Remembering Laughs From Carson

Johnny Carson, seen in this undated file photo from his childhood, was billed as "The Great Carsoni" while doing magic shows for organizations, clubs and birthday parties in Norfolk, Neb.

A picture from the photo album of the late Kit and Ruth Carson shows Johnny Carson, left; his younger brother, Dick, middle, and sister, Catherine, right, in front of the family's Christmas tree in this undated file photo.

This undated family handout photo shows Johnny Carson during his days as an ensign in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Carson, left, and comedienne Jeannie Carson sign each other's autographs during her visit backstage at the daytime game show, "Who Do You Trust?" hosted by Carson, in Los Angeles, Jan. 20, 1959.

Carson shows a magic trick to his three sons (left to right Ricky, Barry, and Cory) at their home in Encino, Calif., Oct. 16, 1957.

In his New York City office, Carson worked on his monologue to open "The Tonight Show" March 22, 1963.

Carson, second from right, is shown with his wife, Joanne, second from left; Steve Lawrence, left, and Eydie Gorme at a party hosted by Carson at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York, May 10, 1967.

In this undated photo, Muhammad Ali, former heavyweight boxing champion, is shown as a guest on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson."

Carson is seen dressed as an Egyptian King in this undated file photo.

Carson begins a segment of "The Tonight Show" as "Carnac, The Magnificent!"

Carson, on "The Tonight Show," portrays the character of Floyd R. Turbo.

Frank Sinatra, second from left, is shown with some of his guests at his 55th birthday party: from left, Carson, his wife, Joanna, and singer Dinah Shore, right, at Rancho Mirage near Palm Springs, Calif., Dec. 13, 1980.

David Letterman appeared on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson in this undated photo. Days before his death, Carson was reported to have been helping Letterman with some monologue for CBS' "Late Show with David Letterman."

Carson, as host of "The Tonight Show," seen here on the final program, with Ed McMahon, center, and Doc Severinsen, far left.

Carson listens to entertainer Bette Midler sing him a farewell love song during the second-to-last taping of "The Tonight Show" in Burbank, Calif., May 21, 1992.

Carson wiped away tears during his final program for "The Tonight Show" in 1992.

Carson sat on a stool center stage as he watched clips from earlier shows during the last taping of "The Tonight Show" in front of family and friends in Burbank, Calif., May 22, 1992.