Merritt Heaton lived another 14 months after this. This aired 2/4/88 and he died 4/26/89 at the age of 98. He is buried in Toulon Cemetery, Toulon, Stark County, Illinois next to his wife Edith who passed away 17 years earlier in 1972. His oldest son Hayden who he said worked with him on the farm passed away at age 92 in 2002. All five of his children are now deceased with the last, a daughter named Lucille passing away at age 93 in 2014. God bless everyone in this video, his wife and their children for all have now passed on to heaven.

@spuwho

2 жыл бұрын

Hard to believe but his grandkids have started to pass away recently. I wonder if the family still runs the farm.

@donwilcox728

2 жыл бұрын

@@spuwho I wonder if every now and then some tonight show fan just shows up on the front porch asking for the Heaton's.

@Android_Warrior

2 жыл бұрын

I got a question for you, what happened to his farm?

@Android_Warrior

2 жыл бұрын

YOUR COMMENT SHOULD BE PINNED BY THIS CHANNEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@helenel4126

2 жыл бұрын

And now Betty White too. The old cliche is true - they don't make 'em like they used to!

I am so proud to have had this man as my Great Grandfather. In real life he really was that sharp, that funny, and every bit amazing as he was in this interview. When he was asked to go on.. he had never seen the show. Johnny treated him with class and respect. Never get tired of seeing this clip! Always makes me laugh out loud.

@paulypooper2

2 жыл бұрын

What a great thing your grandfather did by putting his fear aside and appearing on the show . I’ve watched this clip at least five times and apparently I’m not the only one .

@sheripetrey4257

2 жыл бұрын

Treasure those memories and share them with your grandchildren and their children. Show this video to them♥️♥️♥️

@marydonohoe8200

2 жыл бұрын

He was delightful. You had a solid background! 😉

@toodlypip77

2 жыл бұрын

Yes you can see the respect from Johnny

@k1m6a11

2 жыл бұрын

Class and respect... you're right. Today so much humour is built on "pranks" and ridicule, it felt so good to just see honest mutual respect and genuine laughter. Your GG seems like he was one hell of a guy! ps it's hilarious that he'd never seen the show given the way he fudged his answer to that question - very honourable.

This is what made Johnny Carson a class act. It didn’t matter if it was Frank Sinatra or a 97 year old farmer from Illinois, he treated all the guest’s the same.

@stevekauffman1866

Жыл бұрын

Everything these days is so political Really refreshing watching Johnny Class act Love the farmer!

@chloerodgers692

Жыл бұрын

@@stevekauffman1866 I was going to say “class act” too but the word “act” I concluded wasn’t accurate. It wasn’t an act…he was real.

@FayeBailey

Жыл бұрын

Totally agree.

@davidshulimson9491

Жыл бұрын

Carson always made it about the guests, never about himself. Carson was and always will be the greatest.

@FayeBailey

Жыл бұрын

He surely did. Todays late night hosts are empty suits compared to Johnny.

You never again see stuff like this today. Such class.

Class personified, no cheap shots, no trying to embarrass the gentleman. Absolutely love the fact that he was called "Mr"

@YA-qj8fx

2 жыл бұрын

I miss the era when people were shown respect by being addressed by Mr., Mrs., Miss, even Ms. Too much familiarity these days.

@JDnFL

2 жыл бұрын

@@YA-qj8fx I miss those times as well. Now we have kids referring to their teachers by their first name. Kids calling their Aunts and Uncles by their first name, in some cases calling their parents by their first name. Now everything is about the "shock value" embarrassing people etc.

@jc.938

2 жыл бұрын

That’s so true as my parents were older(Mom 41-Dad 39) when I was born as I was the youngest of 4 children. I was raised to respect elders as I never raised my voice or used profanity in the presence of my parents. Respect was a way of life!

@qtpysusie54

2 жыл бұрын

A lot said in those two lines. Sure hope there are more buffing ladies and gentlemen out there waiting to help turn the tide. Class has just disappeared. Sure doesn't come with money.

@parkdigwig3447

2 жыл бұрын

That would have been Dave Letterman that would have embarrassed the man had he been on the Late Show. No Johnny.

Watching this, I realize how much the world misses men like this, the farmer, and johnny.

@drumlover1687

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely true!

@tompaul2650

Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately the world gets what it wants. Otherwise, we would all be like that. I have not basically changed in years. I'm old school, no nonsense etc. It sounds cliche but be the change you want.

@ScotteM

Жыл бұрын

Took people like this for granted, now that the greatest generation is gone, country is not so great anymore

@ScotteM

Жыл бұрын

@Phillip Banes I hope you are right

@rogfusionkid

7 ай бұрын

So true, sometimes I think it would have been better to have been born in different times. That guy is a real gem.

I was a nurse for 38 years, just recently retired. Guys like Mr Heaton were my favorite patients, they just loved to chat and talk and laugh. Made my day. One day I took care of a man, about 79, I asked if was allergic to anything and he said "just women!" Well, the second fellow was 85, and I told him "my last fellow was allergic to women, how about you?" He said, "Well, I aint allergic to 'em, but I can't have the sweet ones on account of my diabetes!" He was my all time favorite!

@magikmissvideos9462

Жыл бұрын

That’s so great!! My great grandfather was a quiet man. I loved him so much.

@karenbowser8684

Жыл бұрын

OMG! I know he’s gone to his great reward, but what a delight he was!

