Lola Falana’s ban from The Tonight Show was rooted in a feud between Johnny Carson and Wayne Newton, her close friend and collaborator. Newton, a veteran entertainer, had clashed with Carson over business dealings in Las Vegas, leading to a bitter rivalry. Carson’s penchant for mocking Newton on his show extended to Falana, who found herself on Carson’s blacklist simply because of her association with Newton.
The feud between Carson and Newton stemmed from a contentious battle over the purchase of a Las Vegas hotel, which Newton ultimately won. Carson’s jokes about Newton’s masculinity struck a nerve, prompting Newton to confront Carson in person and threaten him with physical violence if the jokes didn’t stop.
While the jokes did cease, the fallout from the feud had lasting repercussions for both Newton and Falana. Despite Falana’s immense talent and success as a performer, her ban from The Tonight Show marked a turning point in her career, and she never regained the same level of mainstream recognition.
Falana’s remarkable journey from a young dancer in Harlem to a groundbreaking performer in Las Vegas is a testament to her resilience and talent. Though she faced adversity and challenges throughout her life, she remained true to herself and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.