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Jason Bateman Gets Johnny Carson up to Speed on Dating Lingo on 'The Tonight Show'

A young boy in a green striped shirt laughs with a man in a white suit on a talk show set.

In 1984, a 15-year-old Jason Bateman made his first appearance on 'The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.' At first, Johnny mistakenly introduces him as 'Joseph Bateman' two times. But Jason plays it off very well.

A young person with short brown hair, wearing a green shirt with red and blue stripes, is smiling and looking to the side.

He asks Jason if he could be anyone else in history, who would he choose. He says he'd like to be a bird to attend the Olympics and concerts for free. They reminisce about his time on 'Little House on the Prairie.'

Turning their conversation to teenage interests, Jason talks about how excited he is to turn 16 and drive. Johnny asks him if being an actor helps him with the ladies! Jason tells Johnny he wants the girl to date him for his personality, not his stardom.

An older man in a white suit and striped tie is seated, smiling, with a microphone in front of him.

Johnny asks if Jason is 'going steady,' and Jason quips that the term went out of style 10 years ago. They talk about exchanging bracelets or necklaces with girls to show their affection. Jason hilariously blames inflation on his lack of gift-giving!

Jason says his sister Justine, who is also a star, gives him dating tips. She tells Jason to call his girlfriend regularly and to be caring. Justine was a star of the hit show 'Family Ties.'

Jason Bateman and Johnny Carson

Johnny asks Jason how he would reject a girl if he wasn't interested. Jason gives up some of his ways of escape, and Johnny hilariously calls him out! The audience loves the exchange and laughs along the way.

Jason then shares a clip from his new sitcom, 'It's Your Move,' where his character steals his sister's diary. It is an exciting interview as Johnny matches wits with a young, intelligent Jason Bateman.

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