There was a documentary about stand up comedians that had footage of Steven Wright in the green room before he was about to go on here. It was his first National tv appearance and he was nervously pacing watching the monitor when a producer told him he was up in 60 seconds, and Wright mumbled to himself “I’ve been working all my life for this moment but right now I’d give anything not to be here”.

@jamiev7165

Жыл бұрын

What was the documentary called?

@scotiacrumpler2824

Жыл бұрын

@@jamiev7165 I can't remember...I've been looking for the clip on KZread and can't find it :/

@kyledawes3236

Жыл бұрын

@@jamiev7165 I think it’s “when stand up stood out”.

@jamiev7165

Жыл бұрын

@@kyledawes3236 @kyle dawes I didn't hear him say much about appearing on national television, but I watched the documentary and it was really cool. Thank you for sharing. :)

@visionlandmusic

Жыл бұрын

I know that feeling very well!

"That's wonderfully inventive stuff." Carson said it with genuine love. He appreciated great comedy so much.

That "I thought was dreaming" line felt very sweet and genuine.

I love how Johnny noticed Steven's first time awkwardness and still got him through the interview-- True professional.

@kleverich

Жыл бұрын

I think he was staying in character.

@shelleyinthecity

Жыл бұрын

His awkwardness is all part of the act.

@fireballxl-5748

Жыл бұрын

Johnny Carson was a gentleman and especially kind to comedians, knowing the business himself how hard it is to do. Insightful of you to see it.

@johnstadler9643

Жыл бұрын

Johnny was always a consumate host

@brianlane9534

Жыл бұрын

You can tell Johnny liked him.

The king of dry humor. So many comedians come out like cheerleaders with crazy cocaine energy but Steven’s delivery really pulled you in. Even the silent pauses are hilarious

@bernadettegraywashington4143

Жыл бұрын

I AGREE .

@bernadettegraywashington4143

Жыл бұрын

I AGREE .

@gregkral4467

7 ай бұрын

nobody could pretend to be Steven Wright and pull it off as good as this guy.

Steven Wright was so funny that Johnny had him back with in a week. Which was really unheard of at the time.

@RetroDawn

Ай бұрын

Seems his next appearance was on 11/23/82, so it was rather soon, but about 3.5 mo's later. I watched that appearance right before this one and based on what Carson said something about it being his 2nd performance. I searched on this channel, and the only other appearance on here was in 83.

I love Steven's deadpan delivery.

People forget, Johnny was a king maker. This appearance made Steven Wright.

I love that you could see him trying to keep a straight face. This is the most emotion I have ever seen come out of him.

@ashleyriddell7591

2 жыл бұрын

Yep, the hare krishna pony joke almost broke him.

@asafish1650

Жыл бұрын

I saw him perform live back in the early 90s. There were several occasions when he looked like he was going to lose it.

@mark-catalinapullen431

Жыл бұрын

So true !!

@nickrich56

Жыл бұрын

I've never seen Steven break character in his later performances but this was close. Like he said to Johnny, he was in a dream 💖

@johnavernia1026

5 ай бұрын

you can watch his interview with Conan O'Brien in his podcast. He laughed and looked so happy there

One of my favorite Steven Wright jokes is this: "I once worked at a factory that made fire Hydrants. You couldn't park within a mile of that place."

@meganbaker9116

2 жыл бұрын

My favorite: “I found my diary from when I was a baby. Day One: Still tired from the move. Day Two: Everyone talks to me like I’m an idiot.”

@unclebob4386

2 жыл бұрын

Laughed so hard I couldn't see

@rodhorne3281

2 жыл бұрын

"I went to the store and bought some powdered water....didn't know what to add".

@PetroicaRodinogaster264

2 жыл бұрын

@Jim Morris….did he add…but the dogs in the area had a great time!

@footfeathers

2 жыл бұрын

"I was reading the dictionary. I thought it was a poem about everything."

"I get up and everything in my apartment has been stolen and replaced with an exact replica." Classic that'll never die.

@allenwalker1379

Жыл бұрын

That happened to me once. I only Rent unfurnished apartments now.

"It's a small world, but I'd hate to paint it." my favorite one liner ever!

@morningstar9233

Жыл бұрын

Occasionally i'll here people say that line in every day speech or if someone says, "It's a small world" another will reply "but i wouldn't wanna paint it". I'd always thought it was an old saying from long ago. Didn't know it was another of Steven Wright's gems.