@sooperdoopercoolguy

Жыл бұрын

When I was 30, I was absolutely enamored by a 80 year old woman named grace. She was everything her name entailed, gorgeous, and could sing like an Angel. ❤️

@StrangerHappened

Жыл бұрын

Julie, do not lose connection to your nurse sisters. Some of those you know are like thirty years younger than you, so they could be taking care of you later.

@gracereese1993

Жыл бұрын

Okĺo

Hands down, the greatest talk show host who ever was and ever will be.

@wileydiscounttobaccoandbev6515

6 ай бұрын

The best!

@godzillamanstreb524

3 ай бұрын

Definitely 🎉

@brettd530

2 ай бұрын

Hands down.

@deancaron988

Ай бұрын

I liked Letterman, but he's no Johnny

@nortonyatzee7254

27 күн бұрын

Check out the old Dick Cavet show, similar class and wit with great guests.

I looked him up on Find A Grave. He lived another year and 2 months after this. Died April 1989 at the age of 98. Get this, his wife passed in 1972 at the age of 87. They had 5 children, the 78 year old he speaks of lived to be 92. His other children lived to be 82, 88, and 93! One of his daughters passed at the age of 48. He also had 7 siblings: 1 died at 7, which is so sad, 2 died in their 70s, 2 died in their 80s, and the other 2 died in their 90s. His father lived to be 95 and his mother lived to be 87. A lot of longevity in that family!

@jamesaritchie1

2 жыл бұрын

Well, they say the secret to living a long life is to pick your parents carefully.

@samuellp1146

2 жыл бұрын

@@jamesaritchie1 whaaaaaat???How is that possible before conception😆????

@pamelajohnson7813

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing that information! I've seen this clip before and Mr. Heaton was a joy to listen to! President McKinley died in 1901. Amazing life span he had, to remember news of McKliney's death as a boy and then to be on the Johnny Carson show near the end of his life! I sure do miss Johnny Carson! Btw, Find-A-Grave is a really interesting site to join. I kept going back from my grandparents to their parents and so on. You can leave info on your relatives grave also. I found someone that had a pic of our greatgreatgrandmother! She had posted her email address & I sent her a message and we had interesting conversations & exchanged info we would've never known about otherwise! It is really a great tool to learn about family history. There are obits and comments usually on the individual. If you use it, leave a comment on the site. You never know if future generations will be searching for knowledge about you & your family one day.

@djstarr-lowery4047

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing all that. My children often accuse me of "being so curious" seriously I should have a driver. Because I can't drive and look over all the things that I need to see

@zacharyjarrells7084

2 жыл бұрын

I’m just a curious person, lol. When something peeks my interest, I have to research it.

I love how he turns to look at Ed too. Very polite-- not wanting to exclude him.

@mj24672

2 жыл бұрын

I’m 75. We were raised not to turn our back on anyone when speaking. Children and grownups had more manners back then. Now you’re shocked if someone holds the door open for you or offers an old person a seat on the bus. My children learned from watching me.

I love how Johnny genuinely enjoyed his non celebrity guests!! I miss Johnny so much, no one can ever come close to replacing him.

@barryfox8145

Жыл бұрын

We went and saw it taped one night. As funny in between taping as during the taping. He was one of a kind.

@joycee5493

Жыл бұрын

I still miss him too. No One else comes close.

@drumlover1687

Жыл бұрын

He was the greatest, all of the so called late night hosts combined don't possess a 1/4 of Johnny's talent and charm.

@johnoneill4483

Жыл бұрын

Really? You should have spoken to joan rivers

@mikeh497

Жыл бұрын

Better than today's Woke political crap!

Johnny was such a gentleman and a class act. All the late night talk show hosts of today couldn't make a pimple on his arse.

This is so beautiful, innocent, and brilliant when things were so much simpler

@YA-qj8fx

2 жыл бұрын

I don't think things were simpler, people just displayed more dignity..

@chrishuber8930

2 жыл бұрын

Things were not simpler. People were far more complex, literate, and were far more family oriented.

@kevinsmith3426

2 жыл бұрын

Yep

Johnny Carson was and still is in a class by himself.

@jamiecrawford8133

2 жыл бұрын

I agree all BS aside the best entertainer of our lifetime. Johnny was incredible.

@labauer5314

2 жыл бұрын

My brother & I'd stay up to watch the late night greats. From Johnny to Dave, from SNL to Benny.

@jerrylee8261

2 жыл бұрын

This segment featured Johnny at his best-respectful, interesting, etc. I think Johnny was kinda aloof but he was very friendly toward that gentleman's girlfriend. It makes me respect him even more.

@troll-fx2zc

2 жыл бұрын

Jimmy Fallon is way better than Johnny Carson.

@southernsass2937

2 жыл бұрын

How I miss these days! I never missed a show. RIP to all of them ❤

I feel like we’ve stopped honoring the elderly in the USA in the last 30 years. I love listening to older people’s stories, especially since my grandparents are gone

@wingwalker27

2 жыл бұрын

Our elderly now are being slammed to the sidewalks of NYC by cowardly trash.

@kevinmontgomery1383

Жыл бұрын

Honky Tonkinson Today they don't say sir out of reverence. It sounds like a put down. All in the inflection.

@gino423

Жыл бұрын

Great reply sir....we all gonna get old if your lucky no guarantees

@just4music687

Жыл бұрын

Agree! xoxo

@ItsNotMe621

Жыл бұрын

Exactly right. Now we have a Texas Lt. Governor suggesting we let the elderly die of COVID-19 to protect the economy. Money over human beings. Isn't Capitalism great?

I'm amazed that Johnny spent 15 minutes with a guest no one has heard of, made it entertaining and funny. He brought out the best in his guests.

