Local comics mourn late-night talk show legend Johnny Carson

Johnny Carson, the comedian known for paving the way for stand-up comics such as Garry Shandling and Jerry Seinfield, died Sunday morning at 79. His death was a result of emphysema, a respiratory disease that can be attributed to smoking. \n To many of his local fans, Carson's death comes as a shock as they let go of someone who greatly inspired them. \n"It's a really devastating loss," said Jeff Clawson, a stand-up comic at Indianapolis Comedy Sportz and former member of IU's Boy in The Bubble comedy group. "He did for stand-up what Ed Sullivan did for The Beatles. He gave stand-up comedians a platform to be seen and get noticed; a lot of comedians owe their careers to Johnny." \nCarson was known for being generous to young up-and-coming comedians and giving them a chance to showcase their talents on his show. \n"All the old comedians talk about going on his show and it being a high time in their career," Clawson said. "I was watching a documentary about Jerry Seinfield and he talks about appearing on the show and how much of a big deal it was." \nCarson made his debut as the "Tonight Show" host in October of 1962. He spent 30 years playing host to the "Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and became known for his ability to improvise and adapt to all of the surprises on the show. The show included everyone from animal trainers to comedic successes such as Bill Cosby and Joan Rivers. \n"He was really good at 'off the cuff,' or 'ad libbing.' It's a skill to be honed and admired," Clawson said. \nOther area comedians like Jeff Bodart, a stand-up comedian at Crackers Comedy Club in Broad Ripple said his ability to improvise was unsurpassed. \n"Anything could happen on his show and he could handle it," said Bodart. "He was one of the most skilled (people) at interviewing anybody. I don't think there will be anyone like him. To me, the comic world has suffered a great loss." \nThough Carson was skilled at his jokes and interviews, Matt Holt, another stand-up comedian at Crackers said he had a signature trademark. \n"It was 'The Look.' It wasn't about the joke, it was about 'The Look,'" Holt said. "'The Look' was harder than any punchline. A lot of comedians add that to their stand-up. It's a skill." \nAlong with "The Look," Carson was also known for being a classy stand-up comic. Holt, who looks to Carson as his idol and mainstay growing up, said he liked watching Carson's monologues and that his comedy taught him invaluable lessons. \n"He was willing to let someone else be funny," Holt said. "The inspiration he gave me is the way I conduct myself in business. He taught me it was about more than comedy, but it was about integrity, class and humility. It was about the way he carried himself." \nCarson also helped open doors and inspire comedians from the Midwest. A native of Nebraska, Carson's fame inspired local and regional talent to try and take their place in the spotlight. \n"He was absolutely an inspiration, especially for comics from the Midwest," Holt said. "He was from Nebraska. It gave comics the idea that they could try and make it." \nMany of the younger comedians on IU's campus were too young to remember Carson in his "hey day," but they do understand the contributions he made to the stand-up comedy community. \n"He obviously broke the barriers for what we see today. Conan O'Brien and Jay Leno would not be here and have the type of show they have with all the crazy stuff (without him)," said Joseph Rogan, a member of the Boy in The Bubble comedy group. "He paved the way. There wouldn't be late night talk shows if it wasn't for him."\n-- Contact Asst. Arts Editor Patrice Worthy at pworthy@indiana.edu.