"They say you don't know what you have until it's gone. So I sold everything to see what I had." - Steven Wright :)

@peppereater3028

3 жыл бұрын

"I bought some batteries, they weren't included so I had to go back and buy them again" Steve Wright

@KutWrite

3 жыл бұрын

"If we're not supposed to eat animals, why are they made of meat?" - Steven Wright

@tbrackett9344

3 жыл бұрын

@@KutWrite Hermits have no peer pressure. - Steven Wright

@leeawful

3 жыл бұрын

"The other day I found a diary from when I was a kid. I looked at the first entry. Day one. Still tired from the big move "

@galaxyii

3 жыл бұрын

hahahaha that's funny!!!

I remember when this man hit the scene. Nobody had ever seen standup done like this before and he was an instant hit.

@Armored_Fist

2 жыл бұрын

I remember when this guy came out. He sucked then and never got any better.....

@m.redleg252

2 жыл бұрын

@@Armored_Fist Yet here you are.

@madgepins1967

2 жыл бұрын

@@Armored_Fist Have one of the attendants at your rest home explain his jokes to you.

@moneymike5549

2 жыл бұрын

@@Armored_Fist Viking FISTER lol

@RetroRogue.

2 жыл бұрын

@@Armored_Fist Why are you in the comment section on a video of a comedian you apparently don't like? Go somewhere.

Steven Wright is a genius. Saw him back in '85 at a college in NJ, we laughed our asses off the whole way home that night. Never seen anyone that original before or since.

@TruthWiz

7 ай бұрын

I so agree. I saw him live in San Francisco three times. Each time I laughed so hard I had muscles aching all over my body from laughing so hard. Including my face. He delivers a bunch of long form material in his live acts that you don't see in most of his short form stuff that's recorded. He is one of the most brilliant comics ever.

Steven Wright is one of my favorites. If surrealism had a comedy act, this would be it.

@jbzdyk

2 жыл бұрын

he is the Salvador Dali of comedy

@TheVoxbox13

Жыл бұрын

👍Very astute. I just saw him on Conan's podcast and Steven said he actually studied painting, and feels like abstract & impressionistic painting was a big influence on him.

"I once worked in a factory that made fire hydrants. You couldn't park anywhere near the place".

Dude was / IS on a whole other level... genius!! “I broke a mirror at my house. I’m supposed to get 7 years bad luck, but my lawyer thinks he can get me 5.”

@henrythegreatamerican8136

3 жыл бұрын

Never heard of Steven Wright.....

@djm4457

3 жыл бұрын

@@henrythegreatamerican8136 You missed out. And he's still doing standup. See him live and you won't stop laughing. He's the anti Dangerfield.

@richardkimble1191

3 жыл бұрын

How does a guy come up with all his material? He is my all time favorite comedian. I was fortunate to get to see him at UIS several years ago.

@heavnnnsent

3 жыл бұрын

@@henrythegreatamerican8136 .... So now that you know who he is.... what do ya think of him?

@henrythegreatamerican8136

3 жыл бұрын

​ @heavnnnsent He's not my style of comic. I need the crazier more upbeat guys like Robin Williams or Dangerfield who are all over the place with their thoughts. Some of Wright's observations are great, but he feels way to scripted in his delivery.

"I was thirsty and bought some powdered water..... I didn't know what to add." 😂 That joke made me instantly love the dude.

@magdalenem4949

2 жыл бұрын

I love that one!! The other one is "I put spot remover on my dog and he disappeared"

@jasonligon5937

2 жыл бұрын

@@magdalenem4949 😆😆😆

One word - the first word he spoke to a national audience - got laughs and it wasn't even the word he said, it was the way he said it. He's always been my favorite comedian - genius level.

Johnny Carson...The Natural. No one yet has come close.

That low fist-pump at the end. Johnny was the greatest and pure class.

It’s a small world but I wouldn’t want to paint it. Greatest line ever

The way he says "thanks" at the start is just perfect.

Although there are too many too count, one of my favorites is, "No matter what room you're in, it's always room temperature."

@NeedsMoreRitalin

3 жыл бұрын

My favorite is when he said he knows what he wants on his tombstone "You're Next."

@FreeSpear

3 жыл бұрын

That one is so amazing. Mine is still his one word opener... "...thanks"

@thegoose858

3 жыл бұрын

My favorite Steven Wright joke sums up my own life quite well: "There's a time and a place for everything, but I must have lost the schedule."

@jjsuperstar900

3 жыл бұрын

"If i make instant coffee in a microwave oven, will i go back in time?"

@bobcaygeon6799

3 жыл бұрын

One of my fav is "Everything's in walking distance, when you have the time."

