13. In what year did Johnny Carson become the permanent host of "The Tonight Show"?
From Quiz Heeere's Johnny - "The Tonight Show"
Answer:
1962
Johnny Carson began his run as host of "The Tonight Show" on October 1, 1962. Carson was preceded by Steve Allen, the show's original host who appeared from 1954 through 1957, and Jack Paar, who hosted the show from 1957 until 1962.
Carson was originally offered the hosting job several months prior to Paar's planned departure from the show, but declined the offer. Carson, a shy person by nature, feared that he would not be able to interview celebrities for the 105 minutes of the show. NBC then offered the job to Bob Newhart, Jackie Gleason, Grocho Marx, and Joey Bishop, all of whom declined the offer. NBC then approached Carson again and convinced him to accept the offer. The rest as they say was history. Carson went on to host the show for the next 30 years.