About the time she did Baby Jane, she was living in Glendale. I delivered her newspaper every evening. I was twelve years old and had no idea who she was. She was so nice to me and really took an interest in my work and my school life. I think Miss Davis really loved young people. And she was a fabulous baker. She would give me all sorts of goodies when I would stop by with her newspaper. This went on for about 2 years and then she moved away. Many years later, she toured the country with her one woman show. I was in the audience when she came to San Francisco. During the Q and A, she called on me. We had a lovely reunion. Every young boy should have a newspaper route.
and this sort of golden age class was kind of looked down upon and considered old fashioned for a long time. but these days i see lovely young women that are emulating this sort of retro vibe. i think they are only displaying the trappings of it but its still nice to see people attempting to avoid the full out debauchery of certain scenes and styles.
Many years ago my mother wrote a fan letter to Bette Davis and she sent my mother a letter back thanking her. My mother is gone now, but I still have that letter and I will treasure it always. Love her and all the great movies she made.
She was in good humor here. She was feeling good you can tell. She was in better health here. A few years later her health really spiraled down. Here she was sharp as a tack as they say. A legend.
Actually I think she sounds very good here. She still has that strong Davis tone in her voice. So this is probably after the mastectomy but before The Strokes and before the cancer really kicked in.
Yes I agree she was really in good spirits here and looked well. This was about it (give or take) because you are right -- for after this her health declined - how sad life is really - we watch our great actors get older and some wither before our eyes.
@@dennman6 Nope - she never left the hospital after the mastectomy - stroke followed and she would go off the radar until some time in 1985 when she re-surfaced with the post-stroke appearance.
She is truly a STAR, in every sense of the word. This is Hollywood history, never to be seen again. The Golden Age of Hollywood is dead and gone forever.
@@floatsting20 Totally Agree. Today's modern women have lost the art of using our natural abilities of charm & true inner strength to get through life. There's no role models for young women anymore.
I was crazy about her. My Mom had insomnia and being one of 7 children, I wanted private time with her. She would be up late and I would be alone with her watching old black & white movies. I love TCM for showing them. How about how beautiful Bette was in Jezebel? Gorgeous in that white dress bowing to Henry Fonda. She loved to say she was a Yankee.
This is my favorite Bette Davis interview I’ve ever seen. She was absolutely delightful, honest, funny and charming. They had great chemistry and Johnny really allowed her to shine. Very impressed with both of them.❤❤❤
You should see the long extended interviews she'd done with David Cavett. Really the best I've ever seen with her. He was wonderful with her and his manner, questions and gentle respect he showed her brought out the best in both of them.
@g-girl9867 It was Dick Cavett. Funny I just viewed it and I agree. But, I love Johnny. Only seeing his shows now because I was too young when he was on.
I enjoyed listening to her. She was a wonderful interviewee with a great interviewer. A classy lady! You can see the immense respect Carson had for her.
Like she said, the contract system allowed those personalities with any talent to blossom. Guaranteed work and therefore guaranteed social interaction with producers et al. And the honing of one’s acting abilities over a decade does that for actors. If you were a great actor then after your initial 7 year contract was up you were re-engaged thus getting rid of the bland and cookie cutter (mostly). These days “real” personalities are strangled by the sheer volume of “content creators” churning out crap. Anyone with an iPhone can record themselves and get plastered all over the Internet. And Then! through constant exposure get film deals. I mean look at Jojo Siwa what is she a celebrity for? Oh right, for being a celebrity. It’s like some hilarious circular reasoning with most celebrities these days. You used to need talent. Now you just need a decent publicist.
I love her so much, she was a real, beautiful, tough but with a heart of gold. She was one of the best actresses if not THE best actress of her time, she knew how to captivate an audience like nobody could, charming, elegant and so lovely. Miss her so much, there will never be another Bette Davis😘
This is the only interview I ever saw Johnny not come off with some sarcastic comment or putdown, but all he could do with her was continue to admire her work and dedication.
Regardless of how many movies someone has or hasn't done, OR their age, it goes to being an interesting person. So many current celebrities are as compelling as bowl of cold grits. Maybe Billie Eilish will become a very interesting person, time will tell. Maybe talented celebs will realize that foisting their political views on the public is boring, vapid and banal. Maybe celebs will realize that being a fascinating, entertaining personality involves more than reciting lines, looking fabulous, dressing well. We'll see! 😗
@@Boertje247 Billie Eilish IS a very interesting person. I thought you referenced age not being a factor? Any way.. I'll let you get back to your breakfast of bile.
the other 1, no bile here, simply observing what I've seen happen repeatedly. And not every star from Bette Davis' era was not compelling or fascinating. Just seems so many celebs of today are famous for fairly banal, formulaic music, or famous for being famous, i.e., the Kardashian Klan. They're certainly brilliant at exponentially building a brand and businesses tied to their personalities as opposed to another celebutant, Paris Hilton. If you saw Kris Jenner's talk show (cancelled after a few episodes) or heard interviews with the KKs, you quickly realize they've got nothing compelling to say. Apparently, the critics have the same opinion.