I brought a cancer patient to a drive in theater in my ambulance to watch Wrath of Khan. He passed away within a few days. Real nice kid. God Bless him.

"This morning I went out and bought a decaf coffee table.. You can't really tell the difference." Steven Wright.

A person can truly see and feel that Johnny really liked Steven. Two legends right there

"I went to a restaurant that serves breakfast at any time. I ordered French toast during the Renaissance."

@gmoney9961

3 жыл бұрын

My All Time Wrightism!

@nowthatsjustducky

3 жыл бұрын

I have had to resist the temptation to use that one out in the wild many many times over the years.

@kevindoyle3614

2 жыл бұрын

@@nowthatsjustducky I used that on a waiter at Dennys. Then he proceeded to ask me how I wanted my eggs ? Sunnyside down and don't turn them over. It rendered him dysfunctional for a few moments

I've told his " not in a row" joke for years. Hes a master.

I remember watching this with my uncle when it aired. My uncle, who was a great stand up in his day said, "This kid's got it." My uncle did alot of corporate gigs and auctioneering. He laughed hysterically at everything Steven said. Loved him. RIP, Uncle Bernie

@heavnnnsent

2 жыл бұрын

Awww. What is your uncle's name if you don't mind?

@whosyodaddy763

2 жыл бұрын

@@heavnnnsent Bernie, did you read the comment

@robapple78

2 жыл бұрын

@@whosyodaddy763 you’re a jerk, but you made me laugh so more jokes funny man 😂

@markmower6507

2 жыл бұрын

Steven Wright reminds me of George Carlin and Robin Williams All Unique and All Brilliant...

@GR_BackingTracks

2 жыл бұрын

Ah, the great Bernie Jones.

At 00:32 notice the sly half smile on his face...he knew RIGHT THEN that he had them. Awesome. Steven Wright forever!!

Carson telling you that your work is inventive - what a high.

Two Babies in a nursery side by side. Decades later they are side by side in a nursing home, one looks over at the other and says, " So What Did You Think?""

'The other day I bought an occasional table ... I don't know what it is the rest of the time' ... one of my favourite Steven Wright jokes. A stand-up genius !

@grendlsma

4 ай бұрын

I spilled spot remover on my dog....now he's gone.

@keithf_

4 ай бұрын

@@grendlsma Brilliant !

"I once knew a man with wooden legs and real feet". Unique humour.

He got the couch. As all greats did. RIP, Johnny.

@thebrazilianatlantis165

3 жыл бұрын

"It's a small world but I wouldn't want to paint it" is one of the all-time great lines.

@timmeyer9191

3 жыл бұрын

The guy on the couch. Half baked.

@rangelini

3 жыл бұрын

Notice Johnny's subtle air punch right at the end. Can't get higher praise than that.

@Edyth_Hedd

3 жыл бұрын

@@thebrazilianatlantis165 Absolutely agree. I quote it all the time.

@Joe_Brig

3 жыл бұрын

He was in shock on the couch.

Nothing like killing it on the Tonight Show and then having Johnny invite you over to the desk.

@garycitro1674

3 жыл бұрын

It meant that you would easily have bookings for years to come. That one successful appearance literally made a career.

@susanbartlett-ye6476

3 жыл бұрын

And on your first appearance! Even Steve Martin had many appearances before being invited to tje couch

@LMacNeill

3 жыл бұрын

Yep. Make Johnny laugh, get invited to the couch, you're made for life. So many famous comedians got their start that way!

@dingfeldersmurfalot4560

3 жыл бұрын

And give you an open invitation to come back!

@deanronson6331

2 жыл бұрын

@@susanbartlett-ye6476 I didn't realize Johnny was into guys.

He’s young here and more animated than usual. If you can believe it.

First time I saw him smile during a set. Guess it took some practice not to laugh or smile at his own jokes. He is HILARIOUS

Proof that Steven Wright plays in a different league: “I’m not afraid of heights. I’m afraid of widths.”

@samanthab1923

3 жыл бұрын

Always remember, wants to put a humidifier & a dehumidifier in a room & let them fight it out 🤣

@robertveith6383

3 жыл бұрын

George Carlin: "I'm not afraid of heights. I'm afraid of falling from heights."

@dingfeldersmurfalot4560

3 жыл бұрын

My favorite of his, to paraphrase: I've just written the Great American Novel. It's 800 pages long. It started out as a suicide note ...

@ihavefallenandicantreachmy2113

3 жыл бұрын

Don't pull my Finger. I'm afraid of "whiffs."

@sunyata999

3 жыл бұрын

My favourite: " I had a recurring dream...once "

Steven Wright is a genius.

