Johnny Carson, the legendary host of "The Tonight Show" for three decades, was celebrated
for his wit, charm, and affable on-screen persona that endeared him to millions of viewers.
However, beyond the laughter and joviality of late-night television, Carson occasionally
found himself embroiled in notable feuds with fellow entertainers and colleagues.
These feuds, sometimes fueled by ego, competition, or personal differences, added a layer of
complexity to the life of a man who was considered a national treasure and an iconic figure in
American entertainment.
In this video, we delve into some of the memorable feuds that punctuated Johnny Carson's illustrious
career, shedding light on the multifaceted personality behind the legendary late-night
host.
Join Facts Verse, as we present: She Was Never Allowed Back to the Tonight Show After This
Lola Falana Lola Falana's appearances on "The Tonight
Show" with Johnny Carson were significant moments in her career that helped her gain
widespread recognition and popularity.
Lola Falana, born on September 11, 1942, in Camden, New Jersey, started her career as
a dancer and singer and eventually became a renowned actress and entertainer.
Lola Falana first appeared on "The Tonight Show" in the 1960s when Johnny Carson was
the host.
These appearances played a crucial role in introducing her to a broader audience.
Falana's vibrant personality, stunning looks, and remarkable talent quickly captivated the
audience and made her a favorite guest on the show.
Johnny Carson was known for his keen ability to spot talent, and he often featured up-and-coming
entertainers on his show.
Lola Falana was no exception, and her appearances on "The Tonight Show" provided her with a
platform to showcase her singing and dancing skills, as well as her engaging and charismatic
personality.
As a singer and dancer, Falana had a captivating stage presence.
Her dynamic performances on "The Tonight Show" helped her build a fan base and gain credibility
in the entertainment industry.
Carson's show was a launchpad for many artists, and Lola Falana was fortunate to have been
one of those talents who benefited from the exposure.
In addition to her performances, Lola Falana's interviews with Johnny Carson allowed audiences
to get to know her on a more personal level.
Her warm and charming demeanor made her a beloved guest on the show, and she quickly
became a household name.
Lola Falana's appearances on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson were instrumental
in her rise to fame, and they paved the way for her successful career in entertainment.
Beyond the immediate exposure and recognition, they also opened doors for her in the worlds
of music, film, and television.
Throughout her career, Falana continued to shine as a multi-talented performer, and her
legacy remains an important part of entertainment history.
But, before you assume this was all a happy ending, we need to talk about Lola’s connection
with Wayne Newton.
Lola and Wayne Lola Falana and Wayne Newton, both prominent
entertainers in the 1960s and 1970s, had an association that extended beyond their shared
profession.
Their connection was largely based on their common involvement in the Las Vegas entertainment
scene, where they both achieved significant success.
Las Vegas Residencies: Both Lola Falana and Wayne Newton established themselves as headlining
acts in Las Vegas during the heyday of the city's entertainment scene.
They performed at various renowned venues such as the Stardust Resort and Casino, where
they were among the top draws on the Strip.
Their respective residencies in Las Vegas often overlapped, leading to frequent encounters
and interactions.
Mutual Respect: Lola Falana and Wayne Newton held each other in high regard as fellow performers.
They recognized each other's talents and contributions to the entertainment industry.
This mutual respect likely contributed to their friendly association.
Collaborative Performances: While there may not be extensive documentation of joint performances
or collaborations between Lola Falana and Wayne Newton, it was common for entertainers
in the Las Vegas circuit to appear together or support each other in various ways.
They could have appeared together in special events, shared stages during benefit concerts,
or attended each other's shows.
Vegas Icons: Both Falana and Newton were iconic figures in the Las Vegas entertainment world
during their respective careers.
Lola Falana was celebrated for her captivating stage presence and dynamic performances, while
Wayne Newton, often referred to as "Mr. Las Vegas," was known for his legendary singing
and stage charisma.
Their association as fellow Las Vegas icons likely strengthened their connection.
A Shared Era: Lola Falana and Wayne Newton rose to fame during a similar era in the entertainment
industry.
