Johnny Carson, 1925-2005

Take a look back inside the life of one of America's most beloved television personalities. By Beth Lipton

EARLY DAYS

Before taking over for Jack Paar on Tonight in 1962, Carson had a go at his own TV show, Carson's Cellar. Eventually he would become the most popular personality on television. "More people look at Johnny than look at the moon," an NBC press agent once bragged.