@spikeoac4248

2 жыл бұрын

Also give credit to the entertaining nature of the farmer, no matter how entertaining Johnny is he can’t fully make up for a lackluster guest

@guychristopher187

2 жыл бұрын

I'm a retired IT Guy - University of Illinois Urbana' 1988 - 2011

@shac9131

Жыл бұрын

He obviously liked him a whole lot or else would have shortened the interview to do props or something. Celebs are only given x amount of time because they're getting paid to be on the show

@petegobeckli1386

Жыл бұрын

@@guychristopher187 CHAMPAIGN! Downstate ILLINOIS.

@robbinkokinos5390

Жыл бұрын

Johnny Carson frequently had guests like this and it was always entertaining because he did treat every guest like they were special.

Boy, do I miss Johnny Carson. What a remarkable character Merritt Heaton was, a true American. "Electricity" I love it!

@Sixstringman

2 жыл бұрын

He was 97 in 1988. He was born in 1891. He was dead ass serious. Crazy to think about.

Priceless when the guy said “ my son is the boss !!” ….. he’s 78 !!!!!!

What a cool man at 97 years! He had a great sense of humor and the audience loved him😘. So did I 💥💥

@womandela7225

Жыл бұрын

Born in 1890 or so! Amazing.

@harveymoldofsky5662

3 ай бұрын

​.r@@womandela7225

Johnny was a genius interviewer and I love how he treated this lovely charming gentleman with kindness, respect and humor. What a wonderful interview.

@pockynon

3 ай бұрын

I have not watched late night since Steve Allen and Johnny Carson - they were so funny and great interviewers - the people on late night now are just not funny! Also, way too political. 😔

Mr Heaton was more interesting to listen to than any guest that has been on late night TV in 20 years..

@pam0626

2 жыл бұрын

So, so true. He had nothing to promote, no stupid skits, just plain conversation.

@johnl5350

2 жыл бұрын

That's pretty doubtful. It's a logical fallacy to assume the old is always good and anything new stinks. Johnny was great and there's been some good stuff since then and even now. He really had it down by this point in his career, but he did plenty of bits and comedic stunts. He was a funny guy doing a show that fit him best. You can say the same about some of his contemporaries and current guys as well.

@strongsmarthappy5970

2 жыл бұрын

Right ! The electricity story killed me ! 😂😂We're lucky he reconsidered their invitation, he was great.

@sherry3935

2 жыл бұрын

Made me smile 😊

@kathleenirish

2 жыл бұрын

@@johnl5350 there is NOTHING on air late night right now that is worth watching. The worst ‘woke’ unfunny dreck ever

THIS is what made Johnny the best. He CONSTANTLY brought on "real folks," gave them great set-up questions and made them feel like stars. I'm not one of these yammering olds (though I AM getting on in years) who does the "back in my day, TV was funny" garbage. But there is a special place in my heart for the late and great Johnny. He was SO genuine and funny. I miss his show. RIP Johnny.

@skykingusa

2 жыл бұрын

I couldn't agree more with you. To this day, Johnny is the only celebrity that brought a tear to my eye when I heard of his death. He seemed like such an integral part of my weekly routine what I was growing up.

@ArmedCyclist

2 жыл бұрын

I agree with yu 100%. Todays show is garbage

@tolfan4438

2 жыл бұрын

He called them citizen guests

@bea78tles

2 жыл бұрын

@@skykingusa Great to read your comments. Johnny was part of life back then. What a privilege to have been around during the Johnny Carson show days.

@johnl5350

2 жыл бұрын

Letterman did too, especially early on. It makes sense since Johnny's production company produced both. I think they we're pretty similar in some ways. Affable on camera, a little distant off it. I think they are both great though.

Johnny could engage with heads of state, movie stars, and a random old farmer. And everything in between. That's what made him the best.

@mariaorsic9763

29 күн бұрын

Exactly!!!!! The real king!

There has never been a better interviewer than johnny carson. He was charming, clever, funny. His timing superb. Nobody compares.

Couldn't help but notice Betty White sitting there at the end. She and Johnny are two legends we will miss forever.

@strahljd

2 жыл бұрын

Mr. Heaton couldn't help but notice either 👀 👀 👀

@Ryan-on5on

2 ай бұрын

If I'm doing my maths right, Betty White would've been born in the same year (1922) as Mr. Heaton's youngest child!

I always loved Johnny Carson because he had a real interest in regular people. This interview was more entertaining than anything I’ve seen in a long while. I believe it’s because we get bored with some of these shallow celebrities who aren’t fit to hold this gentleman’s coat!

@PoppysGuitar

2 жыл бұрын

I think these mid westerners brought John back to simple times in Nebraska without booze and drugs and the women and LA hustlers. He honestly appears a little wistful.

@johnaustin9051

2 жыл бұрын

I believe he made at least one more appearance on Johnny's show.

@louisel.sinniger2057

2 жыл бұрын

He is right, his lady friend is spunky

@why-even-try-brotendo

2 жыл бұрын

Good to see Jimmy Fallon carrying on the legacy through class and wit..... 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

@johnaustin9051

2 жыл бұрын

@@why-even-try-brotendo Jimmy is as funny and smart as a pimple on Johnny's ass. Fallon SUCKS.

I am not suprised to see Johnny get 2.1 million views in 2022. Never be another like Johnny Carson.

@windowboy

14 күн бұрын

3.3m in 2024

Johnny was the absolute best interviewer.. and there will never be another like him...i miss him

So polite, always turning to engage Ed, also. His stories are priceless. This man is a gem. And his lady friend....And did you all see? Betty White was on the couch! What a show that must have been.

