Johnny Carson’s Emotional Farewell: Friend Recalls TV Icon’s ‘Last Supper’

In a heartfelt revelation, Howard Smith, a close friend and neighbor of the legendary Johnny Carson, shares the intimate and emotional story of their final moments together. The iconic host of the 'Tonight Show,' who entertained millions with his wit, faced a quieter battle in his later years—one that ultimately claimed his life.

Smith recalls how Carson’s heavy smoking habit—three packs a day—worried him deeply. “I nagged him for months to cut back,” Smith remembers, until one day Carson admitted the harm and quit cold turkey. For the last 18 years of his life, he didn’t touch a cigarette, but the damage was already done. Diagnosed with emphysema in 2002, Carson passed away in 2005 at 79.

In his memoir, 'My Friend Johnny: The Last 20 Years of a Beautiful Life with Johnny Carson and Friends,' Smith paints a portrait of a private man who trusted few but opened up to those outside the showbiz glare. Their bond, built over tennis matches and candid conversations, revealed a Carson far different from the critical portrayals often seen in the media. Smith wanted the world to know the warm, stubborn, and genuine friend he cherished.

One memory stands out—a poignant dinner in Malibu after New Year’s in 2005, which Smith calls their 'last supper.' Carson, unusually animated, regaled Smith and his wife with hilarious stories from his storied career, keeping them laughing until their sides ached. “He didn’t want the night to end,” Smith reflects. At the evening’s close, Carson’s rare display of affection—hugs, kisses, and an 'I love you'—hinted at a deeper farewell. Just 16 days later, he was gone.

Smith believes Carson knew his time was near but chose to shield his loved ones from worry, focusing instead on joy and connection. Beyond the spotlight, Carson embraced retirement with curiosity—learning Swahili in Africa, studying Russian, gazing at stars through a telescope, and even delighting in card tricks with local kids. He also gave generously in secret, supporting causes like children’s hospitals and homeless veterans.

Through Smith’s eyes, we see a man who loved life fiercely, even as it slipped away. This tribute reminds us that behind the laughter Carson gifted the world, there was a heart that valued quiet, meaningful bonds above all.