HOLLYWOOD -- Johnny Carson tore some cartilage in his ribcage but did not break any ribs when he fell while rehearsing a sketch for a 'Tonight Show' telecast last week, X-rays taken Monday disclosed.
'I'm all right if I don't breathe, talk or cough,' Carson, 54, said after his check-up at an undisclosed hospital.
Doctors said the tests revealed that Carson suffered 'no displacement or fractures' when he tumbled and fell on his side instead of his back Friday, while preparing a scene for a 'Mighty Carson Art Players' sketch at the NBC Studios.
Doctors said the tests revealed that Carson suffered 'no displacement or fractures' when he tumbled and fell on his side instead of his back Friday, while preparing a scene for a 'Mighty Carson Art Players' sketch at the NBC Studios.
The comedian, in the best tradition of 'the show must go on,' did his show and tried to hide his pain from the audience for about 50 minutes.
'If I look a little silly,' he told the audience late in the show, 'I want you to know why. There were sounds from inside the body you don't like to hear.'
Carson spent the weekend resting at home. He previously was scheduled to take a vacation this week.
Carson said it was the first time in 18 years that he had injured himself taking part in the physical high jinks of his show.