@michaelt3308

3 жыл бұрын

Really? What makes him a genius?

@jerrybrownell3633

3 жыл бұрын

@@michaelt3308 - His comedy material. What is it that makes you think otherwise.

@michaelt3308

3 жыл бұрын

@@jerrybrownell3633 I disagree about his " genius " label but respect your decision

@andrewshankweiler4950

3 жыл бұрын

@@michaelt3308 write 1 one-liner and try to compete with his comedy genius. We'll wait ... Sincerely, The guy on the couch

@garycitro1674

3 жыл бұрын

@@michaelt3308 Worth noting that he has a certain "character" that he uses for his stand-up performance, but he has also done a lot of writing for other projects. He knows and does more than most people may think. EDIT: From Wikipedia: His accolades include the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film for starring, writing and producing the short film The Appointments of Dennis Jennings (1988)[3] and two Primetime Emmy Awards nominations as a producer of Louie (2010-15).[4] He is known for his supporting role as Leon in the Peabody Award-winning tragicomedy web series Horace and Pete.

What a great guy Johnny is to make people feel comfortable...so gracious! Thank you, Johnny!

@Brendan-Black

2 жыл бұрын

That was his job!

@alcalu

Жыл бұрын

As a kid, I'd overhear adults say what a class act Johnny was. As an adult (now), I get it. Indeed he was.

That little fist pump Johnny gave at the end reminds us all to pull for each other. Carson is the best.

“I have a collection of seashells - I keep them on beaches all over the world.”

@unbroken1010

3 жыл бұрын

That's my collection actually

@richardhelder9521

3 жыл бұрын

My fave Steven Wright observation!

@DaDitka

3 жыл бұрын

"I also collect rare paintings. One is of Harry Houdini locking his keys in his car... "Another one is of Norman Rockwell beating up a small child...?

@unbroken1010

3 жыл бұрын

@@DaDitka can I buy the Rockwell? He was a solid man

@kevindoyle3614

3 жыл бұрын

" You can observe a lot by watching." ------- Yogi Berra

What a barn-burner. And I love how Johnny is genuinely happy for him.

@redacted2275

3 жыл бұрын

Carson's approval was kind of a seal of quality for upcoming stand up comics. Their career would really take off after that.

@BolofromAvlis

3 жыл бұрын

I loved that about Johny. He was a huge fan of comics and seemed to genuinely want them to do well. Whenever I would see a comedian on his show, I'd always listen close because you could make out his distinctive cackle. You could hear him laughing in this, in fact.

@samanthab1923

3 жыл бұрын

Johnny like him because his set is smart. You have to think.

@ammaleslie509

3 жыл бұрын

I saw that appearance the night it aired. He was already a big deal in Boston and Cambridge and everyone was so happy for him.

@BobBlanchett

3 жыл бұрын

Very well spotted. Johnny was cheering for him. That clenched fist at the end was his excitement barely restrained

"I have the world's largest seashell collection. Perhaps you've seen it. I keep it scattered on beaches all over the world so everyone can enjoy it" Truly a unique comedian.......

I JUST SAW STEVEN WRIGHT FOR THE FIRST TIME . HILARIOUS !!!!

That little punch Carson did at the end - he knew he had something special

@johnmastandrea137

3 жыл бұрын

agree.that's what I got out of it.

Jerry Lewis feeding bits of cookies to a deadpan Steven Wright on "Mad About You" is one of greatest scenes of 90s TV.

He could open with that one word, "Thanks" and receive laughs.

Getting invited to sit and talk with Johnny has always been the moment when standup comics knew they had just been elevated to the next level, so to get invited to sit and talk with Johnny AND to have Johnny say he hopes he comes back on was the biggest endorsement someone like Steven Wright could ever hope for. His career as a headliner was solidified in those few minutes.

@ChefZee1964

4 ай бұрын

He was back the following week with an even funnier set.

“I put SPOT remover on my dog..................now he’s GONE.......” one of my all time punny funny’s from Steven Wright. My type of cerebral humor.

@williamwatson4354

3 жыл бұрын

My favorite has to be why do we drive on the parkway and park on the driveway?

@renaissanceman165

3 жыл бұрын

@@williamwatson4354 My favorite is..."Any Stones fans. (Audience applauds). Hard to believe they're still going strong after all these years...yeah, Fred and Barney". Check it Out! Ciao!!!

@stevemarshall3986

3 жыл бұрын

I bought powdered water....what do i add.

@leslauner5062

3 жыл бұрын

I put instant coffee in a microwave and almost went back in time....