Bette Davis was so talented the audience loved her immensely. Hepburn could go fly a kite. Those Bette Davis eyes so lovely all the way to the end. RIP dear lady.
@@MontagZoso Thanks for the agreement. At a dinner I was asked about my 'fav'' stars. I like seeing the person a c t i n g to capture my attention. Cary Grant, McQueen, Burt Lancaster, Faye Dunaway, Jane Fonda, Ava Gardner, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Cagney, Forrest Whitaker, Cruise and Bette Davis are believable versatile ACTORS imho.
Watching her on screen is like filling your heart with every emotion possible... she is something very very special. She is memorizing in every scene..... absolutely amazing. I wish everyone could experience Bette Davis... movies like now Voyager will stretch your heart strings the entire movie, I am in awe of her at every second she is on screen. What an incredible talent...
Damario Haynes OMG I would have many questions for her! They don’t make them like that anymore. Bette was a class act. My fave movie 🍿 of hers will always be All About Eve “Fasten your seatbelts.. It’s gonna be a bumpy night”
I love Bette Davis forever. I will sit & enjoy reruns of her movies over & over whenever they're on. That voice, that face & her straightforward demeanor - whether she's acting, or being interviewed ❤
For having the illustrious career this woman had, the battles she had, facing ageism, sexism, health issues, contract issues, personality conflicts...she was never less than the best she could be, you asked her to be the best and she felt she needed to be better. Here she is honest about her station in life, with no excuses, but with all the same determination and fight she had when she was 23. Never one to want to win the popularity contest, she wanted to work hard with her filmmates and be the best she could be. People may have not liked her, but there were few, very few that could say she was anything less than an a hard worker and a fine actress.
It’s fascinating when people say she faced ageism and sexism - she’s one of the most famous, most legendary, most iconic screen actresses there ever was. She did alright out of it all did she not? Some of the most well known, busiest actresses of today are older actresses. Mirren, Dench, Streep, Smith - even the ‘younger’ generation are 40+…. Sexism, ageism is often trotted out as being omnipresent but few can actually point to real examples of it.
Robin Holbrook she loved clothes, you can tell. Always immaculately turned out. This was before her last illnesses, and she is still fully vital. Those she did in 88 can be hard to watch as she’s clearly so ill.
rhoads' girl Really? Wearing animal fur is not grace or sophistication 🤔 There’s plenty of women with grace and sophistication today, it must be the company you keep that makes you feel otherwise. Expand your horizons.
They were "cooler" because while they honed their acting craft in the studio system; they also were instructed how to behave in public. They were at ease when being seen and interviewed. This instruction included things personal hygiene, good manners, stylish dressing, how to chit-chat in a way that was not offensive. None of the current crop of celebrities have any idea of how to dress in a- or behave in a manner that gives credit to oneself, one's family, one's employer, etc.
@@here_we_go_again2571 Celebs are still getting "training" on how to look and behave in events and interviews. Maybe they have to seek for it themselves instead of being provided by a studio, but I asure you most of them have it. I'd say is just that people in general nowadays does not have the same behaviour than people 80 years ago. Also, celebrities want to be seen as more relatable, and fans are becoming more intitled. It's a whole different society
The greatest talk show host interviewing one of the greatest actresses of all time. Actually remember being very young but I would sit up at night and watch The Tonight show with my grandfather and I remember this interview distinctively. Such class such a great mannerisms. Such respect. I'm glad that I got to see this. Compared to the absolute garbage we have on late night now this stands Head and shoulders above it all.
My late Mom ❤ brought Bette to my attention when I was about 12. I think that's how my appreciation of classic movies started. Bette, the pride of Lowell, MA.
Bette Davis had such a respect for acting. And it showed in the quality of actress she was. It's not surprising that Bette Davis admired Anna Magnani so much, the great Italian actress. Two greats.
She was a true Hollywood legend 🎉🎉Her acting is impeccable and she had a true sense of style and class🎉🎉 She commanded a stage presence about her. And her eyes were amazing and captivating 🎉🎉. I love that song Bette Davis eyes 🎉🎉.She is what Hollywood srands for,she had grace she had class she had charm she could even let you know what's on her mind without holding anything back 🎉🎉
Well social graces allowed for that then the way they applaud her and she reciprocates blowing kisses and bowing for her adoring fans theatrics like that are not as common now. People seem to hate the stars now resent them or something in this era of cancel culture with her smart mouth she wouldn't be celebrated people women especially are more oppressed than then not free to be themselves.
This is the ultimate interview. I remember seeing it back then including the fantastic chemistry with Richard Pryor including two hilarious moments. I have had this on my dvr when it aired on Antenna TV, and finally it’s here and shareable! Carson is excellent gently steering the conversation yet allowing Miss Davis to do her thing.
Never. Never. Never, did I ever imagine I would see Johnny Carson or Bette Davis again. What have I done right to enjoy the privilege of this option? I've always enjoyed Carson's wit and the Tonight Show. I missed many, many episodes. This is one of them with the legendary Bette Davis. A very, fine actress. She is original and a very convincing, credible performer. I've loved her in every acting role that I've been fortunate enough to view.
