Drew Carey's Hilarious Johnny Carson Stories: Behind-the-Scenes Late Night Legends

The Unforgettable Comedy Goldmine: Drew Carey's Hilarious Johnny Carson Stories

When it comes to the world of comedy, few names are as iconic as Johnny Carson. As the legendary host of The Tonight Show, Carson's wit, charm, and charisma captivated audiences for decades, cementing his place in the annals of comedy history. One person who had the privilege of working alongside Carson was the charismatic Drew Carey, who has shared some of his most hilarious and behind-the-scenes stories about his time on The Tonight Show.

A Chance Encounter that Changed Careers

In the early 1990s, Drew Carey was just starting his career as a comedian and actor. He had appeared on several TV shows and was looking for a big break. That's when he met Johnny Carson, who was known for discovering new talent and giving them a platform to shine. Carey recalls the encounter, "I was a huge fan of Johnny's, and I was nervous to meet him. But he was so warm and down-to-earth that I immediately felt at ease."

Carey's chance meeting with Carson led to him landing a spot on The Tonight Show as a guest comedian. However, it was his hilarious impressions of Carson that really caught the attention of the show's producers. "I was told that Johnny was a huge fan of my impressions, and that he even asked me to come back and do a bit about his eccentricities," Carey said.

Johnny's Favorite Topic: Wrestlers

One of the funniest stories Carey shared about his time on The Tonight Show was about Johnny's love of wrestlers. According to Carey, Carson would often talk about his favorite wrestler, Hulk Hogan, and how he had interviewed him on the show. "Johnny was fascinated by Hogan's antics and loved to poke fun at him on the show," Carey said. "He even had a wrestling costume that he would wear during sketches."

Carey recalled one particularly hilarious sketch where Carson dressed up as Hogan and struggled to do a few wrestling moves. "Johnny was so into character that he ended up falling over and hurting his knee," Carey laughed. "The whole crew was in stitches, and it was one of the funniest moments I've ever seen on set."

Drew Carey's Favorite Johnny Carson Memories

When asked about his favorite memories of working with Johnny Carson, Drew Carey didn't hesitate. "I have so many great stories, but one that stands out is when Johnny let me do a bit about his famous 'Carnac the Magnificent' sketch," he said. "He was so supportive and encouraged me to take risks and try new things."

Carey also shared a story about how Carson would often give him advice on how to deal with difficult guests. "Johnny would say things like, 'Just be yourself, unless you can be a cowboy. Then be a cowboy,'" Carey laughed. "It was hilarious, but also some of the best advice I've ever received."

The Impact of Johnny Carson on Late Night Comedy

Johnny Carson's influence on late night comedy cannot be overstated. He paved the way for future hosts, including Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien, and his irreverent style and sense of humor continue to inspire comedians to this day.

When asked about Carson's legacy, Drew Carey said, "He was a true original and a pioneer in the world of comedy. His influence can still be felt today, and I feel honored to have been a part of his world."

Behind-the-Scenes Shenanigans on The Tonight Show

One of the best things about working on The Tonight Show was the camaraderie among the cast and crew. Carey recalled several instances of behind-the-scenes shenanigans that had become legendary among the cast. "There was this one time when Johnny and Ed McMahon decided to have a fake fight over a fake microphone," he said.

According to Carey, the two would get into these ridiculous arguments, complete with fake punches and dramatic music. "It was hilarious, and we would all be in stitches," he said. "Those moments were what made working on The Tonight Show so special."

Classic Tonight Show Gags and Skits

The Tonight Show was known for its clever writing and hilarious sketches. One of the most memorable was the "Stooges" segment, which featured the Three Stooges performing a series of silly skits.

Carey recalled one particularly hilarious Stooges sketch where they were trying to deliver a bouquet of flowers to a lady, but kept getting in each other's way. "It was just classic Stooges chaos, with pies flying and spoons clanging," he said.

Johnny's Friendship with Drew Carey

One of the most special aspects of Drew Carey's time on The Tonight Show was his friendship with Johnny Carson. According to Carey, Carson took him under his wing and became a mentor to him. "He was always looking out for me and giving me advice on how to navigate the crazy world of late night comedy," Carey said.

Carey also shared a story about how Carson would often call him at home to talk about his day. "He'd say things like, 'Hey, Drew, I've got a great idea for a new sketch,' or 'I've got a great guest lined up for the show,'" Carey said. "It was just a really special friendship, and I feel lucky to have had it."

Behind-the-Scenes Fun with Johnny Carson

When working with Johnny Carson, Drew Carey knew that he was always in for a wild ride. According to Carey, Carson loved to have fun and play pranks on the crew and guests. "He'd hide in the wings and jump out at people, or he'd make them wear silly hats," Carey said.

One time, Carey recalled that Carson convinced him to participate in a fake "dressing room" sketch. "I was told that I had to pretend to