Even if you’re the most professional, straight-to-the-point talk show host, you know you’re in for a good time when Raquel Welch was the interviewee. With her stunning outfits, Colgate smile, and beautiful tan, Welch managed to make the uptight Dick Cavett seem a little more easygoing.
The actress had a long list of television and movie roles under her belt, but her big break happened when she appeared in “One Million Years B.C.” She wore nothing but a deerskin bikini, immediately becoming a worldwide sensation. She continued her career as an actress, singer, and model and is remembered as one of the most beautiful stars in film history. In early 2023 she sadly passed away.
Madonna
Madonna, dubbed the "Queen of Pop," was the kind of celebrity who drew everyone's attention, especially in the late '80s. On June 9th, 1987, Madonna made her first appearance on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson. Though many thought the Material Girl's debut would be like any other guest on his popular late-night show, they were wrong.
Madonna had a plan in mind, something that soon became evident to the fans at home. Madonna had a mission; throughout the show, she flirted with Carson, flirting to the point that was hard to ignore. A few months after the interview aired, Madonna traveled the world to promote her "Who's That Girl" album. Coincidence? We think not.
Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin has become one of the most influential musicians of all time, and unfortunately, one of the earlier members of the 27 Club. Her appearance at Woodstock was nothing short of iconic and her impact on rock music is unquestionable. A few months before her tragic passing, Joplin made one of her many appearances on "The Dick Cavett Show."
Sadly, on August 3rd, 1970, Joplin gave her final interview and televised appearance on the show, performing "Half Moon" and "My Baby." Known for her powerful mezzo-soprano voice and electric stage presence, the talented musician, would tragically lose her life on October 4th.
Adrienne Barbeau
Two weeks before Christmas 1974, the beautiful 27-year-old actress Adrienne Barbeau appeared on "The Tonight Show." Seeing as it was just a couple of weeks before Christmas, Carson and Barbeau naturally started talking about gifts. The young actress shocked the late-night host and audiences at home by revealing that she had received many interesting gifts from lovers over the years.
These gifts included a set of encyclopedias, car repair items, and a fire extinguisher. Being the true talk-show host, Carson pointed out the "multiple lovers" comment, but Barbeau refrained from disclosing any personal details. We imagine she wanted to "escape from LA" immediately.
Donna Summer
When Donna Summer appeared on "The Tonight Show" on November 28th, 1979, she came with a message. Anything men can do, women can do as well. She was a fan of Johnny Carson as a child, and the "Queen of Disco" made sure that not only was she musically and theatrically talented, but she also made sure that Carson and the fans at home knew of her other skills.
Carson remarked that Summer was mechanically talented, with the ability to fix cars, and made a rather politically incorrect comment about girls not being mechanically inclined. That's when Summer put Carson in his place, as she should!