Carson the Magnificent - A Look at the Iconic TV Host and His Impact on Comedy Today
Known as the entertainer who redefined late-night television and American culture, Johnny Carson takes center stage in "Carson the Magnificent." In 2002, Bill Zehme landed a coveted assignment — the only interview Carson granted since retiring from "The Tonight Show" a decade earlier. It was through the intimate insights into Carson's career and personal life that Zehme embarked on a journey to write the biography "Carson the Magnificent," but when Zehme died, his mentee Mike Thomas decided to
finish the job.
Now Thomas paints a picture of Carson beyond the broad strokes of his TV career, adding color to his personal life and how he affected the comedy community in general. Thomas is a Chicago-based author and journalist whose work blends reporting with
a passion for comedy and culture. A longtime staff writer for the Chicago Sun-Times, Thomas has interviewed some of the most iconic figures in comedy, including Jerry Seinfeld, Robin Williams, Phyllis Diller, and Jon Stewart, many with ties to the legendary
Second City.
He will be joined by Journey Gunderson, executive director of the National Comedy Center in nearby Jamestown, New York, the nation's official cultural institution dedicated to comedy, where she has led the creation of a groundbreaking, technologydriven museum inspired by Lucille Ball's vision for Jamestown.
Recognized as one of Blooloop's Top 50 Museum Influencers, an "Innovator Who Changed Comedy" by The Interrobang, and the 2024 "Outstanding Tourism Executive of the Year," Gunderson has guided the center to national acclaim, including recognition by USA Today, Time, and People magazines. Gunderson also directs the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, preserving and celebrating the legacies of these iconic entertainers.
Date/Time: Monday, November 10, 2025 7:00-8:30PM
Location: Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State St, Erie, PA 16508
Admission:
- General Admission (Early Bird Pricing) $25
- Preferred Seating (Early Bird Pricing) $50 (Closest Section Near the Stage)
Additional Fees: Amusement Tax, Processing Fee
Parking: TBD
Mike Thomas is going on three decades as a Chicago-based journalist and author. After spending more than 14 years as a staff reporter at the Chicago Sun-Times, he began writing for Chicago magazine, where he is a regular contributor of long-form stories as well as a monthly feature called BackRoom that showcases famous Chicagoans. In addition to completing his late mentor Bill Zehme's New York Times bestselling biography “Carson the Magnificent,” Mike authored two other critically acclaimed books: "The Second City Unscripted: Revolution and Revelation at the World-Famous Comedy Theater" (2009); and "You Might Remember Me: The Life and Times of Phil Hartman" (2014). He lives in Chicago with his wife and their two daughters.
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Journey Gunderson is the Executive Director of the National Comedy Center – the United States’ official cultural institution and national archive dedicated to comedy – Journey Gunderson has demonstrated the entrepreneurial passion, creative energy, and innovative spirit reminiscent of the pioneering woman whose vision she was hired to bring to life: Jamestown, New York’s own Lucille Ball.
Named one of the Top 50 Museum Influencers worldwide by international museum and attractions resource Blooloop, second on its list of “Innovators Who Changed Comedy” by comedy authority The Interrobang, and the 2024 “Outstanding Tourism Executive of the Year” by the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association, Gunderson has guided the National Comedy Center’s next-generation museum experience – integrating state-of-the-art technology, interactivity, and personalization customized to each visitor’s unique comedic tastes. She led the planning, strategy, fundraising, and creative development for this ambitious project, forging relationships with supporters that span from grassroots organizers to state and federal leaders, and from cultural philanthropists to legendary comedy innovators.
Called “the Smithsonian of Comedy” by NBC’s TODAY Show, the National Comedy Center is an unprecedentedly comprehensive and engaging visitor experience, based on Lucille Ball’s vision for Jamestown to become a destination that honors comedy’s great minds and unique voices in ways that educate, engage, and inspire future generations.
Since its opening in Jamestown, NY, the Center has been voted “Best New Museum” in the country by USA Today, named one of the “World’s Greatest Places” by Time magazine, and selected as one of “100 Reasons to Love America” by People magazine. U.S. News & World Report named it among the “25 Top Family Weekend Getaways in the U.S.,” alongside destinations like Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
Gunderson also serves as Executive Director of Jamestown’s Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, preserving and celebrating the lives, careers, and legacies of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
