Ep 126. Bill Cosby, Carol Burnett, Dick Fosbury
- November 6, 1968
In season 6, episode 126 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Johnny welcomes three legendary guests to his couch: comedian and actor Bill Cosby, comedian and actress Carol Burnett, and Olympic gold medalist Dick Fosbury.
The episode opens with a monologue by Johnny, who pokes fun at current events and shares humorous anecdotes about his personal life. He then introduces Bill Cosby, who joins him for a lively conversation about his stand-up comedy tour and his experiences working on the popular TV series I Spy. They also discuss Cosby's growing popularity among young audiences and how he manages to stay relevant in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape.
Next, Carol Burnett takes the stage and shares stories from her long and illustrious career in show business. She talks about her work on The Garry Moore Show and The Carol Burnett Show, the latter of which had recently concluded its successful run on CBS. Burnett also discusses her reputation as a triple threat performer and her love of musical theater.
Finally, Johnny welcomes Dick Fosbury, who made history at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City by introducing a new technique in the high jump that revolutionized the event. Fosbury discusses his early years as an athlete, his development of the "Fosbury flop," and the intense pressure he faced as he competed against the world's best jumpers. He also talks about the impact that his innovation had on the sport of track and field and on his own life after the Olympics.
Throughout the episode, Johnny engages his guests in witty banter and insightful conversations that showcase their unique talents and personalities. From Cosby's comedic timing to Burnett's infectious charm to Fosbury's quiet confidence, each guest brings something special to the program and provides viewers with an entertaining and informative hour of television. Whether reminiscing about old times or looking to the future, these three icons of American culture give viewers a glimpse into their lives and the experiences that have made them household names.