Howard Smith, a retired businessman and close friend of iconic late-night talk show host Johnny Carson, has written a memoir that offers an intimate look into the life of the television legend. The book, ‘My Friend Johnny: The Last 20 Years of a Beautiful Life with Johnny Carson and Friends,’ was recently published and co-authored by Jay Leno, who wrote the foreword. Smith recounts their 20-year friendship, highlighting the moments that shaped Carson’s life, including the health challenges he faced and the final days of his life.
Smith recalls that Carson was an avid smoker, a habit that eventually led to his diagnosis of emphysema in 2002. Despite repeated encouragement from friends, including Smith, Carson was known for his stubbornness. It was only after his fourth wife, Alexis Maas, insisted that he quit that he finally did so. However, the damage was already done, and by 2005, Carson had passed away at the age of 79.
Smith, who was not in show business and owned a large software company, claims that Carson trusted him more than his peers in the entertainment industry. This connection is a central theme of the memoir, which portrays Carson’s private side, often hidden from the public eye. The book also highlights Carson’s later years, where he embraced new hobbies and interests outside of his career. He traveled the world, learning languages like Russian and Swahili, and spent time studying astronomy. These aspects of his life were largely unknown to the public, as Carson was known for his reclusive nature.
One of the most poignant moments described in the memoir is the ‘last supper’ between Carson and Smith, which is said to have occurred after New Year’s in 2005. Smith recalls that night as a moment of levity and emotional depth, where Carson expressed his love for his friends and his deep connection to them. He described the evening as one of laughter and storytelling, with Carson going on and on about the people he had on his show. Smith believes that Carson, despite his illness, wanted to make a lasting impression on those around him.
Smith also discusses Carson’s charitable contributions, which he did in secret. He donated to the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles and to a local group that supported homeless veterans, among other causes. Smith emphasizes that Carson gave back without seeking recognition for his good deeds. Despite his fame, Carson was known for being humble, and Smith’s memoir aims to capture that essence.
Today, Smith reflects on the life of his friend and the bond they shared. He expresses gratitude for the time they spent together and hopes that the public will come to know a more personal side of the late-night icon. The memoir serves as a tribute to a man who was loved by his friends and who left a lasting legacy in both comedy and philanthropy.