Tag Archives: Johnny Carson

Ed McMahon Dies at 86

You had to know this was coming, but it is still sad to see a television icon pass away. Ed McMahon died at the age of 86 at the Ronald Reagan/UCLA Medical Center just a little after midnight last Monday. McMahon had several health problems lately including a neck ailment, pneumonia, bone cancer, and possible illnesses due to toxic mold found in his home. He had been hospitalized since February of this year. McMahon served in the Marine Corps during World War II, receiving six Air Medals. He started his career in broadcasting at WLLH-AM then began appearing on television … Continue reading →

Star Updates: Brokeback the Musical and Leno Rescues McMahon

BROKEBACK THE MUSICAL Hey, if they can do it for “Little House on the Prairie” then why not “Brokeback Mountain?” The love story portrayed on the big screen will soon be revived and sung in one of the nation’s largest theaters thanks to the New York City Opera. The group just commissioned Charles Wuorinen to compose the music for the opera, which will be based on the Academy Award-winning film. Much like the popular movie, which starred Jake Gyllenhaal and the late Heath Ledger, the opera will follow the 20-year love affair of two cowboys who share a secret romance … Continue reading →

Country Music Star Makes Television History

When Dwight Yoakam appears on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” later this week he will make TV history. This Thursday will mark the country music superstar’s 24th appearance on NBC’s hit late-night talk show. Yoakam’s string of appearances breaks the record for most musical performances by any artist. The 51-year-old singer will perform on show’s outdoor concert series, but besides releasing that information show producers are remaining tight-lipped about any other special events that will mark the milestone. According to NBC execs, Yoakam is currently tied with Lyle Lovett for the show’s most musical performances with 23. Most of … Continue reading →

Save Your Jokes Late-Night TV Hosts Can’t Take Them

Word sure spreads fast… Shortly after the announcement came that late-night TV hosts Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien plan to cross picket lines and get back to work by January 2nd amateur comedians got busy. According to NBC executives, both the network’s website and switchboard were inundated yesterday with material from jokesters around the country trying to peddle their laughs. Well, as of this morning, the peacock network has this to say to anyone who wants a new job as a late-night TV writer: Keep your jokes to yourself. Actually, the notice posted on NBC’s website reads as follows: “NBC … Continue reading →

Bob Barker to Step On Down

You may remember a while back, I wrote a blog about my experience going to the perennial game show “The Price is Right.” Bob Barker is as much a piece of our pop culture as television itself. He has been on the air for 50 years, 35 alone as the host of “The Price is Right.” He has been on the show for so long, I honestly believed he would continue to be its host until he just dropped, but yesterday, he announced he would retire next June. Bob started his game show host career back in 1956 as the … Continue reading →