TV Vet Dick Carson, Johnny's Little Brother Who Got Start In San Diego, Dies At 92

By Editor, Times of San Diego

January 9, 2022

Dick Carson, younger brother of Johnny Carson and a former director on his sibling’s famous late-night talk show, has died at the age of 92, his family announced Sunday.

Carson, an Emmy winner, died at his home in Studio City on Dec. 19 after a brief illness. Relatives said he died peacefully, “in the loving embrace of family.”

Along with his brother, Dick Carson grew up in Norfolk, Neb. He attended the University of Nebraska and later served in the U.S. Navy, stationed in California.

After his naval service, Dick and his wife Pat remained in California, where he went to work in television, first at KOGO TV in San Diego and later for the ABC affiliate in Los Angeles.

He went on to direct “Chucko the Birthday Clown” and “The Soupy Sales Show,” before traveling to New York to direct episodes of NBC’s “The Tonight Show” at the beginning of Johnny Carson’s 30-year run as the king of late night.

After almost seven years, he returned to California as director of “The Don Rickles Variety Show,” episodes of Arthur Godfrey’s “Your All- American College Show,” an award-winning episode of “Get Smart” and “The Sammy Davis Show,” as well as commercials and pilots.

He was hired as director on “The Merv Griffin Show” in 1972, and, except for a brief hiatus, continued in that role until Griffin retired in 1986.

Carson also began directing Griffin’s popular “Wheel of Fortune” game show, which he continued to do for 22 years until his retirement.

He won five Emmy awards during his 43-year career.

Johnny Carson died on Jan. 23, 2005 at the age of 79.

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