@beandean23

3 жыл бұрын

I lost a button hole once

I take Steven Wright's comedy for granted now, but it was such a fresh style back then.

@plumlogan

3 жыл бұрын

Casa Blanca affect. When you discover it, it seems run of the mill, but you don't realize it launched all the tropes that make it seem unremarkable.

@williamallen319

3 жыл бұрын

I find nothing funny .. straight stupidity

@willmercury

3 жыл бұрын

@@williamallen319 Remarkable. That's precisely what I find in your comment. Shalom.

@garybooth4270

3 жыл бұрын

@@williamallen319....it's over your head.....

@rogerscottcathey

3 жыл бұрын

Funny isnt it, how comedy can make one laugh . . .

“I sprayed spot remover on my dog and he disappeared” was always one of my favorites. It’s a level of genius there to be so simple in concept, and dry in delivery but makes everyone think for a second to get it and then laugh twice as hard

@neiljohnson7914

Жыл бұрын

i bought batteries, but they weren't included, so I had to buy them again.

@rjl7655

Жыл бұрын

Agreed...

@jojomane7023

Жыл бұрын

"I dated a chick who was a bilingual illiterate, she couldn't read in two different languages."

@rjl7655

Жыл бұрын

my 2 s.w. favs are: i bought powered water but i didn't know what to add. i am going to write an unauthorized autobiography.

@rjl7655

Жыл бұрын

@@jojomane7023 1st time i heard that one. some of these remind me of Yogisms..

This is the most excited I've ever seen him.

@williamhorton9763

2 жыл бұрын

It was a big day for him.

One of my favorite Steven Wright quips: "What's another word for Thesaurus?"

@MrRaulstrnad

3 жыл бұрын

i bought a dehumidifier and a humidifier and let them fight it out

@denverwagner201

3 жыл бұрын

I used to work at the Fire Hydrant Factory. You couldn't park anywhere near the place! My Friend bought a house on a One Way, Dead End Street. He can't get out!

@aaronharlow2137

3 жыл бұрын

No matter what room you're in, it's always room temperature.

@keithcastleberry3993

3 жыл бұрын

One time...I lost a button hole

@xHICKORYx

3 жыл бұрын

The other day I... no, that wasn't me.

Johnny Carson is the goat of late night hands down

@KokoTheGorilla69

3 жыл бұрын

Fallon is #1

@Hof79905

3 жыл бұрын

@@KokoTheGorilla69 don’t tell Wayne Newton that.

@MisterTwister88

3 жыл бұрын

@@KokoTheGorilla69 Fallon couldn’t find his ass with both hands

@BolofromAvlis

3 жыл бұрын

@@KokoTheGorilla69 It's all subjective but Fallon seems like a hack to me. His humor is better suited to a kids' show.

@Matty0923

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed and I would say Letterman is # 2

i like the slow transition of the audience's laughter from nervous to genuine :)

Over the years Steven has refined his comedy to be even more deadpan and it worked even better. You can tell he was excited and nervous with this, his first Carson appearance. Incredible talent and a lot of work. One of my top 3 comedians, maybe number 1. I'd like to meet him one day and just shake his hand and say thanks (in the style Steven uses when he first begins his set).

@alexcampbell3032

Жыл бұрын

He would love that I'm sure. Just watched his recent appearance on the Rich Eisen show and he comes across as extremely gracious and modest. Hilarious too obviously!

@alexthecomic

3 ай бұрын

I actually came up to him after a show in 1996 or 1997 at Roy Thomson HAll in Toronto, right before I started doing stand up comedy. I asked him if he has any advice for me, as I was very nervous about my first show. He looked at me, and said (totally deadpan) "Yeah, go with your gut!" ... Best advice I ever got! :) And I did become a professional comedian...

One of my favorite lines of his is the one about socks. "I don't go by color, I go by thickness".

"Got called in for jury duty. It's a strange case: 10,000 ants dressed up as rice and robbed a Chinese restaurant... I don't think they did it." - SW. The man is a f__king genius. I've never seen this footage of his first time on the national stage. I love how the awe and the total disbelief that he's made it for real can't help but peek through that Steven Wright wall. I felt like I was actually living it in real time. Truly one of the best non sequitur storytellers in the American pantheon. If he'd been British, he might've been a Python. So glad the audience bought in for the ride when he invited them to do so. We're all better for it.

@robertburks2126

2 жыл бұрын

I did see it when it happened, I was like...14 ish, laughed my ass off cause.... well.... I understood it the way he was telling it! Miss those days, and all those "new comedians', who now are some of the greatest ever.

