Donny Most: TV's "Happy Days" and the Death of Late Night

TV icon Donny Most joins Raymond for a deep dive into the magic of classic television—from his breakout role as Ralph Malph on Happy Days to the cultural glue that shows like All in the Family, MASH*, and The Carol Burnett Showprovided. Donny reflects on why those series resonated so deeply with audiences across generations, and how the shift to live-audience tapings helped turn Happy Days into a runaway hit. He also shares the unexpected story behind his catchphrase “I still got it” and how it made its way from a backstage joke to a national mantra. Raymond explores what today’s TV has lost in the process—especially when it comes to late-night. As CBS shutters The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Raymond looks back at Johnny Carson’s enduring appeal, the brilliance of reactive comedy, and why political posturing has turned late-night into a dying format. With genuine laughs and unscripted moments largely gone, is there any saving the genre? Donny also opens up about life after Happy Days—his challenges breaking free from typecasting, his work with legends like Angela Lansbury and Robin Williams, and his leap into the world of jazz. Now a touring vocalist with two albums under his belt, Donny explains why the Great American Songbook still speaks to the heart, and how his passion for music began long before his acting career ever took off. It’s a wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation about fame, reinvention, and what America really wants from its entertainers. Whether you're a fan of vintage TV, timeless music, or just a good story well told—this is one you won’t want to miss. 🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations: Arroyo Grande, available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, and everywhere you listen, watch & stream.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.