Johnny Carson's death is a personal loss to the many who knew him and had their careers transformed with his help - and by the many who never met him, but couldn't help feeling that he was a part of their lives.
Here are comments on the passing of the 79-year-old entertainer, who died Sunday at his home in Malibu, California:
CBS "Late Show" host David Letterman "It's a sad day for his family and his country. All of us who came after are pretenders. We will not see the likes of him again. He gave me a shot on his show and in doing so, he gave me a career. A night doesn't go by that I don't ask myself, 'What would Johnny have done?' He has been greatly missed since his retirement. Thank God for videotapes and DVDs. In this regard, he will always be around. He was the best, a star and a gentleman." Comedian Jay Leno, who succeeded Carson as host of "The Tonight Show" "No single individual has had as great an impact on television as Johnny. He was the gold standard."President Bush "Laura and I are saddened by the death of Johnny Carson. Born in Iowa and raised in Nebraska, Johnny Carson was a steady and reassuring presence in homes across America for three decades. His wit and insight made Americans laugh and think and had a profound influence on American life and entertainment. He was a patriot who served in the United States Navy during World War II and always remembered his roots in the heartland of America. We send our prayers and condolences to the entire Carson family."Announcer Ed McMahon, whose onstage partnership with Carson began in 1959 on the game show "Who Do You Trust?" "Johnny Carson was a man I considered like a brother to me. Our 34 years of working together plus the 12 years since then, created a friendship which was professional, family-like and one of respect and great admiration. When we ended our run on 'The Tonight Show' and my professional life continued, whenever a big career decision needed to be made, I always got the OK from 'the boss.' I will miss him deeply, not only as my close friend, but because of the impact he made on my life and audiences around the world."Doc Severinsen, leader of the Tonight Show band during Carson's tenure as host "This is a huge loss for us. We are devastated. It is an honor and a privilege to know him and to work with him." Arnold Schwarzenegger "Maria and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of this comedic genius. As an irreplaceable member of the entertainment community, Johnny Carson shared his spirit and laughter with his family, friends and countless fans. Johnny was a great friend and always showed me profound respect. He welcomed me on his show when no one knew who I was and helped promote the image of bodybuilding."Former first lady Nancy Reagan "The death of Johnny Carson is a huge loss for all of us. He was a comedian who not only made us laugh, but also made us stop and think. Ronnie and I always enjoyed him on The Tonight Show and we were honored to know him as a friend. My prayers go out to his entire family at this very difficult time."Comedian Don Rickles "I am sure he can hear me, hopefully. We all miss you and you made your mark on this world ... God rest his soul."Actor-comedian Jerry Lewis "He was the most decent, marvelous man I've ever known and we're going to miss him a lot ... I think that Johnny, no matter how long he lived in Hollywood and no matter how much money he made, he still had a piece of straw stuck in his ear."Actor-comedian Ray Romano "If I had to pick an inspiration it would be him."Actor-comedian Chevy Chase "Being Johnny's friend was an honor. To hear of his sudden death, a great shock. He was so much more than just the 'King of Late Night,' he was a real intellect with broad interests; thankfully, many of which he was able to enjoy in the last decade. It is a terrible loss to his friends. I am deeply saddened."Steve Martin, comedian, actor, director, author and frequent "Tonight Show" guest "All of us who grew up on Johnny Carson had three decades in which to go to sleep with a smile on our faces. He loved to laugh, he loved to make you laugh, and he loved comedians and entertainers. His occasional touch of boyish naughtiness made America a sweet and kind place to be, and he without doubt enriched our nation."Singer-actress Bette Midler "Johnny Carson was the public face of American comedy for decades, but anyone who knew him well knew he was an intensely private and yet deeply generous man. So many of us who are working in show business today owe our careers to him. I was his last guest, and it was one of the most moving experiences of my life. He had it all. A little bit of devil, a whole lot of angel, wit, charm, good looks, superb timing and great, great class."Comedian-actor Billy Crystal "He was the greatest talk show host of our time with the quickest mind. ... One of the greatest thrills of my career was not on stage but when Johnny called me after seeing me host the Oscars and telling me how much he loved what I did. That's how much I looked up to him. He was a true idol."Joan Embery, former goodwill ambassador for the Zoological Society of San Diego and frequent guest on "Tonight." "When you're working with wildlife, you have to be able to react very quickly. So the comedians that work with notes, or that have to have to think about how they respond find it difficult working with animals. But he was at his best when he was totally spontaneous. ... He was one person that you knew when you walked out from behind that curtain, you could just toss those notes."Actor-comedian Bob Newhart "I guest-hosted for Johnny many years ago for a month straight and experienced firsthand just how great he was, making it look so easy night after night. Once you sit in that chair you knew there was nothing easy about it. It's a huge loss."Comedian/actor Martin Short "He was so generous with his laughs; you ever felt like he was faking it."Filmmaker-comedian Woody Allen, who served as an occasional vacation host for Carson on "Tonight." "I liked him very much, as a comedian and as a person. I have only the most positive things to say about him. I found him to be a terrific guy."Actor-comedian Bill Cosby "Johnny was responsible for the beginning and the rise of success for more performers than anyone. I doubt if those numbers will ever be surpassed."