2021 and nobody can beat this guy.

When Johnny Carson calls you inventive in comedy it is an amazingly huge compliment. There was no one like Steven Wright back then.

Steven's greatest line was, something like, "I called everyone and no one was home, so I sat and watched cartoons and thought I was dreaming." You can tell that was such an honest statement of how grateful he was for the opportunity. There was a lot of greatness on stage that night. ✌️😎

@kenoneill8783

2 жыл бұрын

Didn't he just say that in the interview?

@kristopherbeer5422

2 жыл бұрын

Yes he did I heard it too!

@Moose803

2 жыл бұрын

@@kenoneill8783 hilarious, I heard he liked wearing long-sleeved white button up shirts.

@dulpurp

Жыл бұрын

And Johnny, who could have teased him, was genuine and warm with him

@rickykatt1634

Жыл бұрын

Not cartoons, CAHtoons!

Steven Wright was dope

@james1795

3 жыл бұрын

? Such a lame comment.

@thurgoodstubbs9670

3 жыл бұрын

@@james1795 Nani Dee was complimenting Steven. The term has kind of disappeared for somewhat obvious reasons but to be dope was to be on the level with the “in” crowd. Like fly or solid or the bomb. I could be wrong but I wanted to share my thoughts. An in-depth interview of a Steven would be awesome.

@porflepopnecker4376

3 жыл бұрын

@@james1795 What a flaky response!

@tmseh

3 жыл бұрын

He still is.

I'm so glad this clip is available on KZread because it confirms I actually saw this when it first aired. I remember Steven made such an impression on me that I couldn't stop talking about him the next day and repeated many of his jokes, which I can recall almost 40 years later. Absolutely mindblowing how original and brilliant he is. And Johnny immediately knew he had something special and his seal of approval made Steven a star. This was an amazing performance. I'm such a nerd that I counted the responses and in 5 minutes he got 29 laughs and 10 applause breaks. Not in a row ...

@Kat.Evangeline

2 жыл бұрын

I really loved watching Johnny Carson.

@lilybond6485

2 жыл бұрын

@plev: Same here. I’ll never forget the first time I saw this.

@Tom_H327

2 жыл бұрын

This guys comedy actually stuck with me to this day. I still quote this funny bastard.

@stevefolsom7604

2 жыл бұрын

Same. was with a group of bandmates after a gig. we were pretty beat and no one said a word . Then we all looked at each other like did that really happen. Never skip over a clip of his that is posted.

@joefunsmith

2 жыл бұрын

Not in a row. You're killin me!

I miss the 80s!❤ Johnny was a classy man too! Bravo

About 20 years ago I saw Steven Wright in a bar in New York. He was leaning against a juke box in a corner. Same hang-dog expression, not talking to anyone, in his own world. I thought, this guy is always on.

Got to say one thing about Johnny tried to help new acts, he didn't feel like they were competing with him. RIP Johnny Carson 🇺🇸🐱

@weirdshibainu

3 жыл бұрын

True. He was quite gracious to new comedians on their way up. A single appearance on Carson was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

@LaurieWilliams-lk8fc

3 жыл бұрын

The best never do, only the pretenders. Same in all things, including work.

@weirdshibainu

3 жыл бұрын

@@LaurieWilliams-lk8fc True

@lance31415

3 жыл бұрын

Johnny knew he shone brightest when the light was reflected off his guests. The King of Late Night.

@weirdshibainu

3 жыл бұрын

@@lance31415 Fantastic way to phrase it.

Steven is the best. I can't get enough of his endlessly inventive and brilliant humor. He is the absolute master of what he does.

@Matthew-Anthony

Жыл бұрын

What about Rodney Dangerfield, Dave Chapelle, and Ron White?

So many funny laughs from Steven Wright. One of my favorites was " why do they put an expiration date on sour cream? Does it go sour 😂

steven breaks character at 6:56 and makes a self-satisfied smirk- he was never expecting that his first appearance would go so well

@KutWrite

3 жыл бұрын

I saw that a few times. Later on, I don't think a bomb in the audience would faze him.

@samanthab1923

3 жыл бұрын

I caught that as well!

@leilanirocks

2 жыл бұрын

Like he suddenly woke up and realized he’s next to Johnny Carson on his couch, and not only did he survive the set, he killed.

@gigisasz4580

2 жыл бұрын

@@leilanirocks can you imagine being him right there.. what!!!??? 🤯😅

An absolute giant; you not only think but he puts you in a place where you feel the need to think differently.