The 1960s and 1970s marked a period when Las Vegas became a hub for live entertainment,
and both performers played pivotal roles in shaping the city's reputation as an entertainment
mecca.
How did this friendship affect Lola’s relationship with The Tonight Show though?...
Wayne and The Alladin It all started with Wayne’s attempt to buy
The Alladin Hotel in Las Vegas.
At the time, Johnny Carson was interested in buying it.
The two, along with other investors, were putting in competing bids.
The Aladdin Hotel and Casino, located at 3667 Las Vegas Boulevard South, was a prominent
resort on the Las Vegas Strip.
It had a rich history dating back to its opening in 1966 and was known for its Arabian-themed
architecture and décor.
Wayne Newton, often referred to as "Mr. Las Vegas," had established himself as a beloved
entertainer in the city and had a strong presence in the Las Vegas entertainment scene.
His interest in purchasing the Aladdin was fueled by his passion for the city and the
desire to expand his business ventures.
In the late 1990s, Wayne Newton beat out Johnny Carson and all other bidders, and entered
into negotiations to purchase the Aladdin Hotel and Casino.
The deal was reported to be worth approximately $65 million.
Newton's vision was to transform the Aladdin into a world-class resort that would further
solidify his status as a Las Vegas entertainment mogul.
Now, the acquisition of a major hotel-casino property in Las Vegas is a complex process,
involving various regulatory approvals, financing arrangements, and negotiations.
Wayne Newton faced challenges during this process, including securing the necessary
financing for the purchase and overcoming legal and regulatory hurdles.
News of Wayne Newton's attempt to buy the Aladdin generated significant attention both
locally and nationally.
Given his status as a Las Vegas icon, the potential acquisition was seen as a major
development in the city's entertainment and hospitality landscape.
Despite his best efforts, Wayne Newton's attempt to purchase the Aladdin Hotel and Casino did
not come to fruition.
The deal faced numerous obstacles, and the negotiations ultimately broke down.
The Aladdin would go through a series of ownership changes and renovations before eventually
becoming the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Wayne and Johnny’s Feud What should have been a strictly business
situation ended up devolving into an outright feud.
Johnny Carson reportedly took it personally that Wayne had outbid him on the Aladdin.
Carson started making jokes and comments about Newton on "The Tonight Show."
These jokes often revolved around Newton's appearances and persona in Las Vegas, poking
fun at his image as "Mr. Las Vegas" and suggesting that he might be involved in organized crime
or the mafia.
Johnny Carson's jokes, delivered to a national television audience, resulted in Wayne Newton
feeling publicly ridiculed and humiliated.
Newton took offense to the repeated jabs and believed that the jokes were harming his reputation
and career.
According to Wayne, he showed up in Carson’s office one day and flat out told him to stop,
threatening physical violence.
And at one point, Wayne Newton decided to take legal action against Johnny Carson and
NBC for defamation.
He filed a $5 million lawsuit, alleging that Carson's jokes had caused him significant
emotional distress and financial harm by damaging his image as a performer.
The feud between Wayne Newton and Johnny Carson eventually led to a legal settlement.
The terms of the settlement were not publicly disclosed, but it is widely believed that
Newton received a monetary settlement to resolve the defamation lawsuit.
While the legal matter was settled, the feud between Wayne Newton and Johnny Carson seemed
to have lasting effects on their personal relationship.
They reportedly never fully reconciled, and the public perception was that there was ongoing
animosity between them.
Wayne Newton continued his career in Las Vegas and the entertainment industry, maintaining
his status as a prominent performer in the city.
Johnny Carson continued to host "The Tonight Show" until his retirement in 1992.
The feud between Wayne Newton and Johnny Carson is often cited as an example of the power
of media and public perception in the entertainment industry.
It also serves as a reminder of how humor, even when meant in jest, can have real-life
consequences and impact the lives and careers of public figures.
Despite the feud, both Newton and Carson remained influential figures in the world of entertainment,
each with their own distinct legacies.
