Why Johnny Carson dropped out after leaving "The Tonight Show"

Carson was contacted beginning in 1992 - soon after he left "The Tonight Show" - about participating in a documentary about his life, but producer Peter Jones never received so much as a response. Then, as Jones explained to television critics, he got a call in 2002 and heard, "Johnny Carson's on Line 2." From Deadline.com

I thought it was a joke. But it was really Johnny. He said to me, 'Peter, you write a very good letter. I know you want me to participate in this, but I won't be doing anything about my life because you know what? I don't give a shit. ... I've done everything I want to do and said everything I want to say. There is nothing more.' And that was that."

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Jones, joined on the TCA panel by regular Carson guest Angie Dickinson and comedian Drew Carey -- who famously was invited to join Johnny on the couch following his first appearance on Tonight -- found enthusiastic participation in the doc from Hollywood. Only two celebs who were asked declined to participate: Woody Allen and Bill Cosby. Jones declined to elaborate why. But surprisingly, one personality who did agree to be interviewed was Joan Rivers, whose joining Fox to host her own competing (short-lived) late-night talk show in the late 1980s spurred her complete estrangement from Carson.

Strange bird indeed. Jones is promoting the PBS documentary, which will air May 14.