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Edward Simpson's avatar

I recall several comedians used the "telephone bit" on Carson. Personally, I tired of them pretty quickly. But it was also a time of the Great Change in stand-up comedy, when it started transitioning from telling jokes with punchlines to observational monologues. Carson brought so many new comics on (David Brenner, Woody Allen, Carlin, others whom I forget) that I think he personally changed the art form. And I agree, Newhart pretty much owned the telephone bits, the others were just imitators.

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Charlotte Allmann's avatar

Kristal is GENIUS! I laughed so hard I spit my iced tea. I read it to my son, and he asked if it was a transcript.

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Dave Yell's avatar

Carson was great in finding talent! I'll add a some more Robert Klein,David Steinberg and David Letterman. I'll add Jonathan Winters, but he was established.

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steve robertshaw's avatar

And, off the top of my head, just thought of steve martin and robin williams.

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Dave Yell's avatar

You are right about Steve Martin. I don't remember Williams being on Carson.I could be wrong there. I think Robin made it big with Mork and Mindy. Ii never watched that though I heard about Williams and his fantastic ability to do comedy off the cuff)

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Edward Simpson's avatar

Carson was beloved by the just starting out comedians for all the help he gave them. "Here's your break, kid. Show 'em what you got." I always respected him for that. Winters was a genius, can't believe I overlooked him in my examples.

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Dave Yell's avatar

I remember listening to Winters comedy album as a kid.Just amazing. And Williams owes it all to Winters. What can one say except those two were brilliant geniuses at the craft of ad living!

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