a. What is Johnny Carson's home state? b. What was the name of the TV game show hosted by Johnny Carson before he took over the Tonight Show? c. What was Johnny Carson's profession before he became a television personality?

While born in Corning, Iowa, the man who would become the king of late-night television spent his formative years in Norfolk, Nebraska, moving there at the age of eight. It was in Nebraska that he first began to hone his skills as an entertainer. His career in show business began not with jokes, but with illusions. At just 12 years old, after discovering a book on magic, he purchased a mail-order magician's kit and began performing for local groups. By the age of 14, he was earning money as a performing magician under the stage name "The Great Carsoni".

After serving in the U.S. Navy and graduating from the University of Nebraska, Carson started his career in radio and television. His national breakthrough came as the host of a television game show. From 1957 to 1962, he helmed the popular daytime program "Who Do You Trust?". The show, which initially was titled "Do You Trust Your Wife?", showcased his quick wit and interviewing skills, pairing him for the first time with his longtime announcer and sidekick, Ed McMahon.

This successful run on "Who Do You Trust?" directly led to his next, and most famous, role. When Jack Paar decided to leave "The Tonight Show," NBC offered the coveted hosting position to Carson. His nearly 30-year tenure transformed late-night television and solidified his status as an American cultural icon. His journey from a young magician in Nebraska to the host of a popular game show was the perfect preparation for becoming one of the most beloved television personalities in history.