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20 Late Night Show Guests Who Made It Hard To Look Away

20 Late Night Show Guests Who Made It Hard To Look Away Today, we're peeling back the curtain on 20 guests who delivered some of the most entertaining, controversial, and downright unforgettable TV appearances in history. From jaw-dropping confessions to scandalous stunts, these celebrities made it hard to look away. Some pushed the boundaries of what was appropriate for the time, leaving viewers questioning, "Did that really just happen?" Let’s go!

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would you like me to do a dance for you hi [Applause] Paul oh my god [Applause] [Music] [Applause] oh today we're peeling back the curtain on 20 guests who delivered some of the most entertaining controversial and downright Unforgettable TV appearances in history from jaw-dropping confessions to scandalous stunts these celebrities made it hard to look away some pushed the boundaries of what was appropriate for the time leaving viewers questioning did that really just happen let's go number one D
onna Summer Donna Summer's appearance on the tonight's show with Johnny Carson in 1978 was a true moment in late night television history as as the queen of disco she brought her electrifying stage presence and undeniable talent to Carson stage captivating audiences worldwide but Donna used her time on Carson's show to not only showcase her musical talents but also to challenge outdated stereotypes and sexism in her interview segment with Carson Donna Summer proved she was more than just a music
sensation she was a force to be reckoned with when Carson made a comment about women not being able to fix cars or do mechanical tasks summer didn't hesitate to set the record straight with confidence and wit she stated I'm on the mechanics you can go in and fix anything girls you know they always put women down saying that women are mechanically uh you know ine and so forth somebody said that you uh you dig all that oh I got it together yeah I'm on the mechanics you can go in and uh fix anythi
ng yeah that's super girls her message was clear women could do anything men could do and they deserved recognition and appreciation for their skills and talents but Donna's appearance on The Tonight Show wasn't just about challenging stereotypes it was also a testament to her musical proess with her electrifying performance of I love you she captivated the audience and solidified her status as a musical icon her voice her presence her sheer Talent it was all on full display that night leaving a
n unforgettable impression on everyone who watched what other moments do you think made Donna Summer such an unforgettable icon of the music industry let us know in the comments number two Doris Day ah let's delve into the captivating world of late night television where the legendary Doris Day graced the set of The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson creating an evening that still shimmers in the annals of television history can you believe it's been nearly 50 years since that Unforgettable night d
espite her earlier appearances this was the first time Carson had the pleasure of interviewing the effervescent Doris whom he unabashedly hailed as the Best Entertainer in the world of their era and let's be honest he wasn't far off the mark their close Bond was clear from the start as they shared a playful conversation about their neck collars and Doris's refreshingly simple mantra for staying all right do what you want to do John simple yet profound advice as the conversation unfolded Doris sh
ared stories about her friendships with fellow celebrities like mlan Stevenson complete with quirky nicknames and hilarious anecdotes she even revealed her Unexpected Love for bike riding and cream cheese proving that behind the Glamorous facade was a down-to-earth personality but perhaps what endeared Doris Day to audiences the most was her genuine affection for her fans she recounted a heartwarming tale of inviting fans from the Midwest into her home for a swim referring to them as special peo
ple her warmth and generosity knew no bounds of course Doris Day's love for Animals especially dogs was legendary she spoke fondly of her furry companions describing them as her stress Busters and faithful Companions and when it came time to Showcase her real passion singing Doris Day didn't disappoint despite claiming to be rusty she treated the audience to a beautiful performance reminiscing about her days with les Brown's band and even sharing a playful reference to her marriage to a saxophon
ist from Carson's band it's most moments like these that remind us why she remains an unforgettable icon of Hollywood's Golden Age number three Whitney Houston Whitney Houston's debut on The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson in 1985 was nothing short of spectacular at just 21 years old she took the stage with the confidence and Poise of a seasoned performer delivering a mesmerizing rendition of You Give Good Love It was a moment that would go down in late night history marking the beginning of
Houston's journey to becoming one of the greatest voices of her generation with her Soulful vocals and magnetic stage presence Houston captivated the audience from the moment she stepped into the spotlight her performance displayed her incredible talent and undeniable star power earning her a standing ovation from Carson himself and leaving viewers in awe of her abilities as a singer Houston's debut album released the same year as her appearance on Carson's show would go on to become one of the
