I remember the thrill of occasionally being allowed to stay up late and watch The Tonight Show. Johnny Carson was always funny, even (perhaps especially) when one of his jokes bombed. His wit had grace, style, and class... three elements missing from the flippant Leno and condescending Letterman, the current latenight placeholder hosts.
Snippets of eulogistic thoughts from around the blogosphere:
Will Collier writes:
His blend of great good humor, high taste, low comedy, and refusal to condescend to anybody, regardless of who they were or where they came from, almost certainly can't be duplicated in today's mass media.
Old Hollywood is officially dead. Someone save us from the new one.
I bought my first TV because of Johnny. It was a little B&W TV. I still have it. I was in High School and did not want to miss 'The Tonight Show'.
He was, of course, the original Jon Stewart, who showed so much of news to be what it was: a joke. He and other, edgier comics of the day made comedy relevant.
Slant Point quotes Johnny on Democracy:
Democracy means free television, not good television, but free.
It seems Johnny was popular in the Blogosphere. He's getting a lot of mention. I wonder if any of his successors will enjoy the same level of notice when they shuffle off this mortal coil?
He was a great entertainer, and even more impressive, he retired with grace.
I remember one of the great thrills of my young life was sneaking out of bed and watching Johnny Carson.
DGCI:
Despite all of those entertainers who have sought to fill his late-night shoes, the Lenos and Lettermans and O'Briens of the world could never compare to Johnny.
Ryne McClaren:
In a racket where there are few true legends, Carson is the one they all have to aspire to be.
