Michael Landon Once Pulled a Legendary Off-Air Prank on Johnny Carson
Michael Landon was beloved for his wholesome roles in classic shows like Little House on the Prairie and Bonanza, but off-screen, he reportedly had a crazy sense of humor and was known to tell some sick jokes. Johnny Carson once shared a memorable story on The Tonight Show, just a few months before Landon’s death in 1991, about a hilarious prank Landon pulled off that perfectly described his wilder side.
It all began one evening at the old Beaurivage Restaurant in Malibu, where Carson and Landon enjoyed dinner together. As Carson backed out of the parking lot, he heard a small squeal but thought nothing more of it until the next day. Landon called him and said the restaurant owner had reached out, accusing Carson of accidentally running over and killing the establishment’s beloved pet cat.
NBC/Everett Collection
A month later, Landon convinced Carson to return to the same restaurant. Carson was afraid to go back until he found out that he never actually killed a cat. Wanting to get Landon back, Carson decided to orchestrate his own joke. He arranged for the owner to bring out a covered tray during dinner, under which Carson placed a toy flattened cat. However, Landon, always a step ahead, had set up yet another prank.
As Carson browsed the elegant menu, written in ornate Old English script, he began to notice some rather unusual items. Carson pulled out the menu for the audience to witness. At first, he didn’t notice and joked that he just thought, “This restaurant is too fancy!” However, nestled among escargot and fine seafood dishes were absurd entries like “Tureen of Tabby with scallions, tomatoes, cucumber in 30-weight motor oil,” and “Pussy mousse à la Mercedes, prepared right on the property.” By the time Carson read “Pressed Pussy Provençal, served outside in the dark,” he realized Landon had gotten him again. The two couldn’t contain their laughter.
Remind 
Classic Comedy Duos
March 2021
Chuckle at television & films funniest comic duos.
Buy This Issue