At 79, Johnny Carson Names The 8 Guests He HATED—The Untold Truth Behind His Iconic Late-Night Show

Johnny Carson, the legendary host of The Tonight Show, entertained millions with his quick wit, charm, and unforgettable monologues.

But despite his friendly persona on TV, there were guests who got under his skin in ways that viewers never saw. Now, at 79, the man who held the throne of late-night television has finally opened up about the guests he could not stand.

Known for his calm demeanor and ability to handle even the most chaotic of interviews, Carson’s true feelings about certain guests remained a mystery for decades.

But after years of keeping quiet, the host has revealed some shocking admissions that have left fans stunned. So, who were these famous guests who pushed Carson’s buttons?

1. Bob Hope: The Uncomfortable Guest

Bob Hope, one of the biggest stars of Carson’s era, is known for his remarkable career as a comedian and actor. However, their on-air relationship wasn’t always as cheerful as it seemed.

Carson, who often had a perfect rapport with his guests, admitted that Hope’s constant need for attention and off-color remarks made the interviews feel strained.

Hope, accustomed to being the center of attention, reportedly had trouble sharing the spotlight with Carson, leading to an awkward dynamic between the two.

2. Joan Rivers: A Shocking Fallout

Although Joan Rivers was one of Carson’s closest friends for many years, their falling out remains one of the most dramatic and heart-wrenching in television history.

Rivers, who had served as Carson’s guest host on The Tonight Show, was reportedly devastated when Carson did not call her after her show The Late Show premiered on another network.

Carson, in his typically private manner, was not quick to forgive Rivers, and their professional relationship deteriorated rapidly after that. In his later years, Carson revealed that he held a grudge against Rivers for her betrayal.

3. Rodney Dangerfield: The “Too Much” Comedian

Rodney Dangerfield was one of the most beloved stand-up comics of the ’70s and ’80s. Known for his catchphrase “I don’t get no respect,” Dangerfield was a staple on Carson’s show.

However, Carson was vocal about his distaste for Dangerfield’s relentless self-deprecation and tendency to push boundaries. According to Carson, Dangerfield’s style—constantly seeking validation and leaning too heavily on his “respect” jokes—felt forced, making his interviews difficult to manage.

4. Bette Midler: Over the Top

Bette Midler’s larger-than-life personality made her a fixture on Carson’s show, but that same charisma didn’t always mesh well with the host.

Carson openly admitted that Midler’s boisterous antics and unpredictable behavior often left him uncomfortable. Known for her wild energy, Midler’s unpredictable outbursts sometimes disrupted the flow of the interview, leaving Carson struggling to regain control.

5. Richard Nixon: The Politician Who Didn’t Understand Late-Night

Former President Richard Nixon’s appearance on The Tonight Show is still discussed to this day. Carson, never one to shy away from tough interviews, wasn’t afraid to call Nixon out on his post-presidency behavior.

The former president, who seemed out of place in the relaxed atmosphere of Carson’s show, was seen as aloof and unprepared for the kind of banter Carson was known for. The awkward tension between the two made for a less-than-ideal interview, and Carson later admitted that he was not a fan of Nixon’s style.

6. Jerry Lewis: The Eccentric Star

Jerry Lewis, a comedy legend in his own right, was known for his eccentric personality and high-energy antics. However, Carson confessed that Lewis’ outlandish behavior was too much for him to handle.

In fact, Carson admitted that Lewis would often disrupt the show’s schedule with his over-the-top performances, making it difficult for Carson to stay focused. Although they were both pioneers of comedy, Carson was not a fan of Lewis’ chaotic style and often found his performances exhausting.

7. Truman Capote: The Author With an Attitude

Truman Capote, the famed author of In Cold Blood and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, was a guest on Carson’s show, but the appearance did not go smoothly.

Carson found Capote’s personality grating and his tendency to name-drop tiresome. The two didn’t connect on a personal level, and Carson made it clear that he was not impressed with Capote’s air of superiority.

Despite Capote’s celebrity status, Carson’s candidness showed that not all famous faces were welcome in his late-night kingdom.

8. David Letterman: The Rivalry That Couldn’t Be Ignored

David Letterman, who later became Carson’s direct competitor in late-night television, was known for his quirky humor and unpredictable style.

Though Letterman often appeared on Carson’s show before taking over The Late Show, Carson was not a fan of his brash style. Carson, who built his empire on smooth humor and poised interviews, found Letterman’s irreverence and unpredictability jarring.

Despite their rivalry, Carson later admitted that he respected Letterman’s success but was never fond of his approach to late-night television.

Conclusion: The Truth About Late-Night Television

Johnny Carson’s revelations about these 8 guests serve as a reminder that the world of late-night television was not as glamorous as it appeared.

Behind the curtain, Carson had to navigate countless difficult personalities and manage high-pressure situations, all while maintaining the perfect smile on stage.

These confessions show that even the king of late-night television wasn’t immune to the challenges of dealing with difficult celebrities. Carson’s lasting legacy remains not just in the millions of laughs he delivered, but in the untold truths behind the scenes, which will continue to captivate fans for years to come.