@victorbunch7725

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah i saw that and i'm surprised she wasn't on her back!!! lol

@heidimarchant5438

2 жыл бұрын

I noticed her too!

@lowellarnett3172

2 жыл бұрын

Unappreciated in their own time!

@drew6194

2 жыл бұрын

@Tippin The Scales Being a little prissy, aren't you?

@misssummersalt

2 жыл бұрын

@Tippin The Scales She was and she was all the better for it! 💗

Johnny really knew how to interview people and make it fun. He was always polite too. Loved him.

@xrislamore8549

2 жыл бұрын

Hello how are you

@stevekirkpatrick1612

2 жыл бұрын

Nowadays the only talk shows that feature real people fall into the people's court or Jerry Springer categories. The late night shows now may as well be scripted studio talking points. We'll never see just a regular person without an approved product or message again. It was great to see.

@michael2305

2 жыл бұрын

That's a true gentleman.

@raymondchollet3199

2 жыл бұрын

Johny was always a sympathetique person. Trur human. That is true.

@adamkedrowski7901

2 жыл бұрын

The respect he showed boy George was unprecedented at the time

This is where Johnny excelled. He never made fun of or talked down to guests like this. He was truly and genuinely interested in what he had to say.

I wish i could go back to this era of television. Nothing can match these nowadays. Just GREAT tv!

@AjgCat-qw3md

5 ай бұрын

I agree 100 💯 percent

The beauty of Johnny is that he could have an intelligent conversation with anyone and make it entertaining.

@dennisdoyle5068

2 жыл бұрын

So we’ll said. Pure Class.

Here’s Johnny Carson, a universal celebrity and multi millionaire, just being a completely humble and respectful equal channeling his Nebraska roots. There’s a piece of me that senses Johnny enjoyed people like Mr. Heaton just as much or more than he did the big tIme celebrities he had on his show.

@bobkain350

2 жыл бұрын

I think Johnny enjoyed the Mr. Heaton's more than the celebrities because they were real people. And they made for a better show.

@michellescukanec2359

2 жыл бұрын

@@bobkain350 🙌🙌🙌

@michellescukanec2359

2 жыл бұрын

I really miss him. My parents watched him just about every night when we were kids and we could as well because the content was always safe even though it was entertaining for the adults. Difficult act to follow that's for sure.

@robinlanier6886

2 жыл бұрын

Exactly !

@JackycClark

2 жыл бұрын

I know he always enjoyed Better Midler . For the life of me I can't think of another favorite .

What a gentleman, a class act. God bless him and his family.

30 years since Johnny Carson left The Tonight Show & still can’t get enough of watching old clips!

If these were still how talk shows were made, I’d actually watch one. I’m 32 and there isn’t a single talk show, not a one, that’s worth my time. This was pure enjoyment

@Lexicologist1971

2 жыл бұрын

He was awesome! From him, I learned something can't be VERY unique or MORE unique. It is either unique or it isn't. It is an absolute term and can't be magnified. It stands alone.

@Tony-112

2 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed Craig Ferguson , but other than that ,nah.

@toodlypip77

2 жыл бұрын

Johnny was the best.

@christopherg9806

2 жыл бұрын

@@Tony-112 I never watch late night TV, but have caught some of Craig Ferguson's clips on KZread and he really is quite funny. Super quick on his feet and witty.

@stevekirkpatrick1612

2 жыл бұрын

What's not to love about tightly regimented talking points strictly on topic with a movie or album release though?

Mr. Heaton demonstrated great class and impeccable manners. He repeatedly turned to Ed McMan to include him in the conversation. Most of Mr. Carson’s guests would focus on Johnny and ignore Ed after the handshake. I tried to teach my children and grandkids not to leave anyone out of a conversation.

@JustinRayeYates

2 жыл бұрын

Including everyone in the conversation is definitely something I have noticed many people overlook. It is very important and I find myself trying to do it all the time. Never realized it until reading this Comment. Very well said. I couldn't agree more.

@jdelaney9325

2 жыл бұрын

I noted this as well. That’s the way he was brought up. To respect others.

@salinalancelot4021

2 жыл бұрын

@@JustinRayeYates good

@morrissnell9766

2 жыл бұрын

Happy

@bmental7128

2 жыл бұрын

think that is so cool, that you noticed that about mr. heaton interview, and also the consideration and respect he showed his lady friend, peggy taylor. much respect to you also for teaching your children and grandchildren, good basic manners, and respect, and consideration of others. respect to you. chivalry is not dead. may God bless you and your family.

He passed about a year later. Rest In Peace Mr. Heaton.

This is the first time I've watched this, the farmer is funny as hell, and Johnny's a master of his craft. Absolutely loved this..........

Johnny Carson was one of a kind. He was a great interviewer, a master off the cuff and his timing and facials were incomparable.

@grn4nrg

2 жыл бұрын

@Zo 🌻 Yes, he was the Best! He passed at 79 1925-2005

No one comes close to Johnny who could talk to anyone about anything. We are so lucky to be able to watch these now forever! The farmer is such a Charming GENTLEMAN

@bea78tles

2 жыл бұрын

Well said. Yes.

@shawnr771

2 жыл бұрын

Johnny's predecessor Jack Parr was also amazing at this.

@johnl5350

2 жыл бұрын

Plenty come close. There are some talented people around. Johnny's huge advantage was the derth of channels during most of his career. People were more likely to watch someone regularly that didn't fit their politics precisely that way. It's too fractured now to ever have that now.

