Johnny Carson’s legendary poise on The Tonight Show often hid his difficult experiences with certain Golden Age guests. Though many appeared charming on camera, Carson privately described some as difficult, entitled, or even cruel behind the scenes.
Joan Crawford and Bette Davis, two glamorous icons, were among the guests Carson disliked most. Crawford reportedly demeaned staff and demanded extreme accommodations, while Davis was sharp, domineering, and often disruptive, creating tension on and off the set.
Orson Welles and Mickey Rooney also earned spots on Carson’s mental blacklist. Welles ignored prepared questions, dominating conversations, while Rooney allegedly behaved inappropriately with female staff and created chaos, at times pushing Carson to the point of frustration.
Shelley Winters, Jerry Lewis, and Frank Sinatra became notorious for unpredictable or troubling behavior backstage. From Winters’ confrontations to Lewis’s hostility and Sinclair’s entitlement, each challenged Carson’s patience and disrupted the show’s professional atmosphere.
Zsa Zsa Gabor and Jane Russell rounded out the list with demanding attitudes and controversial personal views. Their backstage behavior, combined with headline-making scandals, solidified their reputations as guests Carson preferred never to welcome back.
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