Reflecting on Johnny Carson’s Final Days: A Heartfelt Tribute from His Close Friend

Reflecting on Johnny Carson’s Final Days: A Heartfelt Tribute from His Close Friend

Howard Smith often harbored concerns for his dear friend, Johnny Carson. The legendary host of ‘The Tonight Show’ had a complicated relationship with smoking that worried Smith throughout the years.

Smith recalled, ‘He smoked a lot – he would smoke three packs of cigarettes a day.’ Their friendship included moments of camaraderie, playing tennis together followed by a smoke. Despite his efforts to persuade Carson to reconsider his habit, Smith experienced moments of frustration.

After months of discussions, Carson finally conceded, admitting, ‘I’ve realized that it’s not good for you and I shouldn’t be doing it.’ He successfully quit smoking thereafter, but the damage had already been done. In 2002, Carson was diagnosed with emphysema, leading to his death in 2005 at the age of 79.

Smith, who described his friendship with Carson as profound, has now shared their experiences in a recently published memoir titled ‘My Friend Johnny: The Last 20 Years of a Beautiful Life with Johnny Carson and Friends.’ This book provides insight into the private life of a man often veiled in celebrity. The foreword is written by fellow comedian Jay Leno.

In his memoir, Smith expressed his desire for the public to understand the real Johnny Carson, the man he cherished. He stated, ‘I wanted people to know John – the John I knew.’ Having established a successful software company, Smith held a unique position outside the show business world, allowing Carson to trust him.

Smith lamented, ‘I have read several things that have been written about John, and I would say that 90% of those articles were not favorable.’ He hoped to provide an accurate account of his friend to counter these negative portrayals.

Challenges with Smoking and Health

Carson’s struggle with smoking remained a prominent subject during their time together. Smith shared that Carson was ‘an avid smoker,’ and frequently urged him to quit. Ultimately, it was Carson’s fourth wife, Alexis Maas, who played a pivotal role in his decision to stop smoking.

‘John was a stubborn person,’ admitted Smith. ‘I’d give him a hard time about it a lot. I think that’s why he liked me, because we’d go back and forth on different things. I never treated him like a star.’

In 2002, a CBS News story reported Carson’s optimistic views despite his deteriorating health. He stated through a spokesperson that he was managing his illness ‘the best I can.’ However, according to Smith, Carson’s health took a downturn that he chose not to disclose publicly, wishing to avoid causing worry among fans.

Reflecting on their time spent together, Smith noted, ‘In our 20 years of playing tennis together, I knew the sound of John’s laugh, his forehand grunts, and his labored breathing.’ He recognized a significant change as Carson’s breathing became more labored, eventually leading to less frequent matches. Tragically, their last game marked a turning point in their friendship.

A Last Supper to Remember

Smith vividly remembers their final dinner together, which took place shortly after New Year’s in 2005. He described that night as ‘the last supper.’ The two friends found themselves unexpectedly together at a pharmacy in Malibu, where Carson proposed they go out for dinner.

They went to a local restaurant, arriving early and staying late. Smith shared, ‘John was the funniest I’ve ever seen him. He went on and on, told stories about different people that he had on the show… We just laughed so hard. Our stomachs were sore from laughing.’

Smith couldn’t shake the feeling that something deeper was happening during that dinner. He noted, ‘We probably had 500 dinners together, and he was never that funny, going on and on. Looking back, there must have been something going on in his head that night.’

As their dinner progressed, Carson was animated and eager to share. Smith observed, ‘For some reason, that night, he just wanted to tell us all these stories and make us laugh.’ Their laughter echoed through the restaurant, an unforgettable reminiscence of friendship and joy.

As the evening drew to a close, Carson expressed his love for both Smith and his wife, Jane. ‘John was not standoffish, but I’d never seen him do anything like that,’ Smith said. This farewell sentiment weighed heavily on Smith, who later reflected, ‘I think he knew he was dying, but didn’t want us to worry.’

Carson’s Legacy Beyond the Stage

Sixteen days after their dinner, Carson passed away. Smith’s memories of that night serve as a poignant reminder of their bond and Carson’s impact on his life. He recalled feeling that Carson wanted to leave them with a comforting message of love and reassurance.

Beyond the laughter and camaraderie, Smith emphasized the importance of remembering the happier times they shared. He reflected on how their friendship evolved over the years, particularly as Carson gradually opened up about his life.

‘We used to play tennis three to four days a week,’ Smith chuckled. ‘Then one day he said, ‘Howard, I don’t think I can play anymore. I think I ran out of gas.’ During their later years, their activities shifted toward quieter pastimes, focusing on meaningful conversations rather than the spotlight of fame.

After retiring, Carson explored a life beyond television. Smith explained that Carson traveled the world, immersing himself in new cultures and learning languages. He even took a deep interest in astronomy, often stargazing. ‘He loved just being himself,’ Smith recalled fondly.

A Generous Spirit

Moreover, Carson’s profound generosity often went unrecognized. Smith revealed he quietly contributed to various charities, including the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles and local initiatives for homeless veterans. ‘He loved life,’ Smith remarked. ‘And he gave back. He didn’t need the publicity for it.’

Today, Smith strives to unveil a different perspective of Johnny Carson to the public, allowing them to appreciate the man behind the fame. He reflects, ‘I didn’t realize that he and I were building this special bond. But I’m still grateful for that day when we first decided to play tennis together.’