@aliceharris1998

2 жыл бұрын

@@shawnr771 Jack Paar was before I started watching late night, but I thought Jay Leno was good also.

@shawnr771

2 жыл бұрын

@@aliceharris1998 Jack Parr was long before I started watching late night. I have seen clips of his work. He interviewed Fidel Castro in Cuba once. He got people to talk about stuff. There is a clip of Liberace playing piano while Ali is rhyming about what he is going to do in an upcoming fight.

I love this. My dad passed away in January at 89 and he would have enjoyed watching this. Today's Seniors are the messengers from the past. SO much to learn. Embrace and learn from them. It's fascinating ❤

@debbylou5729

Жыл бұрын

I’ve never met anyone that didn’t want to shoot the messenger

@kathyh4804

Жыл бұрын

Definitely! We have lost most of our classy old generations 😢 He was so right when he said the way women USED to dress was glamorous.... not any more sad to say

@homegown1234

4 ай бұрын

As a child I listened to the elderly since they had the knowledge and the experience to help the following generation move forward. Now, things are so mixed up because the younger generation feel they know what is best but don't even have a clue because they refuse to listen to their elders and those that have lived longer lives to be fruitful in their days but I always felt "the elderly had the secret of a long life and doing right by God's laws and for that I am ever grateful to the many I listened as a young girl and as I got older listened with an open heart.

Absolutely fantastic. I watched this and wondered how society could lose track of such wonderful values and inspiration. In the news today I watched Will Smith slap someone on the Oscars. Yes, we are truly seeing the end of what once made this country so special, people like Merritt Heaton and Johnny Carson.

@briansd2772

2 жыл бұрын

COTD!

@richardvervoorn6626

Ай бұрын

Thanks for your’take’ on losing the values we used to hold so dear. The Will Smith thing is a stark indication of where show ‘biz’ folks have fallen dearly from grace…

Priceless. How wonderful that we still get to visit these classic clips. I miss Johnny. He was a master and no one else even comes close. Really enjoyed this. TY.

@harborgirl8877

2 жыл бұрын

I agree, I am so tired of the political BS that is spun.

@brentlawrence5857

2 жыл бұрын

Space shuttle

@brentlawrence5857

2 жыл бұрын

Space shuttle launch

@archieolmstead6688

2 жыл бұрын

I totally agree. Late nite TV was fun then.

@MarcusDaGrand

2 жыл бұрын

@@archieolmstead6688 It sure was. Everything is scripted now and they don't have fun guests like this anymore.

We had a hill farmer here in wales where I live and he died at 101 years old, he kept working until he was 98, he would never use the farm land rover he'd always walk....and he was a character...

Johnny Carson had class and style. His ability to be humorous with charm is his lasting signature! Love & Miss You Johnny🤗❤️

God bless the souls of these wonderful men! Johnny Carson was a genius on stage and a “common” man with a love for any people. And when I see Mr. Heaton,even though I never met him, I can see my grandfather being just like Mr. Heaton. Just a common man with love for family and people!

Johnny was a true gentleman. He didn’t poke fun of people like todays talk show hosts.

@dentonweiss3642

2 жыл бұрын

Very true. Jimmy Kimmel wouldn’t know how to carry on a conversation with a farmer.

@mark685

2 жыл бұрын

Kimmel would mock the farmer

@middleamerican9022

2 жыл бұрын

Yet, here you are insulting today's hosts. What a hypocritical fool you are.

@michaelh7437

2 жыл бұрын

@@middleamerican9022 gotta give respect to receive it

@nathanlenneman9987

2 жыл бұрын

@@middleamerican9022 The only way they would be a hypocrite is if they were late night talk show host themselves.

I miss this America.

@terencem8795

2 жыл бұрын

You said it!✌

@ClayLoomis1958

2 жыл бұрын

Well, feel free to hop into your time machine and go back to 1988, when Johnny Carson had no late night competition. Of course, you'll have to give up your cell phone, GPS, Playstation, and flatscreen TV. Your computer will only have 16 colors. Also, you could only download at 1200 bits per second on the internet, so you really didn't want a lot of colors anyway. And, you'd have to deal with the Morris Worm. Yeah, I guess I'd go back too, if I could.

@paulabrister3586

2 жыл бұрын

@@ClayLoomis1958 omg…No Facebook…or the idiots who live for social media…it sounds heavenly

@eagle1984

2 жыл бұрын

@@ClayLoomis1958 sounds wonderful. Smartass

@CorePathway

2 жыл бұрын

Me too. Clinton was President and Republicans worked with him, we had a budget surplus.

"Gosh oh mighty, when I was younger we were tickled to see a girl's ankle" And then says the way they dress today takes the glamour out of it. What a class act. Loved this clip.

I was downstairs after bedtime one night when I was ten and my mom let me watch this bit with her. It's the only time I ever saw Johnny Carson's show, so it always stuck in my memory. I remember both of us getting a good laugh over this gentleman, especially the "kids these days" line. I still refer to that as one of the funniest things I've ever heard and oddly enough, it showed up in my KZread feed today. What a lovely surprise this was. ❤

Farmer Merritt is such a treasure! My Granpa was an old skool farmer, tough as nails, but a kind and honest man. Survived 2 world wars, buried 2 wives and a girlfriend, raised 6 daughters and a son, and just kept on trucking. I miss you, big man...

