Lola Falana was one of the most popular performers in the 1970s. She was a singer, dancer, and actress, and was known for her stunning looks and incredible talent. She was also a frequent guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, but there was one appearance that got her banned from the show forever.
On September 21, 1973, Falana appeared on The Tonight Show and was interviewed by Johnny Carson. During the interview, Carson asked Falana about a recent trip she had taken to Africa. Falana responded by saying that she had visited a village where the women walked around topless.
Carson was taken aback by Falana’s comment, and the audience erupted in laughter. However, NBC executives were not amused. They received a flood of complaints from viewers who were offended by Falana’s comment.
As a result, NBC banned Falana from ever appearing on The Tonight Show again. Carson later said that he regretted the incident, and that he never intended for Falana to be banned from the show.
Despite the ban, Falana continued to have a successful career. She starred in several movies and TV shows, and even had her own variety show, The Lola Falana Show, in the late 1970s.
Born in Camden, New Jersey in 1942, Falana began her career as a dancer in the 1960s. She quickly became known for her incredible talent and soon landed a role in the Broadway musical, Golden Boy. She later went on to appear in several films, including The Liberation of L.B. Jones, Lady Cocoa, and The Klansman.
In addition to her acting career, Falana was also a successful singer. She released several albums throughout the 1970s, and her hit song, “There’s a Man Out There Somewhere,” became a popular dance track.
Despite her success, Falana’s career was not without its challenges. In the early 1980s, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which forced her to take a hiatus from performing. She eventually recovered and returned to the stage in the late 1990s, but her career never reached the heights it once had.
Today, Falana is retired from performing and lives a quiet life out of the public eye. However, her legacy as one of the most talented and charismatic performers of the 1970s lives on.
In conclusion, Lola Falana’s appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson may have resulted in her being banned from the show, but it did not stop her from having a successful career. Despite facing challenges throughout her life, Falana remained a true trailblazer in the entertainment industry, and her talent and charisma continue to be remembered and celebrated to this day.
