Carson book reveals the Hollywood icons he banned from ‘The Tonight Show’

Johnny Carson’s legendary run as host of NBC’s The Tonight Show is explored in a new book, Love Johnny Carson, which chronicles the late-night icon’s life, career, and enduring influence on television.

Written by longtime Carson admirer Mark Malkoff with David Ritz, the book features interviews with people who knew Carson best and offers an inside look at his years behind the desk. It also revisits one of the show’s most talked-about mysteries: the alleged list of celebrities banned from appearing on The Tonight Show.

In interviews with Peter Lassally, Carson’s producer for 22 years, Malkoff confirmed that a ban list did exist. While Lassally said there was likely no official written document, entertainers Burt Reynolds and Rich Little both claimed they had seen a physical list containing more than 30 names.

Below are some of the most notable figures the book says were barred from the show.

Jay Leno

Jay Leno made his Tonight Show debut in March 1977 and quickly became a frequent guest. However, after his fifth appearance in February 1978 failed to land with the audience, Carson reportedly decided not to invite him back.

According to the book, stand-up talent coordinator Jim McCawley said producers were instructed not to book Leno again. McCawley tried to advocate for him, but Lassally shut it down, explaining that Carson simply didn’t like Leno’s jokes and rarely changed his mind once it was made up.

Despite this early setback, Leno eventually returned and went on to host The Tonight Show for a combined 22 years.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres made history in November 1986 when Carson invited her to sit on the couch during her first appearance, a rare honor and the first time he extended it to a female comedian.

Her relationship with the show soured during her third appearance in May 1987. According to the book, Carson had asked DeGeneres not to use a particular joke, but she went ahead with it anyway. After the show, McCawley reportedly reprimanded her in front of others and told her she wouldn’t be invited back anytime soon.

DeGeneres did not return while Carson was hosting, though she later appeared when Jay Leno served as guest host.

William Shatner

William Shatner became unwelcome on the show after his 1983 appearance, during which he unknowingly broke several unwritten rules. According to the book, he spoke at length without letting Carson interject, turned his back on Carson to address another guest, and mentioned both his TV series T.J. Hooker and the fact that it aired on ABC—something guests were instructed not to do.

While Shatner did return under guest hosts, he never again appeared with Carson hosting. Years later, he suggested Carson sometimes decided abruptly not to have people back.

Carl Sagan

Astronomer Carl Sagan was one of Carson’s most frequent and popular guests, appearing more than two dozen times. The two even developed a friendship.

That changed in January 1986 when Sagan corrected Carson twice during a discussion about Halley’s Comet. While Carson laughed it off on air, the book claims he felt embarrassed and slighted. Despite his respect for Sagan, Carson reportedly made sure the scientist was not invited back.

Dana Carvey

Dana Carvey was banned in 1990 following a Saturday Night Live sketch that portrayed Carson as out of touch and confused while interacting with Arsenio Hall.

Carvey had impersonated Carson for years, and while Carson disliked the impressions, he tolerated them until that sketch crossed a line. Shortly afterward, Carson jokingly referenced the parody during his monologue but never invited Carvey back as a guest.

Orson Welles

Orson Welles was a frequent guest beginning in 1978 and someone Carson greatly admired. Their relationship ended after Welles attempted a mentalist routine while guest-hosting the show. The trick failed, and Carson later learned that Welles had planted audience members to assist him.

According to the book, Carson was not angry that the trick failed but that Welles had been dishonest. Welles never appeared again with Carson hosting.

Jerry Lewis

By 1975, Jerry Lewis had appeared on or guest-hosted The Tonight Show more than 80 times. His ban stemmed from an incident involving cue card coordinator Don Schiff, who told Carson that Lewis had been verbally abusive during a previous guest-hosting stint.

After hearing the account, Carson decided Lewis would never host or appear on the show again, with only one brief exception. The book notes that Carson had little tolerance for anyone who mistreated his staff.

Steve Allen

Steve Allen, the original host of The Tonight Show, appeared on the program dozens of times after Carson took over. Their relationship deteriorated following Allen’s final guest-hosting appearance in 1982.

According to the book, Allen mocked a past injury Carson had suffered and was also reportedly rude to crew members over production changes. After a crew member complained, Carson assured him he would not have to work with Allen again. Allen was subsequently banned from appearing with Carson hosting, though he later returned under guest hosts.

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