If you are a fan of Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, you probably know Uncle Johnny, the World’s Oldest Intern and the inventor of Elvis’ trademark sayings “Hello lady!” and “What are ya, bananas?”. Uncle Johnny is a regular guest on the show, where he mixes his favorite cocktails and shares his hilarious stories. But how did he become part of the radio family? And is he related to Elvis Duran?
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The History of Uncle Johnny and Elvis Duran
According to Z100, Uncle Johnny and Elvis Duran met in 1996, when Elvis was working at a radio station in Austin, Texas. Uncle Johnny was a bartender at a gay club called Oilcan Harry’s, where Elvis used to hang out. They became friends and kept in touch when Elvis moved to New York to host Z100’s morning show.
In 2000, Uncle Johnny visited Elvis in New York and made his first appearance on the show. He brought his blender and made some margaritas for the crew. He also introduced his catchphrase “Hello lady!”, which Elvis adopted as his signature greeting. Since then, Uncle Johnny has been a recurring guest on the show, appearing every other Friday to make drinks and jokes.
The Relationship Between Uncle Johnny and Elvis Duran
Uncle Johnny and Elvis Duran are not related by blood, but they consider each other as family. They have a close bond that goes beyond friendship. They have supported each other through good times and bad times, including health issues, personal struggles, and career changes.
Uncle Johnny has been a mentor and a father figure to Elvis, who lost his own father when he was young. He has also been a role model for being openly gay in the entertainment industry. Elvis has described Uncle Johnny as “the most important person in my life” and “the glue that holds us all together”.
Elvis has also been a loyal and caring friend to Uncle Johnny, who has faced some serious health challenges in recent years. In 2020, Uncle Johnny was hospitalized for a blood infection and kidney failure. He underwent dialysis and surgery to install a blood pump. He also suffered from memory loss and confusion. Elvis and his partner Alex Carr visited him regularly and updated his fans on his condition via social media.
Thankfully, Uncle Johnny recovered from his illness and returned to the show in 2021. He celebrated his 78th birthday with Elvis and the crew in May. He also got vaccinated against COVID-19 and resumed his social life. He is currently living in New York with his dog Max.
The Legacy of Uncle Johnny and Elvis Duran
Uncle Johnny and Elvis Duran have been entertaining millions of listeners for over two decades with their humor, honesty, and heart. They have also been inspiring people with their courage, resilience, and generosity. They have raised money for various charities, such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, GLAAD, God’s Love We Deliver, and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Uncle Johnny and Elvis Duran are more than radio personalities. They are icons of pop culture and LGBTQ+ community. They are also family to each other and to their fans. As Uncle Johnny once said, “We’re not just a morning show. We’re a morning show family. Love all, serve all.”
