Stephen Colbert on Kenneth Tynan's Profile of Johnny Carson
Briefly

Kenneth Tynan's 1978 profile of Johnny Carson unveils the intricate persona of the late-night host. Tynan presents Carson not just as a beloved TV figure but as someone enshrouded in Midwestern decency and surrounded by a protective entourage. Carson's public image as a reformed drinker and faithful husband contrasts with the realities of his multiple marriages, highlighting the discrepancies between his on-screen charm and private life. The profile serves as a time capsule, capturing the essence of a man who entertained millions night after night, reflecting both admiration and complexity in his character.
Kenneth Tynan's lengthy profile of Johnny Carson detailed the complexity of the man behind the television persona, revealing the layers of Midwestern values and his professional decorum over laid-back charm.
Johnny Carson was a nightly fixture who resonated with audiences, a mixture of a reformed drinker and a devoted husband with an iconic presence that shaped late-night television.
Read at The New Yorker
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