@robertblake3251

Жыл бұрын

Heres Johnny

@cynthiahusband106

7 ай бұрын

How charming Johnny was, just charismatic , amazing he could talk to the big stars and a wonderful gentleman like farmer Merritt , there ( has been said a million times before) will never be another man like Johnny Carson , he was brilliant but that charm , that Carson charm will never be forgotten it’s oct 2023 , Carson will never be forgotten. RIP dearest Johnnie❤️

@hull5768

6 ай бұрын

Wow! What a life! Amazing

@willemhendriks1905

6 ай бұрын

Yeah, they don't build 'em like Carson anymore.@@cynthiahusband106

You would expect no less from Carson to not only shake hands but also to assist Mr. Heaton up the steps as he did. Class all around.

@phuebner45

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, Carson was a very classy guy. I noticed that too. Very nice.

@ericalelle1080

2 жыл бұрын

@@phuebner45 My stepfather went to one of his shows once. Said that during breaks, Carson would light a cigarette and walk through (and sit with) the audience just talking and telling jokes.

@phuebner45

2 жыл бұрын

@@ericalelle1080 I remember (sort of) when they would drink and smoke on air! Wouldn’t wait till commercial. Ahhh good times. 😄

@dennisgallagher

2 жыл бұрын

@@phuebner45 Of course he might still be around if he hadn't.

@carycomic1954

Жыл бұрын

@@dennisgallagher Sad, but true. Johnny ultimately passed from emphysema-related causes.

When one of my great-aunts was about 102 (they lived long!), she was asked how many children she had, she said, "Children!? I don't have any children! All I have are these old people around calling me mom!"

This is the type of man that makes you proud to be an American

I really enjoyed Mr Heaton and his funny comments, even though he’s not trying… just being real and honest! So adorable ☺️

@robinlanier6886

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely adorable. I can't believe he was 97!!

This man was born in 1890, and sharp as a tack. He died two years after this interview.

@calixa

2 жыл бұрын

he only made it to 98. sad.

@doctorsuave

2 жыл бұрын

@@calixa why do the good always die young

@jamiecrawford8133

2 жыл бұрын

He is sharp, doesn't look 97 could pass for 75.

@anitakinnear6735

2 жыл бұрын

Wouldn’t he be born in 1910?

@jamiecrawford8133

2 жыл бұрын

@@anitakinnear6735 no born in 1890 this episode was 1987 when he was 97

This is without a doubt one of Johnny’s Absolute Best interviews. So touching their interactions

OMG, this was a joy to watch from start to finish. Such a gentle man with a great sense of humour. Rest easy, Mr Heaton🙏

Mr. Merritt Heaton is now immortalized by electricity...and the internet. I grew up on a farm in a different state...farmers are pretty much the same everywhere, though. Salt of the earth people. And honest.

Johnny makes this look like anybody could do this, but this kinda thing is why he was the master. He always manages to make his guest seem like the funniest person on Earth for ten minutes, and thats not always easy.

@Rob_Kates

2 жыл бұрын

Not everyone can do it. Look at all the late night hosts who tried and failed.

@lorirarich1875

2 жыл бұрын

Johnny was one of few or none others, who would take a local or old character and just put them on. He also knew a lot about subjects not just magician. Lately there is just celebs talking about each other. Blah blah.

Lost both my parents had dementia. Lost my Dad a year ago and I care for my Mom as a caregiver. Having a sharp mind is something to be grateful for.

I would not trade this interview for any athlete or celebrity, in todays world.

I am from North Central Illinois and grew up on a family farm in the 60's/70's. This man exemplifies the character, humor and friendliness of people from that place and time. Even now, Illinois farmers are more genuine and friendly than so many other places in the Great Plains. No bullshit, no pretense, no suspicion or meanness. One of the things I miss about home.

@chrisretired5379

2 жыл бұрын

Right on, Cindy J 💝💝💝

@rwaitt14153

2 жыл бұрын

Merritt exemplifies the kind of personality who sit and hold court at the spot the retired farmers congregate at to drink coffee and tell lies in every rural town in America. If you stop in slow down and grab a cup you can be entertained like this every day. This is what they quit the busy farming life to do and they are very good at their new jobs.

@spacelemur7955

2 жыл бұрын

The farmers in NW Ohio are also salt of the earth.

@vinoman123

2 жыл бұрын

Well said, as a resident of Northern Illinois, it sorely miss those people and times

@MariaBareiss

2 жыл бұрын

Cindy, my father and his parents were midwesterners, and this gentleman reminds me of two or three of my elder relatives.

Absolutely wonderful. I'm grinning from ear to ear. He reminds me of my grandfather who was born in 1899 and died just weeks before his 100th birthday. He grew up in rural Ukraine and didn't see a car until his late teens. Saw the invention of the plane, radio, phonograph, television, computer, space flight...no other generation in history ever witnessed so much technological advances than theirs. They were made from a different cloth.

@frankconley6321

2 жыл бұрын

My grandfather was born in 1895. So many things he saw in his life. Growing up on a rural farm he didn't see an airplane until he was almost 40, and watched the moon landing. He didn't have indoor plumbing until the 1950s and his first phone was in the 1980s.

@larsonfamilyhouse

2 жыл бұрын

Horse and buggy to electric car

@b52goats

2 жыл бұрын

My great grandpa told us a story of his uncle coming over when my grandpa was a teenager and telling everyone in the local store about seeing a car for the first time in rural Michigan. "Thirty-Thirtty five miles per hour, just as fast as ya wanna go!" in an Irish immigrant accent. Always cracks me up to this day remembering that.

@Cottonwood420

2 жыл бұрын

My grandfather was born in 1899 too. Was in merchant marines. Joined air force WWl. Flew planes over France. He crash landed couple times. He wrote a poem about times he almost died. Those crashes were in it. Used to love talking with him.

