A Unique Farewell
The late-night TV legend Johnny Carson was known for his sharp wit and charismatic presence, but according to his close friend, there was a moment in his final days that stood out as deeply emotional. Howard Smith, a tech mogul and long-time companion of Carson, shared insights into the last dinner they had together, revealing a side of the icon that few had ever seen.
Smith often dined with Carson, but the last one was different. It happened after Carson spotted Smith at a pharmacy in Malibu. Instead of just passing by, he invited Smith and his wife for a dinner. The evening turned out to be one of the most memorable ones for Smith, as Carson was unusually affectionate and full of humor.
“John was the funniest I’ve ever seen him,” Smith told Fox News. “He went on and on, told stories about different people that he had on the show… We just laughed so hard.”
Unlike previous dinners, where the pair would only spend a few hours together before parting ways, this time Carson insisted on staying out late. Smith and his wife were the first to arrive at the restaurant and the last to leave. Looking back, Smith believes something was different that night.
At the end of the evening, Carson drove them home and gave both Smith and his wife a kiss and a hug. He even said, “I love you.” This was unusual for Carson, who was typically more reserved. Smith believes that Carson may have sensed his time was coming to an end, but he didn’t want to worry them.
Carson passed away 16 days later. For Smith, that night was filled with a sense of closure. “When I think about that night, I feel he wanted to tell us that he would be okay, and that he loved us. That’s the John I knew.”
A Changing Routine
Smith also recalled how Carson’s life changed over time. The two often played tennis together, but eventually, it became coffee at Carson’s house. The comedian admitted that physical activity had become too much for him.
“I’ll make you a coffee, and we’ll just sit around, talk about life,” Carson once told Smith. This routine became a regular part of their friendship, creating a bond that lasted for years.
Smith still remembers the day they first decided to play tennis together. “I’m still grateful for that day,” he said. Their friendship, built on shared moments and deep conversations, continued to grow even as Carson’s health declined.
A Book to Share a Different Side of Johnny
To honor his friend, Smith wrote a book titled My Friend Johnny: The Last 20 Years of a Beautiful Life with Johnny Carson and Friends. The book aims to give readers a glimpse into Carson’s life behind the scenes, showing the man he knew.
“I wanted people to know John – the John I knew,” Smith explained. Through his writing, he hopes to capture the essence of Carson’s personality and the warmth he showed during their time together.
Carson hosted The Tonight Show from 1962 to 1992, earning the nickname “King of Late Night.” The show received six Emmys, cementing his legacy in television history. Carson died in 2005 at the age of 79 due to emphysema, a lung condition that caused difficulty breathing.
A Legacy Remembered
Though Carson is no longer with us, his impact continues through the memories of those who knew him. Smith’s story offers a heartfelt look into the final days of a television icon, highlighting the human side of a man who was always larger than life on screen.
As the world continues to celebrate Carson’s contributions to entertainment, Smith’s book serves as a reminder of the personal connections that made him truly unforgettable.
