Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. I played an integral part of the success of "The Tonight Show" along with Steve Allen. I left "Tonight" to focus on Steve Allen's newly launched Sunday night prime time program. I also had my own 30 minute TV Special "Silent Show" which was all-pantomime airing on prime time and which only contained sound effects or music. Who am I?
2. Being "The Tonight Show's" most frequent guest with a total of 158 appearances, I even guest hosted for Johnny Carson, a true honor. In 1986, King World Entertainment gave me my own talk show, "Nightlife", which tanked. You never go up against Johnny Carson. Who am I?
3. In 1957 I did a 6 month gig on "The Tonight Show", renamed "Tonight! America After Dark". I shared hosting responsibilities with Al Collins; however the show's format was not well received by audiences and affiliate stations dropped us like hot cakes. I went on to host daytime TV, as well and a children's series "1-2-3 Go!" Who am I?
4. I started the first configuration of "The Tonight Show" in 1954 and it was aired from NYC, inclusive of an opening monologue, interviews, comedy bits, and audience participation. Matter of fact we kept America entertained from 11:15 pm until 1:00 am five days a week. Later I got a prime time show opposite "The Ed Sullivan Show" on Sunday nights. Johnny Carson was one of my guest comedians, along with Bob Hope and Jerry Lewis. Who am I?
5. I am a writer, comedian and screenwriter. My talk show named "The Las Vegas Show" was aired on the now defunct Overmyer/United Network. I often played a character both children and adults enjoyed and his name followed me wherever I went. I brought this much loved character out of retirement for "The Smothers Brothers Revival Comedy Hour" in 1988. Who am I?
6. I streamlined late night talk shows by interviewing celebrities of all genres, including entertainment personalities. My show was moved from NYC to L.A. in the 70's. My production company was responsible for creating "Late Night with David Letterman" and I sometimes sent jokes to Letterman after my retirement. Who am I?
7. I filled in as one of the guest hosts after Parr left the "Tonight Show" and before Carson took over. Born in Canada, I attended the University of Southern California and was known for my social satire performances. I am known for my improvisation comedy, although I never worked on Drew Carey's "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" Who am I?
8. My show followed Carson's "Tonight Show" beginning in 1973 with no studio audience and a cerebral talk show format. I often conversed with producers and crew when I needed reassuring or to keep the pace going. When ratings dropped, NBC brought in a co-host that I had a hostile relationship with on and off the air. Who am I?
9. I took over guest hosting duties when Jack Paar exited "The Tonight Show" in 1962, although another guest host would win the replacement spot. I had a quick wit and loved wearing novelty disguises in vaudeville, TV, and the movies. Who am I?
10. I had my own very successful show on cable beginning in 1986 but not before serving as a permanent guest host for Johnny Carson. I alternated in this position with another comedian who loved to interview people on the street. I also wrote for the sitcoms "Sanford and Son" and "Welcome Back, Kotter". Who am I?
11. You wouldn't know it by my smile that I had a hot temper and quit my own successful TV late night conversational TV show over a censored joke (the joke inferred to a water closet, although I would only say "WC" in the joke). After three weeks I received an apology from the Network and returned to a standing ovation where my first words were, "As I was saying before I was interrupted . . . " Who am I?
12. I hosted a late night comedy variety series, "Broadway Open House", airing from 11 pm to midnight, running from 1950-1951. It has been stated more than once that my show led to the development of "The Tonight Show". I had quite an ego and felt my female co-host, who was instructed to just sit there and act dumb, was stealing my thunder, so I left the show. Who am I?
13. I was brought in to bring up ratings of "Tomorrow Coast to Coast". The original host and I had a caustic relationship on and off the screen. He preferred intellects where I lived for the social and behind the scenes of Hollywood. Who am I?
14. Although I was already recognized as a popular voice in comedy and television, much to my dismay I was not on the network's replacement list to take over "The Tonight Show" in 1992. A young network "Fox" offered me my own show and I accepted. I lost a good friend in the business when I did. Who am I?
15. The success of hundreds of talk show hosts derived from the path set by the original late night creme de la creme. Johnny Carson is considered the "King of Late Night", so whose nickname is "The Boss"?
Source: Author
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