He-e-e-e-ere's Johnny!

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It was nearly 17 years ago that Johnny Carson made his final appearance as host of "The Tonight Show."

But that was not his absolute final television appearance.

That came 15 years ago today, when he made a brief appearance on "The David Letterman Show" on Friday, May 13, 1994.

It was the last time — to my knowledge — that Carson appeared on any TV program — and he never spoke a word to the audience. He later claimed that he was suffering from acute laryngitis.

Carson died of respiratory arrest stemming from emphysema more than 10 years later, on Jan. 23, 2005.

It probably isn't necessary to say that Carson was a special talent. For me, late night TV hasn't been the same since he left.

Oh, and by the way — on the day Carson appeared on Letterman's show, Carrie Prejean, the Miss California who has been in the news lately because of her views on marriage, marked her seventh birthday.

Did He Ever Find Those Cats?

It's hard for me to believe it's been 15 years since the debut of "Late Night With David Letterman" in the renovated theatre that was home to Ed Sullivan's TV show for so many years.

But so it has. Letterman's first show in the renamed Ed Sullivan Theatre in New York City was on Aug. 30, 1993.

His guests that night included Billy Joel, Tom Brokaw and Bill Murray.

And a surprise guest in the audience — Paul Newman.

I've read many tributes to Newman since his death on Sept. 26, but I haven't read or heard any recollections about that night in 1993.

It was so natural, so plausible.

After being "introduced" from the audience by a film clip of Ed Sullivan, Newman asked Letterman, "Where the hell's the singing cats?"

Apparently, Newman was referring to the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical "Cats," which had been a hit in England and on Broadway for more than a decade.

"No, Paul, this isn't 'Cats,'" Letterman replied. "It's me, Dave Letterman. This is my new show from the Ed Sullivan Theatre."

Newman looked at his ticket stub, then said, "Oops, sorry, wrong theatre," and walked out while the audience cheered.

Newman's home was in Westport, Conn., which is about 45 miles from New York City. It certainly wouldn't be hard to imagine him driving to New York to take in a popular show.

But I don't recall seeing anyone — even his wife, Joanne Woodward — with him in the audience.

Nevertheless, I hope he found those cats.