood that night.
During his set, Brenner shared some amusing observations, starting with his experience of getting lost while driving in New Jersey. He humorously remarked that the entire state seemed to look the same to him, jokingly suggesting that they keep moving it down the road with their seven people and nine trees. Brenner delved into the male ego, pointing out that men refuse to admit being lost, even when driving with a woman. He joked that men would rather have their left hand suddenly turn into a foot than admit they don’t know where they are.
Brenner also touched on the embarrassment of asking for directions, illustrating how he always addresses someone as “sir” regardless of their appearance. He comically described the common response of “huh” and the struggle to remember directions involving more than two turns. Brenner compared it to reciting a prayer, emphasizing the relief of finally understanding the directions. He even mimicked the guy who offers to give you a signal when you need to turn, leading to a humorous depiction of chaotic traffic circles.
The comedian moved on to his experiences at gas stations, highlighting the predictable interaction with attendants and their inclination to wipe windshields with dirty rags. Brenner also shared his amusement at the exaggerated size of maps, joking about their difficulty to handle and the comical resemblance of the gasoline station attendant found across America.
Switching gears, Brenner explored the different experiences of asking for directions in small towns versus big cities. He praised the friendliness of people in small towns but mentioned the occasional language barrier. His comedic portrayal of misunderstandings between locals and outsiders had the audience in stitches.
Brenner couldn’t resist poking fun at his hometown of Philadelphia, where everything seems to be named after Benjamin Franklin. He playfully teased about the city’s late-night crowd and the rarity of encountering someone on foot in Los Angeles. He joked about the law against walking in LA and how waiting for a bus there turns into a prolonged opportunity for aspiring actors hoping to get discovered.
The comedian concluded his set with a hilarious bit about asking for directions in New York City. According to Brenner, no matter who you ask, you will always get the same response and directions. He exaggerated the struggles of maneuvering through the millions of people on the streets during Christmas shopping season, suggesting the idea of using a dead body as a way to navigate through the crowd undetected. Brenner vividly described the body’s journey, incorporating various landmarks and humorous scenarios.
Carson commended Brenner’s outstanding performance and expressed his excitement for introducing such a talented comedian to a national audience. It was evident that Brenner had delivered a memorable and hilarious set, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting his next appearance.
This rare first appearance by David Brenner on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” showcased his comedic genius and unique perspective on everyday experiences. With his clever and sometimes twisted sense of humor, Brenner effortlessly entertained the audience, marking the beginning of a promising career in comedy.