best selling albums of all time with over 25 million copies sold worldwide her influence on future generations of artists is immeasurable with countless singers citing her as a major inspiration tragically Houston's life was cut short when she passed away in 2012 at the young age of 48 her death was a shock to the world and served as a sobering reminder of the dangers of addiction nevertheless Whitney Houston's Legacy as one of the greatest voices in music history lives on number four Cassandra
Peterson Cassandra Peterson better known as the bewitching Elvira Mistress of the dark graced the tonight's show starring Johnny Carson stage on multiple occasions but it was her electrifying debut in 1981 that solidified her status as a pop culture icon with her signature black wig plunging gown and wicked sense of humor Peterson captivated audiences and became an overnight sensation but Peterson's journey to superstardom was anything but conventional at the tender age of three she survived a
horrific accident that left her with severe burns covering 35% of her body despite this early adversity Peterson emerged resilient and Det determined to carve out a name for herself and show business Patterson's groundbreaking portrayal of the vampy Vixen on movia maab a weekly horror movie Showcase catapulted her to National Fame with her quick wit Dow blin tendis and E pooing a tear she became an instant sensation captivating the hearts and minds of teenagers everywhere her appearances on The
Tonight Show only serve to solidify her status as a cultural Phenomenon with Carson as her host Peterson dazzled audiences with her infectious charm and irreverent humor proving that elvir was more than just a character she was a force to be reckoned with number five Dion Warwick Dion Warwick hailed as one of the most successful singers of all time brought her legendary talent to The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson with Grace charm and of course Unforgettable performances with over 30 years
in the music industry and a remarkable 69 songs in the Billboard top 100 War's appearances on Carson's show were nothing short of iconic when War graced Carson's stage audiences were treated to a true superstar in action whether she was belting out one of her chart topping hits or engaging in playful banter with Carson War always knew how to entertain and Delight audiences her performances were not just musical spectacles they were moments of pure magic that left a lasting impression on all who
watched but perhaps what truly set Warwick apart was her willingness to take risks and try new things like her surprise stint on The Dean Martin Show where she showcased her acting chops instead of singing Warwick was never afraid to step out of her comfort zone and challenge herself as an artist and it was this fearlessness that endeared her to fans and solidified her status as a true icon in the music industry number six Drew Barrymore Drew Barrymore a name synonymous with Hollywood royalty ma
de a splash on late night television with a memorable appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman in April 1995 known for her roles in Timeless Classics like ET the Extraterrestrial Charlie's Angels and 51st dates Barry Moore's talent and Charisma have solidified her status as a beloved actress and cultural icon during her interview with David Letterman Barry Moore created a moment that would go down in late night television history in a bold and spontaneous move she climbed onto Letterman'
s desk and flashed him shocking both the audience and the host himself this unexpected move shocked both the host and viewers around the world but what led Barrymore to such a daring act what many fans may not know is that this Infamous incident was inspired by a character Barry Moore had created earlier that evening at the Blue Angel Club in New York going by the name Lolita Barry Moore had performed a risque comedy act with a friend never imagining that her ANS would find their way onto Letter
man's show later in her Memoir Wildflower Barrymore revealed that the decision to flash Letterman was spontaneous and unplanned fueled by a sense of Liberation and a desire to let go of everything appropriate but reflecting on the incident later Barrymore realized that it marked the end of an era for her prompting her to clean up her image and pursue projects that aligned more closely with her evolving values and aspirations number seven Madonna Madonna the the Undisputed Queen of Pop lit up the
stage of The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson on June 9th 1987 in a way that only she could dressed provocatively in lingerie that left little to the imagination Madonna captivated the audience from the moment she walked in Carson ever the smooth host couldn't help but comment on her bold choice of attire setting the tone for an electrifying interview as the conversation unfolded it became clear that Madonna was not there to play by the rules flirting shamelessly with Carson she displayed a leve
l of confidence that made her impossible to ignore at one point Carson expressed his surprise that Madonna had never appeared on a talk show before considering her massive success in the music industry in response Madonna stated I wanted to present myself as a virgin on television and if anyone deserved that privilege it was Johnny Carson well I just I don't know I never thought about doing one but I figured if I was going to present myself as a virgin to anyone it should be you the host was lef
