My Friend Johnny: The Last 20 Years of a Beautiful Life with Johnny Carson and Friends
For those of us old enough to remember, watching Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show was the perfect way to unwind before turning in for the night. With his sharp wit, instinctive comedic timing, and unflappable calm and confidence, Carson was the master of the monologue, concluding each with his signature golf swing. In conversation with his guests, he never stole their moment in the spotlight, yet skillfully brought out the best in each.
But who was Johnny Carson once he stepped off the stage? According to Howard Smith in My Friend Johnny, he was simply “John,” the kind, funny and surprisingly shy neighbor who became a confidante and companion. Spanning the final two decades of Carson’s life, Smith’s memoir traces the evolution of an unexpected friendship forged over tennis matches, shared dinners and quiet conversations. It’s also a meaningful testament to the humanity that connects us all.
An Unlikely Pair with a Deep Kinship
Smith, a self-described “Forrest Gump” figure whose life took him from Detroit’s blue-collar neighborhoods of his youth to Malibu’s elite enclave of Point Dume, writes with a sense of wonder about his unexpected encounters with the rich and famous. A successful software executive who had retired early due to a health scare, his background was far more ordinary than the lives of the celebrity acquaintances in Carson’s orbit. And yet, he and Carson connected on a deeply meaningful level.
He recounts numerous behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Some are funny: Carson’s reaction upon receiving the same sweater as a gift from Smith and his wife (he donned them both), Smith fooling Carson into thinking he was a concert-level pianist (he was “playing” on a player piano). Some are touching: Carson attending Smith’s 50th birthday party, sobbing over the loss of his mother, and quietly donating millions to veterans’ charities. Through the lens of Smith’s stories, Carson emerges not as a spotlight-seeking icon but as a private man who valued loyalty, simplicity and laughter.
The Surprising Roots of Success
Smith populates the second half of the book with stories of his many celebrity encounters inside and outside of Carson’s circle — Oprah, Wayne Gretzky, David Foster, Johnny Mathis and others — offering his observations on a pattern he has discovered among truly successful people: kindness, humor, humility, curiosity and gratitude — traits grounded in human connection rather than celebrity allure. The inclusion of these chapters elevates the book beyond a tribute to one man, putting him in the context of these same shared qualities.
Likewise, Smith’s accounts never feel boastful or self-motivated. His “Forrest Gump” self-comparison is not false modesty — it genuinely reflects how serendipitous his life has been. He writes about how lucky he feels, how much others have meant to him, and how he tried to do the right thing. Smith sees his life as blessed and improbably full of meaningful moments, relationships and success — not necessarily because he planned it that way, but because he embraced life’s opportunities and people with an open heart.
A Heartfelt Tribute to the Human Behind the Icon
Smith’s writing in My Friend Johnny is warm, conversational and deeply personal. His strength as a storyteller lies in his ability to convey the emotional resonance of seemingly small moments and subtle details. Carson’s personality, in particular, shines through every account. Smith captures not just what happened, but how it felt to be there.
Most importantly, Smith never breaches Carson’s trust or violates his privacy. He shares just enough to bring readers closer to the real man without intruding. This restraint, combined with the emotional depth of their friendship, gives My Friend Johnny its heart. It is not just a memoir — it is a moving, respectful celebration of friendship and the humanity of a man who made America laugh while quietly keeping his true self reserved for a lucky few.
HOWARD SMITH has led a “Forrest Gump” life filled with fascinating celebrities, unexpected adventures and extraordinary opportunities. He achieved great success leading the world’s largest software company for a decade until a heart attack — and L.A. Dodgers Manager Tommy Lasorda urging him to change course — led him to retire in his 40s and focus on truly living. He moved to Malibu and discovered he was neighbors with Johnny Carson, who became a dear friend and changed his life’s trajectory. Howard’s remarkable journey is one of fate, perseverance and bold choices. Above all, he thanks God for his blessings: his wife of 48 years, Jane, his son, Scott, his grandson, Damian, and his loyal dog, Addie, who make every day a gift.