@b52goats

2 жыл бұрын

@@Cottonwood420 Do you still have a copy of the poem?

This is one of the best clips from Johnny Carson. Mr. Heaton is a delight. The respect displayed by Johnny is rarely seen today. Simpler times. Rest in peace. 🙏

This guy knew so much of how to survive in a different time. Each member of a generation, when they go, is such a library of knowledge lost unless it’s written down. Sure wish I could shoot the breeze with my grandpa still

1890 Census, done on Sunday, one of the questions was "When was the last day you worked?" My 97 yr old grandad answered, "Friday." I told my boys, that's my goal.

@edithbannerman4

21 күн бұрын

@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

Outrageous! God bless Merritt. His timing was impeccable.

That just made me have a good feeling! You don’t get that much these days! A good ole wholesome conversation! Johnny was the best and thank you to your grandfather!

I remember the 70's and I remember Johnny as a kid. Im 53 now but I still cant help watching these clips. Carson was first class. There has never been anyone like him. Wherever you are Johnny, Thank you sir, for the example and the memories.

Johnny always hits a home run. Makes his guests feel so comfortable.

@sheiladawg1664

2 жыл бұрын

Comfortable enough to admit you're two timing your girlfriends!

What a man, a fine example of how to grow old with wonderful attitude and humour! Loved this interview.

@SM75j

2 жыл бұрын

Amen to that!

@paulodelorios8482

2 жыл бұрын

Something about people who's close to the Earth! Good energy!

I have watched and rewatched this so often. 30+ what a wonderful man and interview this was. Mr. Heaton was so humble and genuine. This type of programming seems to be a thing of the past. Anyway, this still brings me joy and many smiles.

I loved Johnny Carson. He was so sweet and kind to kids, the elderly and animals and one of the funniest people on the planet. I have a set of The Johnny Carson Tonight Show DVDs and periodically watch them. He's still hysterically funny. He still makes me happy. Great, great comedian.

Johnny Carson. The King. Slick yet sincere, probing yet respectful, witty yet genuine. In the tv chat show context, a nice man, total professional

@RonTavalinProgBassist

2 жыл бұрын

you summed up Johnny's talents very well

@adamhimlie8725

2 жыл бұрын

You nailed it! Johnny could keep a conversation going like no other. His questions to Mr. Heaton were timely, wonderful, and caring. What a great interview this was. Another Johnny gem.

@djzarrick

2 жыл бұрын

There will never be another.

This is what made Carson the king, regular people as comfortable as celebrities.

"We would see their Ankle!" Priceless, this man was a gem.

A true gentleman! Rest in peace, Mr. Heaton. 🕊

@mikemahoney6840

4 ай бұрын

Toulon is about 40 minutes from me

Johnny always knew how to gently guide guests to the best ends .... there's never been a show this good since

@edithbannerman4

21 күн бұрын

@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

This guy is a lot like my old neighbor back in Ohio, who farmed until he died at age 95, while his son, also in his 70s, ran the place. The sense of humor and mental quickness are very similar.

@DaDitka

2 жыл бұрын

I lived about two miles away from a farming family in north-central Illinois (south of Freeport) who were excellent friends of ours. The father, his name was Ed, kind of reminds me of this fellow- down to earth, hard working, a good sense of humor, always had a smile on his face. A great family. All of them are gone now; the son (his name was Larry) died in December of 2021 in a nursing home. I miss them. If more people were like them, this world would be a much better place.

@Dr.TJ_Eckleburg

2 жыл бұрын

This is how men were meant to live. Working the land, building a family, and providing for them. We were not meant to stare at a screen for ten hours a day and obsess over ourselves. This man demonstrates the healthy tradition of human productivity that drove our civilization right up until barely fifty or sixty years ago, when we simply decided to throw it all away in the name of 'progress'. I take solace in the fact that it will return one day, as things which cannot go on, don't. But we are in for some truly hard times beforehand.

@berns4146

2 жыл бұрын

He reminds me of my wife's grandfather same sense of humor and very down to earth.

@horsefucker1866

2 жыл бұрын

He mentioned pleasure horses I own several of those

@bobbywalter5320

2 жыл бұрын

@@horsefucker1866 yeah.....I bet you do.

When I look at the world today in 2022, remembering how things things used to be and how we have little regard for the elderly, wisdom, true love, dignity and respect, I realize that we've lost something very precious and beautiful and it'll never return!

Johnny Carson was a master. He had class and a great sense of humor. Really a fine example of the generation.

My grandfather was a farmer in Illinois and lived to the age of 100. What history he witnessed! The Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk to the lunar landing.

@pablojose4890

2 жыл бұрын

My great grandmother was born in 1876 and died in 1973. She too lived through so many technological advances. From the automobile, airplane (she was 27 when the Wright Brothers first flew), WWI, Depression, WWII, jet powered aircraft, Korean War, man in space, Vietnam, and man landing on the moon (she thought that was Hollywood trickery, and who can blame her?).

@stevenm8959

2 жыл бұрын

The earth is flat and there is a dome over it. The dome is called the firmament in Genesis chap 1. Man did not go to space because it doesn’t exist. Above the dome is an ocean that’s why the sky is blue. The mason’s are responsible for the lie that space exists.

@Uriah625

2 жыл бұрын

@@pablojose4890 she lived, close enough in my opinion, during the most exciting 100 years.

@Uriah625

2 жыл бұрын

@@stevenm8959 don’t even start with your nonsense.

