Johnny Carson Net Worth

What was Johnny Carson's Net Worth and Salary?

Johnny Carson, an iconic American talk show host, comedian, and writer, had a net worth of $300 million at the time of his passing. He is celebrated for hosting 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson' from 1962 to 1992. During his tenure, Carson helped launch the careers of numerous future stars, including Jerry Seinfeld, David Letterman, and Jay Leno. Carson retired in May 1992 and passed away on January 23, 2005, due to respiratory failure related to emphysema.

Salary and Philanthropy

In the mid-1970s, Carson was the highest-paid television personality, earning around $4 million annually. At the height of his career in 1991, his salary peaked at $25 million per year, equivalent to about $40 million today. Throughout his life, Johnny generously donated millions to various charities. Upon his death, the bulk of his fortune was bequeathed to the John W. Carson Foundation, which had grown to over $200 million in assets. Additionally, Carson's will left $4 million to the Los Angeles Children's Hospital.

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Early Life

Johnny Carson was born on October 23, 1925, in Corning, Iowa. He grew up with his older sister Catherine and younger brother Richard, who later became a renowned television director. The family moved to Norfolk, Nebraska when Johnny was 8, where he discovered his passion for magic and performing. By the age of 14, he made his public debut as 'The Great Carsoni.'

Military Service

On June 8, 1943, Carson enlisted in the United States Navy and joined the V-12 Navy College Training Program. Although he was commissioned as an ensign, he did not see combat as World War II ended while he was en route to the combat zone. During his service, he participated in amateur boxing and performed a card trick for United States Secretary of the Navy James V. Forrestal, an event he described as a highlight of his naval career.

Education

After his military service, Johnny attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, initially majoring in journalism but later switching to speech and drama with a minor in physics. He was a member of the Phi Delta Gamma fraternity and graduated in 1949 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in radio and speech.

Early Radio and Television

Johnny began his broadcasting career in 1950 at Omaha's WOW Radio and soon hosted a WOW-TV morning program called 'The Squirrel's Nest.' This led to his own sketch series 'Carson's Cellar' on KNXT and a writing job on 'The Red Skelton Show.' After a successful fill-in performance for Skelton, he landed a primetime variety show 'The Johnny Carson Show.' He also hosted 'Earn Your Vacation' and was a regular panelist on 'To Tell the Truth.'

The Tonight Show

'The Tonight Show' first aired in 1954 with Steve Allen as host. Carson took over from Jack Paar in 1962. 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson' set the standard for late-night talk shows with its monologue, sketches, interviews, and performances. Carson hosted his first episode on October 1, 1962, with Ed McMahon as his sidekick and Doc Severinsen as the bandleader. The show moved from New York City to Burbank, California, in 1972. Carson reduced the show's length to 60 minutes in 1980, and he retired on May 22, 1992, after a celebrated 30-year run.

Personal Life

Johnny Carson was married four times: to Judy Wolcott (1948-1963), Joanne Copeland (1963-1972), Joanna Holland (1972-1983), and Alexis Maas (1987-2005). He had three sons with Wolcott: Christopher, Richard, and Cory. Tragically, Richard died in a car accident in 1991, and Johnny paid tribute to him on 'The Tonight Show.'

Death

Carson suffered a heart attack in March 1999 and underwent quadruple-bypass surgery. A heavy smoker, he died of emphysema on January 23, 2005, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, and his body was cremated.

Legacy

Johnny Carson's legacy includes six Primetime Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, and the Governor's Award from the Television Academy. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 and was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1987. Carson was also honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom and a Kennedy Center Honor.

Real Estate

In 1984, Johnny purchased a massive oceanfront home in Malibu for $9.5 million. After his death, the property was sold for $46 million and later listed for $81.5 million in 2017. It was eventually sold for $25.9 million in June 2019.