t speechless for a moment and that's not something you see every day but what was Madonna's game plan was it simply a ploy to grab attention or was there a deeper strategy at play some speculated that her flirtatious Antics were a calculated move to generate Buzz for her upcoming worldwide tour to promote her who's that girl album after all controversy has always been Madonna's calling card and what better way to drum up excitement than with a scandalous appearance on National Television as one
of the most influential artists of all time Madonna has always pushed the boundaries of artistic expression and challenged societal Norms as the Queen of Pop Madonna always kept you guessing and that's what made her truly Unforgettable number eight Angelina Jolie Angelina Jolie's appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman in 2004 was a moment that left viewers talking long after the camera stopped rolling known for her Talent on screen and her humanitarian efforts offscreen Jolie brought h
er signature blend of Grace and Charisma to the interview but it wasn't without its awkward moments as Jolie sat down with Letterman to discuss her role in the movie Alexander and her personal life the conversation took some unexpected turns Letterman known for his offbeat humor kicked things off by asking Jolie if she cooks or bakes to which she responded with a hint of sarcasm no I'm not a good woman Dave you don't bake I don't bake you cook at all I'm not I'm not a good woman Dave well it was
a playful jab that set the tone for the rest of the interview things got even more awkward when Letterman commented on Jolie's fragrance telling her she smelled great then he began to delve into Jolie's personal life asking about her marriage to Johnny Lee Miller Jolie shared that she was in the process of getting a divorce leading Letterman to offer some unsolicited advice based on his own failed marriage the exchange was awkward at best and intrusive at worst but perhaps the most memorable mo
ment came when the topic of Jolie's tattoos arose when asked about them Jolie jokingly remarked that she wasn't going to climb on Letterman's desk to show them off in hindsight the interview has garnered criticism for Letterman's inappropriate line of questioning and Jolie's discomfort fans have praised Jolie for handling the situation with Grace and wit despite the awkwardness of the encounter so was Jolie sending a message during the interview with her subtle Jabs and restricted demor it's har
d to say for sure but one thing's for certain she never returned to the Late Show with David Letterman again number nine Raquel Welch Raquel Welch the epitome of Timeless Beauty left an unforgettable mark on late night talk shows when she appeared on the Dick cette show in June 1970 dressed in a stunning blue gown that accentuated her figure Welch's radiant smile and bronzed complexion commanded attention from the moment she stepped onto the set cavette known for his candid approach pointed out
the unfair stereotype that often accompanies sex symbols that attractive women are often lacking in intellect Welch remained unbothered claiming that she had nothing to prove in that regard as she stated it's very nice of you to say so but I don't care about proving anything one way or the other you're a nice sized lady and all that but you you know not EX what I expected and I said I know I always seem to disappoint people if I walk in in the door Beyond her undeniable physical Allure Welch's a
ppearance on the Dick Cavit show showcased her depth as an individual challenging stereotypes and exuding confidence in her craft her ability to navigate discussions about controversial topics with Grace and poisa solidified her status as not just a sex symbol but one of the most versatile and talented actresses in Hollywood number 10 Elvis Presley Elvis Presley's appearance on The Tonight Show with Steve Allen in 1956 was a groundbreaking moment in television history fresh off his skyrocketing
success in the music industry Elvis was invited to perform on Allen's show marking his first ever appearance on National Television but there was a catch Steve Allen known for his quirky humor decided to have some fun with the performance Elvis was asked to sing while wearing a tuxedo and serenade a basset hound with a top hat and bow tie it was a bizarre yet memorable moment in television history despite the unconventional setup Elvis's Charisma and talent Shone through he exuded his trademark
confidence swaying his hips and belting out the song with gusto the audience went wild and Elvis's performance became an instant sensation when I said he was high this appearance marked a significant milestone in Elvis's career catapulting him to even greater Fame and cementing his status as the king of rock and roll it also showcased his versatility as an Entertainer proving that he could handle any situation with style and grace number 11 Farah faucet Farah faucet's appearance on The Tonight S
how with Johnny Carson in 1997 was a memorable moment in late night television history known for her iconic role in Charlie's Angels and her Timeless Beauty Farah brought her unique charm and wit to the show she shared stories about her career personal life and experiences in Hollywood Farah Charmed the audience with her downto Earth demeanor and infectious laughter showcasing a side of herself that fans hadn't seen before one particularly memorable moment from the interview was when Johnny Cars
on asked her about her famous hairstyle known as the Farah flip Farah revealed that she initially resisted the hairstyle thinking it was too bouncy for her taste however after some convincing from her hair stylist she decided to give it a try and the rest is history Farah also spoke candidly about her struggles and triumphs in Hollywood offering in ight into the challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry her honesty and authenticity resonated with viewers making her appearance on Th