@leom7

3 жыл бұрын

and you do

Steven Wright has a different kind of comedic genius. No vulgarity, just sheer wit and brilliance that really gets your brain to working. Things that make you wonder, "I never thought of that", and make you laugh at the same time. A couple of his- "If you shoot a mime should you use a silencer"? "Ever wonder why you drive on the Parkway and park in the driveway"? I mean who thinks like that?..lol. Brilliant comedy genius. Hands down like no other. 👍

"When they ship styrofoam, do they pack it in speakers?"

One of my favorite comedians of all time with my favorite talk show host of all time. What a great combo!

@unbroken1010

3 жыл бұрын

we watching him lately courtesy of Pluto. I think I was just watching a best of from the 17th anniversary. It's here on KZread. There's a very strange skit he did free basically hung himself. I'm trying to figure out how this got okayed and what was the story behind it

@heavnnnsent

3 жыл бұрын

Yes ...what a rush.

Love this guy! My brothers and I grew up with his material.. I met him in Vegas while I was working in the gym at the MGM Grand, in the mid-nineties. He gave me and my 2 brothers tickets to his show at the Sahara hotel that night. He knocked it out of the park. “ I was looking at my grandfather while he was lying in his casket, and I began thinking about the batteries in my flashlight at home. Then I thought, maybe he’s not dead, maybe he’s just in the wrong way” A comedy legend, and a real class act!

@pjgdba306

3 жыл бұрын

Great...

It was great that Johnny put him on. Very kind to a new talent. I could feel Johnny appreciating what it is like to start out.

Steven and I (and 3 other high school buddies) spent a summer on Martha's Vineyard in 1977, it was the most amazing time. He had us on the floor laughing the entire summer. I'm thrilled and not surprised, that he took advantage of his obvious talent. Got to see him backstage at SNL years ago, and went to the SNL after party. Sorry that I haven't had a chance to see him in years.

@basehead617

2 жыл бұрын

he seems like a great guy

@texasgina

2 жыл бұрын

Wow that’s awesome. I remember watching this exact show and I remember just laughing so hard.

@Fred-ql3gq

2 жыл бұрын

@@texasgina I taped the show and still have the VHS tape! BTW Steve was so poor that he lived on PB&J sandwiches for almost every meal that summer of '77.

@christopheredman4960

2 жыл бұрын

Now I see where why he seemed depressed.

@stevehorn646

2 жыл бұрын

Sure bud

Saw this when it first came out. Laughed my ass off. He introduced this humor.

@jeffreygranger6913

3 жыл бұрын

And it's clean! Rare in this day and age.

@tallman4040

3 жыл бұрын

Same here, and I still quote so many of his unique one-liners. Sometime later i bought his comedy album on LP. His mind is so different than anyone elses.

@code-52

3 жыл бұрын

To each his own. I don't find him funny at all.

@jeffreygranger6913

3 жыл бұрын

@@code-52 Who do you like?

@byronp2311

3 жыл бұрын

I also saw this when it first aired. My first thought was, where did Johnny get this drunk guy from? Took a bit for me to catch on.

Saw this _when 1st aired._ Never heard of him prior. Instant fan. Tried to tell my friends his jokes...I suck.

@mr.pitjoey2910

3 жыл бұрын

Tried his jokes? Maybe they sucked.

@darkovusir7724

3 жыл бұрын

I did as well. At first, I wasn't quite sure about his comedy, but after bit of time it sunk in . I got it. A week later he was back on the show,,,

@robschroeder5377

3 жыл бұрын

his timing is flawless

@michaelmoore7975

3 жыл бұрын

@@robschroeder5377 True. _Even if you know,_ and you _know_ it's coming, he hangs it out there...just a little..... and makes it 10 times funnier.

@foto21

3 жыл бұрын

In my age group, younger at the time, he was an instant star. Just such a unique but hip guy.

I love Stephen Wright. Seeing this and how confident he was, even while this was his first time on national tv, was supremely satisfying. I kept saying to myself, good for you man. One of my favorite jokes of Stephen's is "The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese." Brillant. Lol

I LOL'd at "Thanks". Best opener ever!

“About four years ago I - - no wait, that was yesterday.”

A fist pump from Johnny?!? Man couldn’t have done no better!

@sp1068

2 жыл бұрын

Didn't notice that at first. So cool!

Imagine how good it must have felt to go on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson where a successful gig could make you a star and this guy ROCKED IT his first time and had the audience eating out of his hand. What a great feeling that must have been for a truly unique, funny and talented comic. Very cool!

