John William Carson (October 23, 1925 – January 23, 2005) was an American television host, comedian, and writer. He was best known as the host of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, the third installment of The Tonight Show, which aired on NBC from 1962 to 1992. Born in Corning, Iowa, Carson was raised in Norfolk, Nebraska, graduating from Norfolk High School. During World War II, Carson served in the United States Navy.