e Tonight Show a standout moment despite her untimely passing in 2009 Farah's Legacy continues to live on through her iconic roles and contributions to the world of entertainment number 12 Adrienne barau Adrienne barau appearance on the tonight's show with Johnny Carson in December 1974 was filled with holiday cheer and some unexpected surprises at just 27 years old barau captivated the audience with her charm and wit during the interview barau delighted Carson and the audience with tales of the
unusual gifts she had received from her lovers over the years from car repair items to a set of encyclopedias to a fire extinguisher barau gifts were certainly unique and memorable however Carson couldn't resist delving into more personal territory particularly regarding Barb's romantic life barau on the other hand skillfully navigated the conversation maintaining her privacy with Grace and humor Beyond her personal life Barb's Talent as an actress Shone through during the interview demonstrati
ng why she was a rising star in Hollywood known for her role RS in iconic TV shows like Ma and the love boat as well as her performances in horror films like the fog and Swamp Thing she had already established herself as a versatile and accomplished actress by the time she graced Carson's stage whether portraying strong willed characters or embracing the challenges of different genres Barb's Talent continues to inspire generations of actors and viewers alike number 13 Judy Garland Judy Garland a
Timeless icon of the Silver Screen graced The Tonight Show with Jack par in 1962 in her candid interview Garland's Magnetic Personality Shone through as she Charmed viewers with stories from her early years in Hollywood with humor and charm she recounted her childhood in Showbiz reminiscing about sharing a classroom with stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Mickey Rooney Garland's natural Talent was evident as she discussed her defining role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz revealing both the challeng
es she faced and the joy she found in the experience despite the difficulties Garland's love for the iconic film was evident endearing her to audiences all over again throughout the interview Garland's warmth and Carisma captivated both par and the audience effortlessly weaving her way into the hearts of viewers despite the struggles and setbacks she encountered along the way Garland remained a beacon of strength and inspiration embodying the enduring Spirit of a True Hollywood Legend Number 14
zesa zesa Gabor zesa zasa Gabor the epitome of Glamour and sophistication graced The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1966 in a stroke of unexpected Brilliance her appearance coincided with the promotion of the family game twister by Milton Bradley despite the game's initial lukewarm reception everything changed when Gabor and Carson dedicated the entire episode to playing twister the Charisma and humor they brought to the game sparked a sensation leading to over 3 million units sold in just a
few months after the interview gabor's magnetic presence and Carson's wit turned twister from a potenti flop into a cultural phenomenon their playful banter and infectious laughter captured the audience's imagination breathing new life into the game and securing its place in pop culture history Beyond her contribution to Twister's success Gore's appearance on The Tonight Show highlighted her enduring charm and ability to Captivate audiences with her Larger than Life personality known for her ro
les in mulam Rouge and Touch of Evil Gabor was already a Hollywood icon before her talk show appearance and as the curtains closed on her segment Gabor left an unforgettable impression proving once again that her star power knew no bounds number 15 sunny and Sher sunny and Sher lit up the stage when they appeared on the Merv Griffin show in the 1970s their dynamic duo brought a blend of music comedy and unmistakable chemistry to late night television before skyrocketing to fame as a singing sens
ation Sunny Bono worked odd jobs in Los Angeles including delivering meat while Sher born cherin sarkeesian started her career as a backup singer their appearance on the Merv Griffin show in 1965 marked the beginning of their rise to fame as a Duo the couple's banter was as entertaining as their performances with shar's dry wit perfectly complimenting Sunny's friendly charm the duo also performed their hit single I Got You Babe which had just been released and was quickly climbing the charts the
ir performance captivated viewers and solidified their status as one of the most iconic Duos in music history additionally they discussed their journey in the music industry sharing anecdotes about their early struggles and triumphs offstage their personal lives were equally intriguing sunny and shar's marriage and subsequent divorce in 1975 captivated The public's attention marking the end of both their personal and professional partnership despite their breakup their legacy endured leaving an
indelible mark on the entertainment industry Sher went on to achieve solo success as a Grammy winning artist and Academy award-winning actress while Sunny pursued a career in politics eventually serving as mayor of Palm Springs California but their appearance on the MV Griffin Show remains a nostalgic reminder of their Heyday as one of the most beloved musical Duos in history number 16 Anne Margaret Anne Margaret appeared on The Tonight Show stage with Johnny Carson in 1972 to challenge the labe
