Ellen’s First Network Performance: The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson

Ellen Degeneres, a New Orleans native (we're proud of that), got her start in show business when she appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1986.

Fresh-faced and visibly nervous, Ellen must have done it well, because Carson was so impressed with her performance that he invited her over to the set for a visit which, if you remember, was a pretty big deal!

We found Ellen's initial network television appearance on Youtube, and, at first, you can hear how nervous she is! Her conversation with God was my favorite part.

(Youtube/Johnny Carson)