First appearances on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson

Carson, who died on January 23, 2005, was known to give young stand-up comedians their first chance on national TV. Stand-up comedians from all over the U.S. dreamt about being asked to appear on the show and to get Carson’s seal of approval. The highest form of approval was an invitation  to sit near Johnny after finishing your act. Since back then it was customary for guests to remain for the whole show, a young comedian could find himself or herself sitting near a huge movie or TV star.

18-Mar-1981
Garry Shandling


6-May-1981
Jerry Seinfeld


1-Jan-1982
Eddie Murphy


28-Nov-1986
Ellen Degeneres


Nov-1991
Drew Carey