We are the Proud Home of Johnny Carson
NORFOLK, NE
ABOUT JOHNNY
Johnny was born on October 23, 1925 in Corning, Iowa. Although born in Iowa, Johnny moved to Norfolk, NE at age 8 and always considered it his hometown. He graduated from Norfolk Senior High and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. In 1946, he joined the Navy where he entertained many people including the Secretary of the Navy.
His career in show business began by performing his magic act for many local organizations in Norfolk! Later, he worked at KFAB Radio in Lincoln, NE and WOW Radio in Omaha, NE before moving to California. He started on The Tonight Show on October 1, 1962 and continued for 30 years until his last show on May 22, 1992. Johnny passed away January 23, 2005.
Fan Sites to See
The Boyhood Home of Johnny Carson
306 S. 13th Street, Norfolk, NE
Owner, Jim McKenzie, will speak about the history of the house and items found along the way while bringing it back to its original condition. Baden Luna, will portray young Johnny. John has come home from 1939 to share what it was like to be a kid in Norfolk in the 30s.
He may just have a trick or two up his sleeves…….
Johnny Carson Mural
3rd and Norfolk Ave., Norfolk, NE
This large series of paintings by artist Karl Reeder, shows the progression of Johnny’s career. This is a great spot to take a picture!
Elkhorn Valley Museum
515 Queen City Blvd., Norfolk, NE
elkhornvalleymuseum.org
The featured exhibit includes the Johnny Carson Gallery where you can see the history of Norfolk’s famous son. Items in the exhibit include his Emmy awards, Kennedy Center medallion and a replica stage where you can hear one of Mr. Carson’s favorite monologues. Spend some time in the living room watching the best of Carson. Your visit isn’t complete without checking out the square turn tractor, printing press and other historical memorabilia.
At the museum, enjoy a historical reenactment of Faye Gordon. Faye taught school in Norfolk and was a favorite teacher of Johnny Carson, who featured her on his show later in her life.
Great American Comedy Festival
See www.greatamericancomedyfestival.com for ticket information.
Honoring his legacy as one of America’s greatest comedians ever, paying tribute to his status as a TV icon and remembering with gratitude the fondness Carson had for the community he called home. The Great American Comedy Festival was created in 2008 to pay tribute to the legacy of Norfolk’s favorite son,
Johnny Carson. Special accommodations can be made for bus tours.
Johnny Carson Theatre and Track
801 Riverside Blvd., Norfolk, NE
Many community events are held here at Johnny’s alma mater – Norfolk Senior High School
Donations
Johnny Carson made many generous donations to the community of Norfolk. Some of his most prominent gifts are the Carson Cancer Center located on the campus of Faith Regional Health Services and the Norfolk Arts Center located in downtown Norfolk.
