Fifty years ago, today, Johnny Carson began his long run as host of NBC's The Tonight Show.That night with Ed McMahon announcing the guests were Joan Crawford, Tony Bennett, Rudy Vallee and Mel Brooks. They were among the biggest stars of the day!

Carson was The Tonight Show's third host, following Steve Allen and Jack Paar and he went on to be it's longest running host until he decided to retire May 22, 1992. He was succeeded by Jay Leno, following a behind-the-scenes battle for his job that also involved then-NBC Late Night host David Letterman. Letterman would eventually move on to CBS. And then there was the whole Leno/Conan fiasco!

Carson died in 2005, at the age of 79.

It was great show and he was such a classy host. Although he had a gazillion big stars on his show, I particularly loved the way he treated everyday folks (like the lady in this clip) with humour and respect. Like I said ... a class act!