@jonbongjovi1869

Жыл бұрын

NOW ask yourself why COLBERT refuses to help UNKNOWN comics on HIS show!

@TomDavidMcCauley

Жыл бұрын

@@jonbongjovi1869 Because late-night TV hosts struggle to attract viewers nowadays, since viewers have so many options. Late-night shows can’t afford to risk unproven comedians anymore. Back when Johnny was the only thing on, the audience was built-in, so shows could take more risks

@jonbongjovi1869

Жыл бұрын

@@TomDavidMcCauley I must disagree. No one watches Colbert or Kimmel or Fallon for the GUEST! (Maybe in shorter clips later on YT.) And Colbert has the same 20 guests on over and over and NOT EVEN FAMOUS COMICS get to do sets on his show. (Maybe he doesn't want the competition?) ALL of COlbert's guests are ADVERTISEMENTS for Big Corporations. (Movies, books, etc.) STAND-UP COMICS who are unknown, don't have the MONEY to buy a slot! It's rigged top to bottom today, for GREED.

@kelvancro

Жыл бұрын

Down and talk with Johnny that doesn't happen every time

@Teelirious

Жыл бұрын

@@jonbongjovi1869 Maybe lay off the bong, jon jovi, your crazy right wing conspiracy underwear is showing.

Every sentence a joke. Love it. Hate comedians who talk for 10 minutes for one weak punchline. One of the greatest comedians ever.

@bryanmannoia8410

Жыл бұрын

and no politics. the good old days indeed.

@TrackpadProductions

Жыл бұрын

Pretty sure you just described Norm Macdonald 🤔

@jamiew1664

11 ай бұрын

@@TrackpadProductions lol

@heatherperleberg7816

11 ай бұрын

​@@TrackpadProductions He sure did. "One of the greatest comedians ever" is an apt description of Norm.

@Jacob-sl6ur

11 ай бұрын

​@@bryanmannoia8410I love the good old days when politics weren't a thing and everybody just agreed on everything because if you didn't you got beat up like you came from another country or something. These days people think they can say what they want and get away with it. We need to go back!

I saw him the following May at Ohio State. Howie Mandel was the headliner but I think most of us were there to see Steven Wright.

"I called everyone I know, and my family"... classic Steven Wright

Boy, getting the couch the first time, and that little ovation he got after he sat down---that is about as good as it gets. He was a little too overwhelmed to really engage with Johnny, but no worries, "I hope this won't be the last time you'll be here." He must have been fist pumping like crazy (whenever he got to his fist pumping place). What a BOSS!!

My favorite comedian ever!

One of my favorite Steven Wright sayings... You know when you're sitting on a bar stool and you rock back on the back legs... To the point you feel like you're almost going to fall back... I feel like that all the time! Steven had some great stuff!!

@EvilSean62

2 жыл бұрын

i love comedy like that !! ... my brother in law was in edinburgh at the festival and saw emo phillips walking with a trombone case , he stopped him and said " im a big fan ... i never knew you played trombone too !!" .. emo saind .. " i dont" and walked away ... how long had he been walking around waiting for someone to ask !!? ... stephen wright makes me feel like that all the time

With all due respect to Carnac, Aunt Blabby, his Reagan imitation, his recoveries from jokes that went awry, the best thing about Johnny was that he gave chances/took chances on young and/or struggling comics to help them out. Great clip indeed!

@highvoltage6016

3 жыл бұрын

Art Fern was great also.

@kennybluet5527

3 жыл бұрын

@@highvoltage6016 the guy with the checkered hat and ear flaps.

@highvoltage6016

3 жыл бұрын

@@kennybluet5527 That would be Floyd R. Turbo.

@kennybluet5527

3 жыл бұрын

@@highvoltage6016 yeah couldn't think of his name. Always thought that may have been influenced a bit by Jonathan Winters.

@highvoltage6016

3 жыл бұрын

@@kennybluet5527 Yes, I can definitely see that.

I wish I knew what it was like to grow up from the 50's on. These decades were so much better than now.

Absolutely NAILED it!!!

8:08 Johhny loves him. Look at the smile and fist pump!

Watching Steve here you have to remember that the size of the crowd in the STUDIO AUDIENCE was ten times bigger than he had ever worked with never mind the many many millions of TV viewers. He delivers a few of his pure and classic originals here but certainly went on to perfect his craft over many years.

Johnny really knew how to pick winners. Steven is amazing !!!

Gets a laugh just by saying "Thanks"

@poida66

2 жыл бұрын

That’s because, 40 years ago and also today, American crowds hoot and holler at every single word which is said on stage