Pete Barbutti

Pete Barbutti (born Pete Rocco Barbuti, May 4, 1934 ) is an American comedian and musician. He made 38 appearances During his early career, he took inspiration from vocal groups such as The Four Others, The Four Freshman, Four Jacks and a Jill, The Modernaires, and The Pied Pipers. In 1985, he guest starred on season 6 episode 17 "solid gold" of Benson playing Pete (a card dealer).

Barbutti became a recurring guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson from 1971 to 1992, making 38 appearances. His first appearance on the show was on April 26, 1971 and his last was on March 12, 1992. Carson retired as host three months after Barbutti's last appearance. There was a six year gap between his debut and second performance on the show, 1971 and 1977; for the next decade from his second appearance onwards, he appeared on the show at least once every year for the next decade, being on the show the most in 1983 with eight appearances. After being on the show in 1987, he was not on the Tonight Show again until 1991.

Many editions of the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson made prior to May 1, 1972 are lost as a result of the tapes being junked and wiped. That includes Barbutti's debut appearance in 1971. In 1983, he hosted a short-lived variety show called Pete's Place. The show included guests such as Howie Mandel and John Candy.

Barbutti is still active in the industry, and is currently touring as a member of a comedy troupe called "The Four Jokers", that also includes Jay Johnson, Mark Schiff, and Scott Wood.

Personal life Barbutti married Mary Ann Barbuti in 1953, and moved to Las Vegas in 1960. They have three children. Barbutti still lives in Las Vegas as of 2024; he owns a small night club there.

The Tonight Show appearances 1971

April 26

1977

December 19

1978

February 9 July 5 October 30 December 11

1979

January 1 November 13

1980

January 7 May 20 December 1 December 10

1981

January 28 March 26 June 10 November 3

1982

January 8 March 9 June 3 July 15 August 23 October 28 November 29 December 14

1983

June 1 June 17 August 24 November 3

1984

February 7 May 16 October 3

1985

January 15 June 25 November 19

1986

October 2

1987

May 20

1991

October 2

1992

March 12