And the effect that it had on Lola Falana?
Well, she was essentially banned from the Tonight Show.
Not because of anything she did, per se.
But because Johnny hated the fact that she was close friends with Wayne Newton!
Johnny’s Feud with Bob Hope Wayne and Lola weren’t the only ones who
got under Johnny’s skin.
Johnny Carson and Bob Hope had a complex relationship that evolved over the years, marked by professional
collaborations, mutual respect, and, at times, a degree of tension.
While they both were celebrated figures in the world of entertainment, reports suggest
that Johnny Carson did have moments of discomfort when hosting Bob Hope on "The Tonight Show"
and may have resented him to some extent.
Here's a closer look at their relationship: Professional Collaborations: Johnny Carson
and Bob Hope were both icons in the entertainment industry.
Bob Hope, known for his long and illustrious career as a comedian and actor, often made
appearances on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson."
Their professional collaborations on the show were highly anticipated and drew a large audience.
Mutual Respect: Despite any underlying tensions, both Johnny Carson and Bob Hope held each
other in high regard and recognized each other's contributions to the entertainment world.
They shared a mutual respect for their talents and longevity in show business.
While Bob Hope made numerous guest appearances on "The Tonight Show," it has been reported
that Johnny Carson didn't always enjoy having him as a guest.
Carson was known for his sharp wit and ability to engage in spontaneous and humorous conversations
with his guests.
Bob Hope, on the other hand, had a more rehearsed and structured style of comedy, which sometimes
clashed with Carson's preferred format.
This stylistic difference may have contributed to moments of discomfort for Carson when hosting
Hope.
Competitive Nature: Johnny Carson and Bob Hope were both highly competitive individuals
in the entertainment industry.
Carson, in particular, was fiercely protective of his show and his role as its host.
It's possible that Carson's competitive spirit and desire to maintain control over the show
led to some tension when hosting someone as established and influential as Bob Hope.
Resentment: There have been reports that Johnny Carson may have harbored some resentment toward
Bob Hope, particularly regarding the frequency of Hope's guest appearances on "The Tonight
Show" and the attention he received.
Carson may have felt overshadowed or pressured to accommodate Hope's routines, which could
have contributed to his discomfort.
Johnny and Joan Rivers The relationship between Johnny Carson and
Joan Rivers was a rollercoaster ride that saw periods of closeness, collaboration, and
success, but it eventually soured, leading to a significant falling out.
Here's a detailed account of their relationship: Early Success: Joan Rivers first appeared
on "The Tonight Show" starring Johnny Carson in 1965.
She quickly became a favorite guest and soon established herself as one of the most frequent
and beloved guest hosts for the show when Johnny Carson was away.
Her sharp wit, irreverent humor, and quick banter resonated with the audience.
Closeness: Over the years, Joan Rivers and Johnny Carson developed a close friendship.
Carson was instrumental in helping Rivers' career take off, and she considered him a
mentor and father figure in the industry.
Rivers often expressed her deep appreciation for Carson's support.
Career Milestones: Rivers' appearances on "The Tonight Show" significantly boosted her
career.
She credited Carson with giving her a major break in show business, and she eventually
became a prominent stand-up comedian and television personality.
Falling Out: The rift between Johnny Carson and Joan Rivers began when Rivers decided
to launch her own late-night talk show, "The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers," in 1986.
Carson was reportedly upset and felt betrayed by Rivers for not informing him personally
about her decision.
He considered it a breach of loyalty, as he believed Rivers should have consulted him
or sought his blessing due to their close friendship.
Ban from "The Tonight Show": In the aftermath of her show's launch, Johnny Carson reportedly
banned Joan Rivers from ever appearing on "The Tonight Show" again.
This ban extended not only to Rivers but also to anyone associated with her show.
This move had significant professional consequences for Rivers, as "The Tonight Show" was a crucial
platform for comedians and entertainers.
Tensions and Silence: Following the falling out, Joan Rivers and Johnny Carson did not
reconcile for many years.
