Joan Rivers’ meteoric rise in comedy was closely tied to her appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. After her debut in 1965, Carson famously told her on-air, “You’re going to be a star,” propelling her into the national spotlight. By 1983, she had become Carson’s permanent guest host, a groundbreaking role for a woman in late-night television.
However, their professional relationship soured in 1986 when Rivers accepted an offer from Fox to host her own late-night program, The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers. She attempted to inform Carson personally, but he had already learned of the move through other channels. When Rivers called to explain, Carson hung up on her and never spoke to her again.
Carson’s influence in the industry was formidable. Following the fallout, Rivers was effectively blacklisted from The Tonight Show. This ban was upheld by Carson’s successors, Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien, out of respect for Carson. It wasn’t until Jimmy Fallon took over as host in 2014 that Rivers was invited back, marking her first appearance on the show in 26 years.
The incident had a profound impact on Rivers’ career and personal life. Despite the setback, she demonstrated remarkable resilience, reinventing herself through various ventures, including fashion commentary and reality television. Her eventual return to The Tonight Show symbolized not only a personal triumph but also a broader shift in the entertainment industry’s recognition of her enduring talent and influence.
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