In a 𝓈𝒽𝓸𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 retrospective, we revisit the wildest moments from Johnny Carson’s legendary tenure on The Tonight Show, focusing on the eight most intoxicated guests who left the host speechless. These unforgettable incidents blend humor with chaos, showcasing the unpredictable nature of live television during Carson’s era.
Carson, known for his quick wit and charm, faced some truly jaw-dropping moments when guests drank too much. From Shelley Winters’ chaotic entrance in 1974 to Truman Capote’s slurred speech in 1980, these appearances became infamous. The unpredictability of live TV was on full display as Carson navigated the tumultuous waters of drunken guests.
Shelley Winters, known for her strong personality, stormed onto the stage in 1974, full of energy but clearly overindulged. She interrupted Carson, grabbed his cue cards, and even splashed water on him. While the audience loved the chaos, producers were less amused, leading to her temporary ban from the show.
Dean Martin, a legendary figure in entertainment, blurred the lines between his drunk act and reality during a 1976 episode. Stumbling over words and timing, his performance raised concerns among viewers and Carson alike. It left many questioning whether Dean’s drunken persona was merely an act or a genuine struggle.
Orson Welles brought a mix of brilliance and drunkenness to his 1975 appearance. Despite his slurred speech, he delivered a captivating 14-minute monologue about Shakespeare and fame. Carson sat in awe, witnessing a master teetering on the edge of genius and disaster, showcasing the unpredictable nature of live performances.
Raymond Burr, the star of Perry Mason, appeared exhausted and possibly intoxicated in 1970. Struggling to answer basic questions and forgetting Carson’s name, he seemed lost on set. Carson’s professional demeanor shone through as he gently guided Burr, but the awkwardness prompted NBC to implement pre-show checks for future guests.
Truman Capote, the renowned author, made a memorable yet painful appearance in 1980. His visible intoxication rendered him nearly incoherent, with slurred words and wandering thoughts. Carson attempted to salvage the conversation, but it quickly became a confusing mess, leading him to cut to a commercial break early.
Zuza Gibbore brought a flirty and tipsy energy to the stage in 1973. She kissed Carson in front of millions, leaving him both surprised and charmed. As the show progressed, her behavior became increasingly unpredictable, prompting the Tonight Show to schedule early tapings to avoid similar incidents in the future.
British actor Oliver Reed’s notorious reputation for drunken behavior led to a preemptive cancellation of his scheduled appearance. Carson’s team reviewed his past disasters and deemed him too risky to feature on the show, showcasing the lengths producers would go to avoid potential chaos.
Peter Oul, despite being tipsy during his 1978 appearance, managed to turn chaos into comedy gold. His passionate storytelling and playful antics, including a duel challenge with pens, delighted the audience and Carson alike. This unique charm made Oul’s drunkenness a memorable highlight rather than a liability.
These unforgettable moments remind us of Johnny Carson’s professionalism. No matter how wild things got, he managed to maintain control and humor. From slurred confusion to tipsy charm, these drunken encounters became legendary, proving that live TV during Carson’s era was truly unpredictable.