Why Johnny Carson Banned Certain Stars from The Tonight Show.

2 # The Rise of Ellen DeGeneres in Comedy and Television.

Ellen DeGeneres also reportedly found herself on Johnny Carson’s bad side. According to accounts from people close to the show, she made history in 1986 as the first female comedian to perform on The Tonight Show. But that milestone did not protect her for long. During her third appearance in 1987, Ellen told a joke that Carson had clearly warned her not to use. The show’s publicist later shared that Carson was upset and scolded her after the taping, in front of staff members. Witnesses recalled Ellen looking embarrassed as she was told she would not be invited back anytime soon. Despite the fallout, Ellen eventually returned to The Tonight Show in 1989, this time when Jay Leno was filling in as guest host.