@josephclift3662

2 жыл бұрын

@@stevenm8959 I'm a Christian and I should forgive you, but seriously, get a grip, brother. It says in Scripture that God stretches out the heavens. Stars are referred to in the Bible. What on Earth - no pun - do you think the sun is? And it's millions of miles away ...

I imagine Mr. Heaton reminds many of us of some of the kindly, interesting and amusing older people we knew during our first 20-25 years on the planet. May God continue to bless us by having people like Mr. Heaton in our lives.

@moaningpheromones

2 жыл бұрын

can you type anything that hasn't got the spam in it?

@jamiecrawford8133

2 жыл бұрын

Yep a genuinely nice guy

@timothygeiger8271

2 жыл бұрын

According to the internet, he died about 1 year after making that appearance on Johnny Carson.

@alabarjhoni9742

2 жыл бұрын

what a bizarre comment. how many people meet people in their 90s? you imagined wrong buddy. are you talking about seniors? we are always meeting people .. your observation/comment is so fucking strange.

@timothygeiger8271

2 жыл бұрын

@@alabarjhoni9742 just why is it strange? Just because you don't get out much, doesn't mean others don't either. By the way, my dad is 95 years old.

It would be fantastic if people like this were brought into schools to talk to students about their experiences, their philosophy of what makes a successful life, about attitude, perseverance, respect, work ethic, etc. The only problem is in public schools, they would probably want to screen the senior citizen to make sure the talk fit their definition of the "correct" message.

@dianedempsey579

Жыл бұрын

I recommended that people such as Johnny had as guest : farmers. Ranchers. Soldiers. Authors etc. but unfortunately everything has to have sexual overtones. In my city we had a transsexual give presentation to 5-8 year olds at the public library (part of summer program).

~ This is one of the best guests…I’m so surprised I hadn’t seen this episode before. Lovely gentleman. 🌻

How nice that Johnny brought both the gentleman, and his “lady friend” out at the end. Class act!

@jamiecrawford8133

2 жыл бұрын

Johnny was the epitome of class. I remember a story in our local paper prolly 30-35 years ago when Johnny's kindergarten teacher turned 100 he flew back to Norfolk Nebraska to spend the day with her. Just a great guy.

Still the king of late show comedy and no one has come close!

This makes me proud. I love the honesty and pureness of this episode. Today's crap will never hold a light to this great show.

I love this guest he is a crack-up. 98 yrs & he can make Johnny Carson laugh and laugh and laugh some more.

@michealphilips18

2 ай бұрын

Give glory to Almighty God for answers your Amen in heaven greatly 🙏 Can I ask you a question 🎉

This was a better than great. I wish I realized at the time how fortunate i was to have Johnny and company for all those years. No one, and I mean no one comes close to Johnny Carson since he retired.

@jamiecrawford8133

2 жыл бұрын

We really were lucky to see him as long as we did. You truly don't know what you've got until it's gone. Today's late night TV sucks.

"I think they just put me together right." I love this man! They sure did!!

Those of us who were fortunate to know and interact with our great-grandparents were truly blessed.❤️

What a delightful guest. It was heartwarming to watch this. I miss people like him and I miss Johnny. The world got messed up since then.

Watching this makes you realize how quickly Life passes by. Johnny was on top of the World going through life when he recorded this episode, and now all 3 on set have passed on. Be Grateful in Spite of Your Suffering Because in a blink you'll be gone and may never know you were ever here in the first place, God Bless Everyone!

@rickkelley4618

2 жыл бұрын

Did you notice the other guest who was sitting on the couch next to Ed at the very end of the video?? Go back and look again. I won’t spoil it

@kevinmcdonald6477

2 жыл бұрын

@@rickkelley4618 It sure looks like Betty White. R.I.P. Betty. This interview with the farmer gentleman was a great time capsule of how great Johnny was as an interviewer and entertainer. Quite a contrast to realize how private he was off set and had a fairly small circle of close friends. Also for all the jokes he made over the years about THE NBC commissary, Johnny actually brown bagged his lunch everyday! He may have been cheaper than Jack Benny!

@lolledopke

2 жыл бұрын

He was in his 60s, and this was filmed almost 35 years ago...

@LeaMessenger

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. And here we are in 2022 already talking about the ending times and the departure or Harpazo with Christ.

@oldgranddad6471

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comments. If you get this message I've had a little break through reading your comments. ty

For all those who curse this digital age we are in(and with good reasons), I choose to be enormously greatful to have the opportunity to experience moments like these! I existed when carson was at his peak, but for too young to appreciate it at the time. Content like this is why, for all its faults, im glad to have yt.

@irmopirate

2 жыл бұрын

I completely agree!

@camez2345

2 жыл бұрын

Great point, and me, too. I was a kid-through-teen when my parents watched Johnny Carson, and I thought talk shows were boring. Even so, I could kind of tell that he was a good guy. When I watch these clips now, I'm just amazed at how likeable he is, and how split-second his instincts are to not let any guest feel bad or awkward (regardless of how much they may deserve it!). Just a really warm and disarming person, great with kids and great with adults. And, I might add, though ok, yes, looks aren't everything, Johnny Carson was absurdly attractive. It's probably in large part due to his personality, but watching these clips, a part of me always thinks at some point, "I bet he was really fun in bed." I don't know if that's a crude thing to say, but there it is.

Two fine gentlemen having a friendly chat. It's amazing and disappointing how much things have changed.

What a sweetheart this gentleman is. 🌞💕 God how I miss Johnny Carson. He is the one and only bar none. 💜