From Malibu to the Main Stage: How a Unique Friendship Unveils the Real Johnny Carson

Howard Smith, author, and longtime friend of the late-night television legend Johnny Carson, is releasing a new book, My Friend Johnny, which offers an unparalleled, behind-the-scenes look at the life and legacy of one of the most iconic figures in television history. In this intimate and revealing memoir, Smith pulls back the curtain on their extraordinary friendship, offering stories that only a true insider could share.

Smith’s personal connection to Carson, formed during a pivotal chapter in his own life, allowed him access to a side of the legendary talk show host that few ever saw. With a rich blend of humor, nostalgia, and insight, My Friend Johnny provides readers with an authentic glimpse into the man behind The Tonight Show, beyond the public persona that dominated the airwaves for nearly three decades.

Through his writing, Smith transports readers back to Hollywood’s golden age, where television’s biggest stars, including Carson, came to define entertainment. Smith’s memories are laced with warm anecdotes and candid reflections, painting a vivid picture of a friendship that transcended fame and the entertainment industry’s trappings.

My Friend Johnny is not just a book about Carson’s life or the glitz of late-night television; it is a personal journey through the complexities of friendship, fame, and the unpredictable twists of life. As Smith recounts, their bond was rooted in mutual respect and shared experiences, offering a rare insight into Carson’s world that even his most dedicated fans could not have imagined.

Jay Leno, a close friend of both Carson and Smith, also shares his endorsement of the book, praising it for its authenticity: “Howard’s book offers an honest look at Johnny Carson, the man we both knew and loved. This is a real look at the Johnny behind the legend. It’s a side of Johnny that only a few of us had the privilege to see, and Howard’s storytelling brings that to life beautifully.”

Through My Friend Johnny, readers are invited to experience Carson’s true character—his wit, humor, vulnerabilities, and private moments—through the eyes of someone who had a front-row seat to it all. From Malibu to the heart of the entertainment industry, Smith takes readers on a journey that’s as much about the unpredictable nature of life as it is about the unexpected friendships that shape our destiny.

The memoir offers a glimpse into Smith’s own life as well, providing context to how his path crossed with Carson’s and how their shared experiences in the spotlight impacted them both. My Friend Johnny is a reminder of the power of personal connections in a world that often values fame over friendship, and how, in unexpected moments, the most genuine relationships are formed.

My Friend Johnny is a celebration of the lasting legacy of Johnny Carson, not just as a television pioneer, but as a friend and mentor to those fortunate enough to know him personally. Smith’s book honors Carson’s influence on the entertainment world while offering readers a unique window into the man behind the curtain, the private moments, and the humor that made Carson a beloved figure in American culture.

For those who have ever been captivated by Carson’s humor and charisma, or simply by the power of authentic human connection, My Friend Johnny promises to be a compelling and heartfelt read.

To learn more about the book and its release, visit My Friend Johnny.

About Howard Smith:

Howard Smith is an author and longtime friend of Johnny Carson, whose personal journey intersects with the late-night television legend’s remarkable life. Through his close friendship with Carson, Smith offers readers a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on the television icon. With a voice that is both warm and insightful, Smith’s writing brings readers into the world of Hollywood’s golden age while offering reflections on the unpredictable nature of fame, friendship, and life itself.