John William "
Johnny"
Carson (October 23, 1925 – January 23, 2005) was an American television host, comedian, writer, producer, actor, and musician, best known for his thirty years as host of
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962–1992). Carson received six
Emmy Awards, the Governor's Award, and a 1985
Peabody Award. He was inducted into the
Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1987. Johnny Carson was awarded the
Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992 and received a
Kennedy Center Honor in 1993.