It's a sad day in Hollywood, for sure.

Early this morning, former "Tonight Show" host Johnny Carson, 79, passed away, apparently from complications of emphezyma.

I know this is a great understatement when I say he will be missed.

Carson not only revolutionized late-night television but comedy as well. His dry humor and wit was unprecedented, as was the show's formula: monologue, guests, and skits. The jokes often included a personal touch or anecdote - particularly in relation to current events - a trademark that has since been duplicated many times.

Although it was the 1969 on-air wedding of Tiny Tim to Miss Vicki that drew the show's highest viewers.

In addition to his comedic style and sidekicks - Ed McMahon and bandleader Doc Severinson - Carson helped launch careers of other standout comedians, including David Letterman, Gary Shandling, Jay Leno, and Roseanne.

Carson retired from "The Tonight Show" after 30 years, only the third host after show founder Steve Allen and predcessor Jack Paar. His second-to-the-last episode featured Robin Williams and Bette Midler and was likely the most bittersweet farewell shows in TV history. The final show, aptly title "America Says Farewell," had no guests; it was simply Johnny as himself, reflecting and giving a final, heartfelt goodbye.

Leno took over as host in 1992, after a 'tug of war' with Letterman, who then left NBC his "Tonight Show" rival late show. Only just last week, the story broke that Carson was sending jokes about current issues to Letterman.

There's a lot that can be said about Carson, but, overall, he was a late-night pioneer and a gifted comedic talent that will forever be unmatched.

Nobody has done it better, and I doubt anyone ever will.

Copyright © 2005, Talia M. Wilson
posted: Jan. 23, 2005

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