Being a guest on Carson remains the gold-standard of late-night television. 

Johnny Carson was the host of The Tonight Show for over thirty years, and while he was able to make just about any guest look great, Johnny definitely had his favorites. 

Joan Rivers became a household name simply because Carson enjoyed having her on. David Letterman was Johnny's choice to take over Tonight after his retirement - it didn't work out, but it solidified Dave as a face of late night. Robin Williams, Jerry Seinfeld, and countless other comics also owe their initial fame to the moment Johnny gave them a shot. 

Here are some of the funniest and most famous folks who frequented the couch over the decades.