Another Look at Ultima Thule

Random Carson trivia: In an episode of Get Smart, he played the conductor on board the Orient Express.

My favorite Carson interview question was when after naming Jay Leno as his replacement, he had David Letterman on one last time and opened the interview by asking him "So just how pissed off are you?". I really do miss the REAL Tonight Show.

What was Cary Grant's problem?

I found Carson offensive many times. For 2 or 3 years he continually told Polish jokes. He also despised Wayne Newton and bashed him mercilessly until Newton stormed into his office, leaped over Carson's desk, grabbed him by his lapels and yelled :"What the h... did I do to make you constantly pick on and ridicule me?" Carson never picked on Newton again.

I grew up in the 60s and watched Carson nearly every evening with the family. He had a unique talent and was in tune with the times. He was, however by later accounts, a somewhat petty man who held grudges. He was also a failure as a man, with his children, many ex-wives and even his few friends. Upon retirement he headed the list of Most Hated Men in Hollywood. He was also cheap. He died on his yacht from heart failure, absent friends and family and only with hired staff. His closest longtime friend broke with him years earlier and later wrote a candid, critical biography. He was a great talent but a poor human being. Sometimes that is the case. He wouldn't fare well today, as he was too white bread for our times. Still very clever and talented.