During a recent episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, the legendary host welcomed the iconic comedian Jonathan Winters as his guest. The two legends had known each other for about 17 years, and Carson never ceased to be amazed at Winters’ talent and humor.
As the interview began, Winters appeared on stage wearing a new sweater he had found at a fire sale. Always the joker, he mentioned that many of his belongings, including his shoes, were also from the same fire sale. Winters’ playful banter continued as he recounted a hilarious prank he had pulled on Carson in the past.
He reminisced about a time when Jack Parr was hosting the CBS Morning Show, and Winters had called Carson impersonating a representative from an advertising agency. Winters pretended to offer Carson a lucrative endorsement deal with a new Buick car worth $22,000. However, when Carson realized it was Winters on the call, he turned the tables and playfully chastised him for not accepting the offer. The two comedians shared a good laugh over the memory.
Winters didn’t stop there. He revealed his love for prank phone calls, often pretending to be different characters when answering calls. One of his favorite stories involved pretending to be an old man who would say strange things to unsuspecting callers. Winters’ ability to amuse himself and others with his comedic antics was evident throughout the interview.
Carson then asked Winters about the wildest thing he had ever done. Winters pondered for a moment, and then shared a hilarious story from his past. He recounted a time when he called a funeral home pretending to be a grieving relative. Winters described in vivid detail how his deceased brother was placed on the porch in a rocking chair with a softball in his hand. The funeral home director, unaware it was Winters on the call, was flabbergasted and couldn’t believe what he was hearing. The story left Carson and the audience in stitches.
As the interview continued, Winters and Carson discussed their upcoming projects. Winters mentioned that his syndicated show had been renewed, and he was also set to host a half-hour show on CBS starting in April. The comedian’s infectious enthusiasm and distinct style of humor made him a beloved and successful figure in the entertainment industry.
Throughout the interview, Winters’ unique personality and improvisational skills shone through. His ability to surprise and delight both Carson and the audience demonstrated why he was considered one of the greatest comedic talents of his time.
The episode ended with Carson welcoming future guests, Joan Rivers and Judy Collins, while expressing his excitement for Winters’ upcoming show. The chemistry between Carson and Winters, evident in their playful banter and laughter, made for an entertaining and memorable episode of The Tonight Show.
To recap, Jonathan Winters‘ appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was filled with laughter and hilarious anecdotes. Winters’ wit and comedic timing left both Carson and the audience in stitches. From prank phone calls to wild stories, Winters entertained the viewers with his unique brand of humor. His upcoming projects and continued success in the industry only reinforced his status as a comedic legend.
Originally aired on March 3, 1973
