Grew up in Norfolk, Nebraska

Performed ventriloquism and magic as "The Great Carsoni" at Elks, Moose and Redmen Lodges from age 14 in Norfolk, Nebraska

Served as ensign in the US Navy during WWII

Radio announcer, KFAB, Lincoln, Nebraska

Moved to WOW, WOW-TV (show called "The Squirrels Nest") in Omaha

Became announcer of station KNXT, Los Angeles

Hosted first TV show, "Carson's Cellar"

Was a writer for TV series, "The Red Skelton Show" (1951- 71)

Became emcee for TV quiz show, "Earn Your Vacation"

Hosted and scripted first series, "The Johnny Carson Show" on CBS-TV

TV acting debut, "Playhouse 90"

Moved to Harrison NY

Emceed quiz show "Who Do You Trust?" On ABC-TV; joined for first time by longtime sidekick Ed McMahon in 1958

Starred in a primetime TV pilot, "Johnny Come Lately" (which didn't make it to the regular season schedule)

Replaced Jack Paar (October 1); show renamed "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson"

Feature acting debut, "Looking For Love"

Threatened to quit the "Tonight Show" in 1979; the action won him a new contract, shortened the show from ninety minutes to one hour and increased in salary to $5 million a year

Announced that final broacast as host of the "Tonight Show" will be May 22, 1992

Signed a multiyear contract with NBC to star in and develop programming for the network

Underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery