BURBANK, Calif. -- Johnny Carson injured his ribs prior to Friday night's telecast of the 'Tonight Show,' but managed to carry on with the show despite the sharp pain that accompanied his every laugh.
Halfway through the one-hour show, which featured comedian David Steinberg, Carson explained to the audience why he was grabbing his left side every time he laughed.
'If I look a little silly, I want you to know why,' Carson said.
He said a sketch that had been taped earlier in the day called for him to fall and land on a mat. Instead of landing on his back, Carson landed on his left side.
Carson said that has as soon as he hit the mat, he knew he had injured his ribs, possibly cracking them. 'There were sounds from inside the body you don't like to hear,' Carson said.
He will be examined over the weekend by a doctor.
Carson's confession to the audience made him vulnerable to the wits of Steinberg and entertainer Steve Lawrence, who made concerted efforts to make their host laugh _ and ache.
An NBC spokesman said it was the first time in 18 years the entertainer had hurt himself doing the show.
