Many comedians have sat where "Tonight Show" host Jimmy Fallon now resides. The NBC late night talk show celebrated 60 years on Saturday, Sept. 27, continuing its title as the longest-currently running entertainment program in the United States. "The Tonight Show" also holds the record as the third-longest-running show on NBC, right behind "Meet the Press" and "Today."
In honor of "The Tonight Show" turning 60, HNGN.com takes a look back at the history of the show and past hosts. The late night talk show dates back to 1954 when it was created by Sylvester Barnabee Weaver with comedian Steve Allen as the very first host.
Allen held the position for three years before handing the title over to Jack Paar, who hosted "The Tonight Show" for the next five years but not without some controversy. According to reports, in 1960 Paar walked off the show after network censors axed a segment of his program.
One night, Paar literally walked off the set leaving his announcer to finish the show. Paar returned a month later but was eventually replaced by Johnny Carson in 1962. Carson is one of the most well-known "Tonight Show" hosts and held the role for 30 years, more than any other host. He became a fixture with popular segments such as "Johnny's Animal Planet."
Carson also popularized the idea of having celebrity guest hosts. Whenever he would take a vacation, Carson brought in his famous friends to briefly take over. Guest hosts included Joan Rivers, Bob Newhart, Jerry Lewis and David Letterman.
Carson remained the show's host until 1992 before passing the reigns to Jay Leno. Leno hosted the show until 2009 and was briefly replaced with Conan O'Brien from 2009 to 2010. NBC executives eventually brought Leno back and he remained as "Tonight Show" host from 2010 to 2014.
Last February, the gig was handed over to current host comedian Jimmy Fallon. Check out our slideshow above of the different hosts of "The Tonight Show."
Steve Allen (1954- 57)
Jack Paar (1957-62)
Johnny Carson (1962-92)
Jay Leno (1992-2009, 2010-14)
Conan O'Brien (2009-10)
Jimmy Fallon (2014-present)
Reporting and Writing by Minyvonne Burke: Photo Slideshow by Justin Stock