Cold Winter ,,,, you are sooo right ,,,, and many others ,,,, that ERA is gone ,,, this days ,,, RARE TALENT ,,, maybe 1 in a million ,,, maybe !!! 8/4/2020
i was an invited guest to this one. it was supposed to be my friend comedian paul provenza's debut on johnny's show. but bette wound up taking up the whole show and he was rescheduled for march instead. but she was something else....loved her.
I will always love Betty Davis and Joan Crawford in “ What Ever Happened to Baby Jane” they hated each other but respected each other enough to complete the movie and it was a HIT . There will never be another Betty Davis ! Johnny Carson was able to get any and everybody on his show !
Bette Davis is in a class by herself. And I always thought she was beautiful. She had a unique beauty. Wonderful actress. I am very sad how it ended with her daughter.
I just love this well spoken lady and such a beautiful performer as an actress... oh how I love her style in clothes, so chic , and she wears it so well 👏🏼👌❤️
You cannot mistake that voice, those piercing eyes, and so many mannerisms. And yet somehow she can become someone else, and within a half hour.... while you never fully forget its Bette, you completely embrace the character and are swept away whereever she takes you.
I just love her, I wish there were still people like her, Audrey, and Lucille Ball 💙 wish I could time travel. I have nostalgia for a time I never knew
I remember hearing my Dad laughing down the hall when I should have been asleep. He would be watching Jonny Carson. To see Betty Davis on his show was a treat since she was my favorite actress when I was growing up. Rest in peace Mrs. Davis , you will always be remembered as one of the best actress of all time on the golden screen!
I got to see her one woman show in San Diego. Absolutely amazing. They showed clips of her movies, & I think I have seen all of them. I loved Jezebel. Now, Voyager, the one where she is dying with Geraldine Fitzgerald….She detested acting in Beyond the Forest.
@@iwantafennec9577 probably, i mean not all of her roles was supposed to be attractive even though she herself actually was without a doubt, but its good to be able to addapt as an acter/actress.
Meg Nakamura : Yes.....I think she was just brilliant in this role. If you read the background on the movie, Miss Davis had quite a bit of influence in the production of the movie; she really was born to be an actress.
Grand Lady, beyond talented actress and a monumental figure in the history of cinematography. There is and never will be a match for her. I adore her forever!
Bette Davis will forever be my all time favorite actress, and for so many reason. She did it the hard way, and acted her ass off. If there was a Bette Davis marathon on, I would leave the front of my television until they have played the last movie. she remains a truly great film icon.
Adding another comment. Her voice is still that same unique and unbelievable voice that everyone fell in love with. One of a kind, and it's still there. Love her.
Beautiful wrap she looks beautiful. Class can be presented so simply, see how relaxed and comfortable she is a simple beautiful black dress and gorgeous wrap and matching hat, she looks so graceful, strong and assured, beautiful legs . ...she ""loves the work " priceless.🌹
Remember seeing her a lot back in the 80s. Always enjoyed her interviews. All these years later, I've re-rediscovered her movies on TCM. The love grows stronger each time I watch her movies.
It's amazing that Betty Davis was a workhorse actress that didn't care about fame or money and got rich and famous anyway. She was a great life lesson in just put your head and do the work the very best you can.
I love Bette Davis. What a kind, frank and genuine lady she is on this interview. Her voice still has that gorgeous husky sound too. She may not have been what we call pretty in her heyday but she was stunningly beautiful all the same. A face you couldn't tear your eyes away from. What an icon.
It's a privilege and honor to watch this live interview from decades ago... up loaded here on RU-vid. I've always been in awe of Bette Davis movies growing up.
Wonderful pitch for her album!! lol🌟 Id of gone out and bought it the nxt day if id seen this back in the day. Love how Ed McMahon was so attentive ..moving her purse when she sat down, helping her remove her jacket...Classy 👍
I wish I had fallen in love with Bette Davis when I was young, for it was only 10 years ago now that I did. 30 years before searching for one that brought happiness, sadness, hate and love, hope and despair to the screen, one that could bring all emotions out in just one scene, that one I truly found in a little lady of the silver screen. Her movies are like gems to me. There is no other that can bring so much to me than Bette Davis doing her thing. Bette wasn't at the top of all the greats, she was at the bottom holding them all up...
I used not to much love her. But my son made me re-discover some of her greatest parts lately. And more than that, he urged me to make acquaintance with her through tv interviews like this one. And I can tell, it is a very beautiful, moving moment - beyond her obvious sense of humour.
Those were the times when GIANTS walked among us. With all their faults and whimsies, they were TRUE GIANTS not only as actors and actresses, but, omg, did they have some GIGANTIC personalities! Betty would, simply, outshined them all whenever she appeared.
Bette Davis the epitome of class. A truly remarkable Actress! A pleasure to watch and listen to. My all time favourite Lady. No one comes close to her these days and they never will. Love you Bette and thank you for all those years of entertainment. ❤❤❤
