1. Ed Sullivan
Ed Sullivan wasn’t a polished performer, but he didn’t need to be. As host of The Ed Sullivan Show, he introduced America to some of the most legendary acts of all time, including Elvis Presley and The Beatles. His awkward charm, combined with his knack for booking unforgettable talent, made Sunday nights must-watch TV. Families gathered around the television knowing Sullivan would deliver something historic.
By the late ’60s, his influence was unmatched in the entertainment world. He could turn performers into instant stars, and a booking on his show often meant you had “made it.” While his mannerisms were sometimes mocked, Sullivan’s reach and impact were undeniable. Even today, people still remember the thrill of watching his introductions.
2. Johnny Carson
Johnny Carson took over The Tonight Show in 1962, and within a few years he was the undisputed king of late night. His sharp wit, impeccable timing, and ability to put guests at ease made him the standard by which all future late-night hosts would be measured. He had that rare combination of sophistication and relatability that connected with viewers night after night.
By the end of the ’60s, Carson wasn’t just a host, he was a cultural institution. His monologues set the tone for the day’s conversations, and his skits became instant classics. While he’d continue his reign for decades, his roots in the ’60s cemented him as one of TV’s most familiar faces.
3. Dick Clark
Dick Clark was the youthful, smiling face of American Bandstand, and by the ’60s he had become one of the most recognizable hosts in the country. Teenagers adored him because he seemed like one of them, even though he was really the grown-up guiding pop culture into living rooms nationwide. His countdowns, interviews, and introductions brought the newest music straight to TV audiences.
Clark wasn’t just a host — he was a tastemaker. His influence on what songs became hits was enormous, and he helped launch countless careers. Decade after decade, he remained relevant, but the ’60s were when he became a household name. For many, “America’s oldest teenager” was simply part of growing up.
4. Bob Barker
Long before The Price Is Right became his signature, Bob Barker was already a steady presence on TV in the ’60s. He hosted Truth or Consequences, where contestants found themselves in wacky stunts and silly challenges. Barker’s warm, trustworthy personality made him a natural fit for daytime television.
Throughout the decade, Barker became one of the most familiar hosts on the air. He had an ability to connect with contestants in a way that felt genuine, and that endeared him to viewers at home. While his fame would explode even more in the ’70s and beyond, the ’60s laid the foundation for his long-running career.
5. Steve Allen
Steve Allen was the very first host of The Tonight Show, but in the ’60s he kept busy with a string of his own projects. He had variety programs, talk shows, and game shows, often mixing his love for music and comedy. Allen was known for his quick improvisation and playful sense of humor, which made his shows unpredictable and fun.
Even when he wasn’t fronting the biggest shows, Allen was a constant presence on the air. He influenced countless hosts who came after him with his casual, witty approach. By the ’60s, he was already a veteran of television, but he still felt modern and sharp, a true pioneer who refused to fade into the background.
6. Jack Paar
Before Johnny Carson, it was Jack Paar who made The Tonight Show must-watch television. Paar’s emotional honesty and quirky personality gave the show a very different flavor. He wasn’t afraid to walk off the set or tear up on live TV, which made him unpredictable but compelling.
In the early ’60s, Paar was one of the most talked-about figures in broadcasting. His interviews felt more personal than most, and he helped shape what late-night talk could be. Though he stepped away from the show in 1962, his presence lingered throughout the decade, and viewers who watched him never forgot his unique style.
7. Dinah Shore
Dinah Shore brought her charm and musical talent to The Dinah Shore Chevy Show, a variety program that was still running in the early ’60s. Her warm presence, coupled with her singing, made audiences adore her. She could hold her own alongside big-name guests, and she became one of the few women hosting a major TV series at the time.
Even after her main show ended, Shore remained a popular TV personality, returning with specials and talk shows throughout the decade. Her familiar sign-off — “See the USA in your Chevrolet!” — was one of the catchiest jingles of its time. For viewers of the ’60s, Dinah Shore was a constant, friendly face on screen.
8. Red Skelton
Red Skelton was both a comedian and a beloved TV host throughout the ’60s. The Red Skelton Hour was a staple of CBS programming, blending his slapstick comedy with guest performances. Skelton’s ability to make people laugh with both physical humor and heartfelt character sketches kept audiences loyal for years.
By the end of the decade, Skelton was one of TV’s most enduring stars. He wasn’t just a host but also a performer who gave his show a personal stamp. Even when television comedy evolved, his name carried weight, and his influence lingered long after his series ended.
9. Dean Martin
Dean Martin took his easygoing charm and music career to television with The Dean Martin Show, which premiered in 1965. Unlike some hosts, Martin’s style seemed completely relaxed, as if he was just hanging out with friends. This effortless persona made audiences feel like they were part of the party.
The show was famous for its casual atmosphere, with Martin often appearing to improvise his way through skits. Viewers tuned in just to see what he might do next. By the end of the ’60s, Martin had become one of the most popular variety hosts on television, cementing his place as both a singer and TV star.
10. Jackie Gleason
Known as The Great One, Jackie Gleason hosted The Jackie Gleason Show, which was a powerhouse in the ’60s. Already famous for The Honeymooners, Gleason used his variety platform to bring back familiar characters and introduce comedy sketches. He had a grand, larger-than-life stage presence that made him unforgettable.
Audiences loved his mix of music, comedy, and star power. Gleason’s ability to transition between slapstick and sentiment gave his show a wide appeal. By the late ’60s, his hosting presence had become a television fixture, and his booming personality made him impossible to ignore.
11. Merv Griffin
Merv Griffin became a household name in the ’60s thanks to The Merv Griffin Show, a talk show that rivaled the biggest names in the business. His friendly, curious interviewing style made celebrities open up in ways they often didn’t elsewhere. Griffin also had a natural sense of fun, which kept audiences engaged.
Behind the scenes, Griffin was also a game show innovator, later creating hits like Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. But during the ’60s, it was his presence on daytime and late-night television that made him instantly recognizable. He built a loyal following that stuck with him for decades.
12. Dick Cavett
By the late ’60s, Dick Cavett had carved out a reputation as the “thinking person’s talk show host.” He offered long-form conversations with celebrities, authors, and cultural icons, in contrast to the quicker banter of other hosts. His dry wit and intelligence set him apart.
Cavett’s shows gave audiences a different kind of entertainment — thoughtful but still lively. He wasn’t afraid to dive into politics or philosophy, which made him stand out during a turbulent decade. While not as flashy as Johnny Carson, Cavett was everywhere in the late ’60s, appealing to viewers who wanted something deeper.
13. Pat Boone
Pat Boone was a music star before he became a TV host, but his wholesome image made him a natural fit for the small screen. Throughout the ’60s, he headlined musical variety shows and guest-hosted for others. His clean-cut charm appealed to families and made him a frequent presence in living rooms across the country.
Boone’s shows often featured musical performances and lighthearted skits, giving him a chance to showcase both his voice and personality. Though his popularity as a performer eventually waned, his run as a TV host in the ’60s made him one of the most recognizable personalities of the era.
14. George Burns
Even after The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show ended in the late ’50s, George Burns remained a fixture on television throughout the ’60s. He frequently hosted specials and variety programs, bringing his trademark humor and cigar to the screen. Burns had a seasoned showbiz charm that audiences never tired of.
His solo hosting gigs reminded viewers of the dynamic comedy he had once shared with Gracie. While younger audiences might have seen him as old-fashioned, he remained a beloved figure. For much of the ’60s, Burns managed to stay visible and relevant, proving that classic humor never really goes out of style.
