Ep 40. Hollywood Icons Of The '70s - Cybill Shepherd (6/8/89)

The Johnny Carson Show, season 14, episode 40 titled "Hollywood Icons Of The '70s - Cybill Shepherd" highlights the life and career of actress Cybill Shepherd. On June 8th, 1989, Shepherd sat down with Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show to discuss her rise to fame in Hollywood and her current projects at the time.

Shepherd began her career as a model, winning the "Miss Teenage Memphis" pageant in 1966 before moving to New York City to pursue modeling full-time. She quickly found success and landed a major fashion campaign with Clairol, which led to her big break in acting when director Peter Bogdanovich cast her as the lead in his 1971 film, The Last Picture Show. The film launched her career as a sought-after actress, and she went on to star in other popular films such as Taxi Driver and Alice.

Carson and Shepherd discussed her transition from modeling to acting, with Shepherd admitting that while modeling came naturally to her, acting was a much more challenging and rewarding experience. They also talked about her time on the hit television show Moonlighting, where she played opposite Bruce Willis, and Shepherd revealed that she had pushed for a more equal salary with Willis, which was indicative of the shift towards pay equity for women in Hollywood at the time.

In addition to discussing her film and television career, Shepherd talked about her personal life and her experiences as a single mother to her two children. She also touched on her political activism and her interest in environmental issues, as well as her love of music and her aspirations to release an album.

Throughout the interview, Shepherd displayed her trademark charm and wit, engaging with Carson and the audience with ease. Her personality and talent have made her an enduring Hollywood icon, and this interview offers a glimpse into the life and mind of one of the most beloved actresses of the '70s and beyond.

Overall, this episode of The Johnny Carson Show offers a fascinating look at the life and career of Cybill Shepherd, as well as a snapshot of Hollywood during the late '80s. Carson's skilled interviewing and Shepherd's candid responses make for an entertaining and informative episode that fans of Shepherd, Carson, and Hollywood history will definitely enjoy.