Lenny Bruce, the controversial comedian, was another guest who earned Carson’s ire.
Bruce’s edgy, boundary-pushing humor often clashed with the show’s famWhat made Johnny Carson, a man known for diffusing tension with a grin, say “never again”?
The first banned guest was Charles Manson.
Though he never appeared on the show, Carson famously refused to have him on after Manson’s horrific crimes shocked the nation.
Carson’s decision set a precedent — some figures were simply too toxic for television.
ily-friendly vibe.
One appearance went too far, with Bruce making inflammatory remarks that unsettled both Carson and the audience.
From then on, Carson opted to keep Bruce off the show to maintain its re
