Last Chance to See Carson Has ‘Em Waiting Overnight

For hundreds of “Johnny-Come-Lastlys” waiting in front of NBC Studios on Thursday to get a final live glimpse of Johnny Carson hosting “The Tonight Show,” there would be no tomorrow.

About 500 fans--some from as far away as Missouri--made the pilgrimage to Burbank and slept overnight on the sidewalk to assure their place in television history.

They wanted to be in the studio audience that would see Carson host the last “Tonight Show” open to the public. Carson is retiring from the legendary talk show after 30 years, and his final show--to be taped and broadcast tonight--is an invitation-only affair.

Although crowds have been gathering in front of the studio for weeks to get a last in-person look at Carson, Thursday’s taping was the final opportunity for fans to give Johnny one more standing ovation, one more “Hey-Yo,” one more cheer as he performs his imaginary golf swing to kick off the show.

But the mood on Alameda Avenue outside the studio was not one of sadness, even though it was certain that many would not fit into the 465-seat studio.

The upbeat, casually dressed crowd traded Carson quips, showed off magazines and record albums featuring Carson and cheered when television crews asked them to show their appreciation for the late-night host.

“I had to be here, I just had to be here for the last show,” said Marilyn Haegele, 29, a farmer from St. Louis who had come straight to Burbank from the airport the previous day to get into line for Thursday’s show. She held ticket No. 83 as tightly as she could, along with a record album of “Tonight Show” highlights she hoped Carson would autograph.

Haegele said four generations of her family had enjoyed Carson, “and I just felt I had to be here for the final show. It’s real history.”

True to the spirit of the “Tonight Show,” some members of the crowd came with something to plug. A truck parked across the street had a large marquee bidding Carson farewell, while its occupants handed out flyers advertising a mobile marquee service.

James McLain, an aspiring actor, brought a 1,300-foot roll of paper that he unrolled as a banner for people to sign, thereby attracting attention to himself. “I see an opportunity to cash in on the publicity,” he said.

And how did the host of honor respond to the hoopla outside the studio.

There was no indication he even saw it. Shortly before 3 p.m., 2 1/2 hours before the taping, Carson maneuvered his white Corvette into the Bob Hope Drive parking lot around the corner from the big crowd.

He smiled and waved at a few photographers before driving to his parking space. It appeared as if it was just another day at the office for him.

RELATED STORY: F1