Johnny Carson’s Unscripted Appearance With The Rat Pack Was One Of TV’s Most Iconic Moments

Looking back today, it can be hard to understand just how popular the Rat Pack were. This swaggering troupe of A-list entertainers were beloved throughout America, with people all over the country following the members’ every move. So, when Frank Sinatra organized for the group to perform on a live telecast in 1965, plenty of people tuned in to see what would happen. But they were in for a shock. One member of the Rat Pack didn’t show up on the night at all, so they were replaced last minute by someone you might’ve heard of: legendary TV host Johnny Carson.

A noble cause

Sinatra had decided to put together the event in order to bring in money for a halfway house in St. Louis. This place took in people who’d been released from prison and helped them get back on their feet. A noble cause, then, and one that ended up generating something like $300,000 — which was an awful lot of money for the time.

Calling in a favor

The fact the event was able to encourage so many donations is a sign of its success, which was maybe a relief for Sinatra. After all, things didn’t play out as he’d envisioned. The telecast was meant to feature his fellow Rat Pack members, but one of them couldn’t make it. Joey Bishop was out, so Ol’ Blue Eyes had to call in a favor from another star.

Tricks up his sleeve

Those who tuned into the telecast that night got a shock when Johnny Carson sauntered out on stage. True to form, he went on to deliver the quips for which he’d become so highly regarded. And as the evening progressed, it was clear that Carson had a few other tricks hidden up his sleeve.

Under the surface

It was a spirited evening, and the show ended up being a smash. But had the jovial atmosphere of that night hidden some darker resentments under the surface? Because it would later emerge that Carson’s feelings toward the man he’d replaced for the telecast weren’t necessarily as positive as we might presume.