They did not communicate or speak publicly about their strained relationship, which left
many in the entertainment industry and the public curious about the nature of their feud.
The rift between Johnny Carson and Joan Rivers remained unresolved until Carson's passing
in 2005.
Unfortunately, they never had the opportunity to mend their friendship before his death.
Joan Rivers, on several occasions, expressed her regret about the way their relationship
ended and the impact it had on her career.
In hindsight, the falling out between Johnny Carson and Joan Rivers remains a notable chapter
in the history of late-night television and the entertainment industry.
It serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of personal and professional relationships
in show business, where loyalty, ambition, and egos can sometimes clash, resulting in
long-lasting consequences.
Frank Sinatra’s Tonight Show Ban The temporary ban of Frank Sinatra from "The
Tonight Show" was a notable incident in the history of the show and highlighted the sometimes
prickly relationship between the legendary singer and the host, Johnny Carson.
The incident occurred in 1976, during one of Frank Sinatra's appearances on "The Tonight
Show Starring Johnny Carson."
Carson, known for his monologue jokes, made a light-hearted jest about Sinatra's alleged
involvement with the Mafia.
The joke went something like this: "You know, Frank's daughter, Tina, was here on the show
last week.
She's a lovely girl, but the old man scared me.
He hasn't seen that much money in years."
While such jokes were not uncommon on late-night television, Sinatra reportedly did not take
this one well.
He was known to be sensitive about his connections to organized crime figures and had been the
subject of various rumors and investigations throughout his career.
In response to the joke, Frank Sinatra, who was a powerful figure in the entertainment
industry, allegedly used his influence to have Johnny Carson banned from the Jilly's
nightclub in New York City.
Jilly's was a popular hangout for celebrities, and its owner, Jilly Rizzo, was a close friend
of Sinatra.
The ban was seen as a retaliatory move by Sinatra, and it was widely reported in the
media.
Johnny Carson, in turn, responded by temporarily banning Frank Sinatra from "The Tonight Show."
The ban was meant to send a message that Carson would not tolerate attempts to interfere with
his creative freedom or to intimidate him through industry connections.
However, it's important to note that this ban was relatively short-lived.
Johnny Carson and Frank Sinatra eventually reconciled their differences, and Sinatra
returned to "The Tonight Show" as a guest.
Their professional relationship continued, and they shared a mutual respect for each
other's talents and contributions to the entertainment world.
The temporary ban of Frank Sinatra from "The Tonight Show" remains a memorable moment in
the show's history, reflecting the delicate balance between humor, celebrity egos, and
the power dynamics within the entertainment industry.
Eddie Murphy’s Ban The ban of Eddie Murphy from "The Tonight
Show" was another significant incident involving a prominent entertainer and host Johnny Carson.
Eddie Murphy, known for his stand-up comedy and rising career in the 1980s, had a controversial
appearance on the show that resulted in a temporary ban.
The incident took place in 1983 when Eddie Murphy was a guest on "The Tonight Show Starring
Johnny Carson."
During his appearance, Murphy, who was known for his edgy and sometimes profane humor,
used strong language and made a joke that included a profanity.
The joke was deemed inappropriate for network television and against the standards of the
show.
Johnny Carson, who had strict guidelines regarding the content of his show, was not pleased with
Murphy's performance.
The use of profanity and the edginess of the humor went against the tone and style of "The
Tonight Show" at the time, which was known for its more traditional and family-friendly
approach to comedy.
As a result of his appearance, Eddie Murphy was temporarily banned from "The Tonight Show."
Johnny Carson and the show's producers were reportedly upset with Murphy's behavior, and
they decided to impose the ban as a response to his controversial appearance.
However, it's important to note that this ban was not permanent.
Over time, Eddie Murphy mended his relationship with Johnny Carson and was eventually allowed
to return as a guest on the show.
Murphy's career continued to soar, and he became one of the most successful and influential
comedians and actors in the entertainment industry.
The temporary ban of Eddie Murphy from "The Tonight Show" serves as a reminder of the
importance of adhering to the standards and guidelines set by television networks and
show hosts.
