A recently resurfaced clip from a 1983 episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is taking the internet by storm, showcasing the delightful camaraderie and witty exchanges between the late Joan Rivers and the beloved Betty White. The clip captures a jovial moment between the two TV icons, who were 49 and 61 years old at the time of the show.
The brassy blondes engaged in playful banter as they poked fun at each other’s magazine covers. In the clip, they playfully jab at their appearances on the covers of People Weekly and Kennel Review, each trying to outdo the other in lighthearted jest. “And if you dare say, ‘Who’s that other bi*** on the cover?’ I will never speak to you again for as long as I live,” quipped Betty with her trademark humor, drawing laughter from the audience.
Joan Rivers, never one to back down from a humorous exchange, playfully shaded Betty White over her cover not being for “a major publication.” Joan’s quick wit was evident as she retorted, “Not a major publication? If you have dogs I tell you that’s a very major publication.” The clip captures their playful rivalry and the genuine joy they shared in each other’s company, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
Betty White, an icon in her own right, lightened the mood even further by revealing the backstory of her cover. She humorously shared that the People Weekly editors wanted her cover to be “topless,” a revelation that drew a hearty round of laughter from the audience. This rediscovered clip serves as a heartwarming reminder of the timeless charm and magnetic personalities that both Joan Rivers and Betty White brought to the entertainment world, a legacy that continues to captivate audiences even decades later.
