Hump Day Hottie

This weeks Hump Day Hottie grew up in Norfolk, Nebraska and performed magic tricks as the Great Carsoni at the age of 14.
Served in the Navy from 1943 to 1946
Hosted an early morning TV show called “The Squirrel’s Nest”
Had a sketch comedy show from 1951 to 1953 until Red Skelton hired him as a writer.
In 1954 Skelton knocked himself unconscious just one hour before the live show went on the air. This weeks hottie filled in for him.
He hosted the game show “Earn Your Vacation” and had a 5 year stint on “Who Do You Trust” during which he met his long-time sidekick. He was also a regular panelist on the first version of “To Tell The Truth”.
He took over a very popular evening talk show in 1962 and watching his show at the end of the evening became a ritual, and in part because of his quick wit and natural charm he became a well-know entertainer loved by many.
His trademark was a phantom golf swing at the end of his monologue, aimed at stage left where the band was.
The show was the launching pad for many talented performers, notably comedians. Many got their "big break" by appearing on the show, and it was considered the crowning achievement to not only get him to laugh out loud, but also to be called over to the guest chair.
He was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1987. He won 6 Emmy Awards and a George Foster Peabody Award. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992 and the Kennedy Center Honors in 1993.
Ke retired from show business in 1992 and was rarely interviewed.
He did make occasional cameo appearances and voiced himself on an episode of “The Simpsons (Krusty Gets Cancelled)”.
This hottie died in January of 2005 but will always be a hottie to me.


As Ed McMahon always said ~ "Heeeeeere's Johnny!"








This weeks Hump Day Hottie is ~ Johnny Carson