ls that had been placed on her despite early struggles with being typ cast as a be movie actress and Margaret used her appearance on the show as a platform to assert her credibility as a serious performer with five Golden Globe Awards and numerous nominations for prestigious Awards like the Academy Awards and Emy she reminded the audience and Johnny of her immense talent and versatility during the interview Anne Margaret also delved into her role in carnal knowledge where she starred alongside J
ack Nicholson showcasing her ability to tackle complex and challenging roles despite the serious undertones of the conversation and Margaret's charm and Charisma Shone through captivating both Johnny and the audience born in Sweden and raised in the United States and Margaret Rose to Fame in the 1960s as a singer actress and dancer from her breakout role in bye-bye birdie to her later roles in films like Tommy and Grumpy Old Men she continued to impress audiences with her talent and versatility
despite facing setbacks and challenges including a near fatal accident in 1972 she persevered and continued to thrive in the entertainment industry number 17 Joan Crawford Joan Crawford a Hollywood legend of the 1960s graced the set of the Merv Griffin Show leaving an indelible mark on late night television with her striking Beauty and and commanding presence Crawford captivated audiences but behind the glamour lay a complex personal life that often fueled speculation and rumors during her appea
rance on the Merv Griffin Show Crawford opened up about her illustrious career and offered glimpses into her private World while adored by fans her relationships with castmates were sometimes tumultuous a fact that would later come to light with the release of the tell all book Mommy Dearest by her daughter Christina the book painted a darker picture of Crawford revealing aspects of her life that shocked many and prompted a reassessment of the star despite the controversies surrounding her perso
nal life Crawford remained a captivating presence on talk shows thanks in part to her undeniable Charisma and Magnetic Personality her ability to command attention and engage audiences made her appearances Unforgettable leaving viewers eager for more number 18 Dolly Parton Dolly Parton the award-winning country singer graced the stage of the Johnny Carson show numerous times showcasing her remarkable talent and charm in these appearances Carson would frequently push boundaries and focus on Parto
n's physical appearance rather than her achievements however Parton maintained her grace and professionalism never allowing his comments to detract from her talent beyond her appearances on the Johnny Carson show Dolly Parton's life and career are a testament to her enduring Legacy in the music industry rising from humble beginnings in rural Tennessee she became one of the most iconic and influential figures in country music history Parton's unmistakable voice and heartfelt songwriting have earn
ed her countless accolades including multiple Grammy Awards and induction into into the Country Music Hall of Fame throughout her career Parton has not only achieved success as a singer songwriter but has also made her Mark in film and television from her breakout role in 9 to5 to her iconic performance in Steel Magnolia she has proven her versatility and Talent on the screen as well as the stage number 19 B Midler B Midler the iconic singer actress and comedian graced The Tonight Show with John
ny Carson multiple times leaving a lasting impression with her vibrant personality and undeniable Talent Midler's appearances on the show were always a highlight showcasing her unique blend of humor and musical prowess known for her larger than life stage presence and Powerhouse vocals Midler lit up The Tonight Show stage with memorable performances and witty banter with Carson one particularly memorable moment was when she sang You Are The Wind Beneath My Wings captivating the audience with her
emotional delivery and captivating voice despite facing setbacks and challenges along the way Midler has always remained true to herself carving out a unique niche in the industry with her fearless attitude and unmatched Talent her ability to seamlessly transition between comedy music and acting has solidified her place as one of the most versatile performers of her generation number 20 Janice Joplin Janis Joplin's appearance on the Dick Cavit show marked a poignant moment in late night televis
ion history the iconic musician and singer known for her powerful voice and electrifying performances graced the stage with her raw talent and magnetic energy performing hits like half moon and my baby Joplin captivated the audience with with her unparalleled vocal range and soul stirring delivery with every note she sang Joplin commanded attention leaving viewers in awe of her ability to convey raw emotion through music Beyond her Unforgettable performance Janice Joplin's life and career were m
arked by remarkable achievements and tragic losses rising to fame as the lead singer of big brother and the holding company she quickly became an icon of the counterculture movement of the 1960s however her life was plagued by struggles with substance abuse ultimately leading to her untimely death from a heroin overdose at the age of 27 despite her premature passing Janice Joplin's Legacy lives on inspiring countless musicians and fans alike her impact on the world of music and pop culture is un
deniable cementing her status as one of the greatest voices of her generation thanks for watching another episode click the next video on your screen for more

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