While the incident may have been a setback at the time, it did not hinder Murphy's rise
to stardom, and he went on to achieve great success in both comedy and acting.
Robert Blake’s Ban The temporary ban of Robert Blake from "The
Tonight Show" was another notable incident in the show's history and was related to Blake's
controversial appearance on the program.
Robert Blake, a well-known actor, experienced a ban after what Johnny Carson and the show's
producers deemed a bizarre and erratic appearance on the show.
The incident took place in 1975 when Robert Blake was a guest on "The Tonight Show Starring
Johnny Carson."
During his appearance, Blake's behavior raised concerns and eyebrows among the show's staff
and audience members.
His actions during the interview were described as eccentric and at times nonsensical.
Some of the noteworthy moments during the appearance included Blake climbing over Johnny
Carson's desk, crawling around the set, and appearing disheveled and agitated.
His responses to Carson's questions were often cryptic and rambling, which added to the unusual
nature of the interview.
Johnny Carson and the show's producers were reportedly taken aback by Blake's behavior,
which they found disruptive and unpredictable.
The appearance was seen as a departure from the typical format of "The Tonight Show" and
created an uncomfortable atmosphere for both the host and the audience.
In the aftermath of Robert Blake's appearance, Johnny Carson and the show's producers decided
to temporarily ban him from the program.
The ban was intended to ensure that the show maintained its professionalism and order,
and that future guests adhered to the expected standards of behavior during interviews.
It's worth noting that this ban, like others involving other entertainers, was temporary.
Robert Blake did not remain permanently banned from "The Tonight Show," and he eventually
made a return to the program.
The incident remains a memorable moment in the show's history, serving as a reminder
of the unpredictability that can sometimes occur in live television and the need for
hosts to manage unexpected situations with professionalism and composure.
Johnny’s Temper Johnny Carson, one of the most iconic figures
in the history of American television, was known for his charming and affable on-camera
persona as the host of "The Tonight Show."
However, off-camera, he had a more complex personality that was marked by certain distinct
traits, including a well-documented temper and occasional feuds with fellow celebrities.
Here's a closer look at Johnny Carson's personality: On-Camera Persona: On "The Tonight Show,"
Johnny Carson was celebrated for his wit, humor, and affable demeanor.
He had a remarkable ability to connect with his audience, engage in light-hearted banter
with guests, and make viewers feel comfortable.
His quick wit and ability to adapt to various guests and situations contributed to his long-lasting
success as a talk show host.
Carson's on-camera personality was charming, calm, and composed.
Off-Camera Personality: In contrast to his on-camera image, Johnny Carson was known to
have a more private and reserved off-camera persona.
He was notoriously guarded about his personal life and rarely shared details about it with
the public.
This reserved nature extended to his relationships with colleagues and friends, and he was known
for being somewhat introverted when not in the spotlight.
Temper: Johnny Carson had a reputation for having a temper, and there were instances
where he could be demanding and difficult to work with.
He was known to be particularly sensitive about certain topics, such as his divorces,
and would become irritable if these subjects were broached.
Some colleagues and associates who worked closely with him behind the scenes described
him as having a short fuse at times.
This of course contributed to all the bans and feuds we’ve discussed.
Despite his occasional temper and disputes, Johnny Carson was highly professional when
it came to his work.
He was known for his punctuality, dedication to his craft, and his unwavering commitment
to the success of "The Tonight Show."
His work ethic and standards were widely respected in the industry.
In the world of entertainment, where public personas are carefully crafted and maintained,
Johnny Carson's complex personality highlighted the contrast between his on-camera charm and
his private life.
While he could be demanding and occasionally difficult, there is no doubt that his talent
and professionalism played a significant role in his legendary status as a television host.
His legacy on "The Tonight Show" remains unparalleled, and his impact on the medium is still felt
today.
Now it’s time to hear from you.
Which of these Tonight Show bans and feuds was most surprising to hear about?
Let us know in the comments section below!