Johnny Carson: Performer and Philanthropist

Born in Iowa, Johnny Carson (1925-2005) grew up in Norfolk at 306 S. 13th St. A performer from an early age, he graduated from Norfolk High School in 1943, served in the navy, graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln before launching his broadcasting career at WOW in Omaha. Carson became the "King of Late Night," hosting NBC's Tonight Show from 1962 to 1992. He supported the arts in Nebraska with donations toward arts projects, including a theater at Norfolk High School.