Which comedian hosted The Tonight Show before Jay Leno took over in 1992?

Johnny Carson hosted The Tonight Show before Jay Leno took over in 1992.

Carson became host in October 1962, succeeding Jack Paar, and remained in the role until May 1992. His version of the program became a central part of American television, particularly through its opening monologues, celebrity interviews, sketches, and recurring characters.

Jay Leno had served as a frequent guest host and became Carson’s successor after Carson retired. David Letterman also competed for the position and moved to CBS, where he launched The Late Show with David Letterman. That transition created one of the most prominent network late-night rivalries of the 1990s.

Carson’s tenure is sometimes described as lasting exactly 30 years, but it was slightly less than that from his October 1962 debut to his May 1992 finale. His influence continued after retirement, and many later hosts cited him as a major model for the modern late-night monologue and interview format.