This tribute to NBC's Tonight Show was on display at the NBC Universal Experience Museum attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood on February 11, 2010.
The exhibit featured outfits, props and memorabilia used by two of The Tonight Show legends, Johnny Carson and Jay Leno.
The Tonight Show Tribute at Universal Studios Hollywood
Johnny Carson hosted the late-night American talk show from 1962 to 1992. The first ten years of his show were based in New York City, but in May 1972 the show moved permanently to studios in Burbank, California.
Johnny Carson's President Reagan costume and wig,
plus personal makeup kit
The exhibit included a costume and the wig worn by the entertainer Johnny Carson when he was impersonating President Ronald Reagan, plus his own personal makeup kit and supplies.
Memorabilia from The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson
Also featured in the tribute was the RCA Orthicon Tube from the camera used for Johnny's debut episode as host on October 2, 1962, the mark from his final show in May 22, 1992 and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Mayor of Burbank. The show's infamous rubber chicken prop was also included as part of the display.
Johnny Carson star of The Tonight Show
With big shoes to fill, Jay Leno took up the reigns of The Tonight Show upon Johnny Carson's retirement and hosted the show from May 25, 1992 until May 29, 2009. Rather embarrassingly when he left the show to try another time slot and a series called The Jay Leno Show, it was a ratings disaster and ultimately he returned to The Tonight Show on March 1, 2010, ousting his replacement Conan O'Brien.
Outfits worn by Jay Leno on The Tonight Show
Jay Leno host of The Tonight Show
The TV billboard for the ill-fated Jay Leno Show from September 2009
This tribute was actually on display during the show's host and scheduling fiasco, so it was strange to see actual props from the set of Jay Leno's original Tonight Show run including his desk, microphone and coffee mugs for host and guests, whilst all the problems were occurring at NBC.
Original props and set furniture from
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
