John William `` Johnny '' Carson ( October 23 , 1925 -- January 23 , 2005 ) was an American television host , comedian , writer , producer , actor , and musician known for thirty years as host of `` The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson '' ( 1962 -- 1992 ) .
John William `` Johnny '' Carson ( October 23 , 1925 -- January 23 , 2005 ) was an American television host and comedian , known for thirty years as host of `` The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson '' ( 1962 -- 1992 ) .