Ep 1. Rodney Allen Rippy, Paul Hampton, J.B. West
- October 19, 1973
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson season 12 episode 1 features three special guests: child actor Rodney Allen Rippy, singer and actor Paul Hampton, and former White House Chief Usher J.B. West.
Rodney Allen Rippy rose to fame as a child actor in the 1970s, starring in a series of fast food commercials and appearing on various TV shows. In this episode, Rippy talks about his acting career and shares some anecdotes about his experiences in Hollywood.
Paul Hampton is a singer and actor who appeared in films such as The Trap and The Graduate. He also had a successful music career, releasing several albums and singles in the 1960s and 1970s. In this episode, Hampton performs several songs and discusses his work in both acting and music.
J.B. West served as the Chief Usher of the White House from 1957 to 1969, working under both President Eisenhower and President Kennedy. In his role, he was responsible for overseeing the White House staff and managing events and ceremonies. In this episode, West shares some behind-the-scenes stories from his time at the White House and talks about his book, "Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies."
Throughout the episode, host Johnny Carson engages with the guests in his signature comedic style, asking questions and making jokes as they share their stories. The episode also features several musical performances and comedy skits, including a parody of the game show "Name That Tune" and a segment in which Carson tries to guess the contents of a mystery box.
Overall, the twelfth season premiere of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a lively and entertaining episode featuring a mix of celebrity interviews, music, and comedy. It offers viewers a glimpse into the worlds of three very different guests and showcases Carson's talent as a host and comedian.
