This intriguing passage sheds light on the fascinating journey of uncovering the untold stories of legendary late-night TV host Johnny Carson. Journalist Bill Zehme’s in-depth exploration of Carson’s life was cut short by his untimely passing, but his legacy was carried on by his dedicated research assistant, Mike Thomas, who completed and published the acclaimed biography “Carson the Magnificent.” The book delves into Carson’s complex relationships and upbringing, particularly his intricate connection with his mother, Ruth Elizabeth Hook Carson. The excerpt captures poignant moments from Carson’s life, showcasing his multifaceted personality and the lasting impact of his upbringing on his own family dynamics. Don’t miss out on learning more about the enigmatic Johnny Carson in Jim Axelrod’s report on “CBS Sunday Morning” March 2nd! For those who prefer listening, Audible offers a 30-day free trial to delve deeper into the captivating tale of this iconic figure.
The process of raising his sons was both challenging and bittersweet, especially since he believed he hadn’t given them what they deserved. In many ways, he may have unknowingly repeated the pain he had experienced himself, without knowing how to fix it. However, he did try to address these feelings indirectly. Even long after his sons grew up, he would offer gentle support to younger fathers facing tough times in their marriages, offering advice in a way that implied, “Do as I say, not as I do.” This was a rare exception to his usual reluctance to give advice.
One such recipient of his support was comedian Robert Klein, who recalled how he received repeated reminders from him during commercial breaks on The Tonight Show to let his son know how much he loved him. Johnny Carson, being a seasoned comedian, understood that tales of fatherhood mishaps could be comedic gold, especially when viewed with the passage of time. His humorous anecdotes about parenting, like the one involving guinea pigs in New York, became part of his public persona, even if they were just typical stories one might share at a suburban gathering.
Carson’s youngest son, Cory, reflects on how his father seemed to relish his role as a father figure among his friends, despite the irony of it all. The Tonight Show was where Carson most openly shared aspects of himself, often mentioning his sons with pride. Although his fame inadvertently shaped their lives, he tried to strike a balance by not letting it overshadow their individual paths.
In a candid email from Cory in 2005, he expresses mixed feelings about his father. He acknowledges Carson’s success in his career but also laments the personal sacrifices made by the family due to his pursuit of professional excellence. This left them watching his public success from afar, without fully experiencing it alongside him.
I think he was a typical entertainer in that area, so what can you do? Work came easy to him, but family did not. In an email from Cory Carson on August 3, 2005, he said: “I understand my dad’s flaws better than anyone, it’s been a lifelong study. I no longer feel unworthy, which was a big issue many years ago. Imagine watching the young guests on the show who had my Dad completely captivated by their every word. What did they have that we didn’t? Ten minutes of material! Hey!!! (snare-kick sound) Show business. Gotta love it.”
While Carson’s love for his sons was not often shown through hugs and praise, it was still there, hidden deep within him, waiting to be expressed. On June 21, 1991, it suddenly surfaced. Carson had only just begun his final season when, during a vacation, he received the devastating news that his middle child, Rick, had passed away in a car accident near Morro Bay, California. Rick, a thirty-nine-year-old amateur photographer, had likely been taking or setting up photos when his SUV went off a cliff, resulting in his death. Despite talk of Carson returning to The Tonight Show as planned, he was too grief-stricken and needed more time. However, a few weeks later, he returned to work. Helen Sanders, Carson’s long-time executive assistant, recalls their emotional reunion: “The first time I spoke with him on the phone, I didn’t know what to say. The only thing that came out was ‘I just wish I could give you a big hug.’ I felt so dumb afterwards. But when he came back to do the show, he asked for that hug. We hugged and cried together, and I felt him draw strength from me. I’m glad I could provide him a safe space that day.”
When Carson met with his writers after the tragedy, he warned them, “Don’t ever go through this, guys.” Then, it was back to business as usual, the show continuing as it must. Rick had worked briefly as a second assistant director on the pilot for Amen, and Ed. Weinberger, a former Tonight Show writer, regrets not being more patient with him during that time. Rick’s friend Danny Robinson, son of Tonight Show talent manager Bud Robinson, remembers him fondly for his humor and energy, qualities he shared with his father. Carson acknowledged this similarity to his second ex-wife Joanne.
“Carson could be cold and cruel, unlike me in so many ways,” according to Tonight Show associate producer Tom Boles. He described how Rick’s individuality was overshadowed by Johnny’s fame, making it impossible for him to exist as his own person. Boles noticed a troubled air about Rick and felt sorry for him. After Rick’s passing, a memorial was held at the Little Brown Church in Studio City, attended by Danny and Boles, among others. Despite Johnny Carson’s absence, friends and colleagues shared fond memories of Rick. Andy Friendly, a friend and colleague from the Tomorrow Show, expressed his devastation at Rick’s death in a letter to Johnny Carson, who replied with a brief thank you note. Carson, known for his private nature, delivered a heartfelt eulogy for Rick during a Tonight Show taping, showing rare emotion. The weeks following Rick’s death were difficult for Carson, as he also dealt with the passing of his friend Michael Landon. Displaying a photo of his son on screen, Carson remembered Rick as a vibrant and fun-loving young man.”
Rick stood nearby, causing a smile to form on your face. Carson briefly shifted his gaze towards the wings, where the sound of de Cordova conversing with director Bobby Quinn on the phone could be heard, indicating that they were running behind schedule. De Cordova, in a moment of regrettable timing, signaled Carson to wrap things up. This misstep strained their long-standing relationship, although they reportedly reconciled before de Cordova’s passing in 2001. Suppressing his anger, Carson continued as if nothing had occurred: “He tried so hard to bring joy. His laughter was infectious. Fortunately, he left behind wonderful memories for the entire family, which we hold onto dearly.” A series of Rick’s photographs were displayed, set to the smooth jazzy-bluesy tune “Riviera Paradise” by Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble—showcasing urban landscapes, rural scenery, mountainous shores, crashing waves, fields of wildflowers, and groves of poplar trees. (“This is dedicated to those facing hardships in any form,” Vaughn announced before a live performance of the song on October 10, 1989, at Austin City Limits.) The poignant montage lasted five and a half minutes. Carson was not one to indulge in prolonged emotional displays, even in the face of such a profound personal loss. However, offstage, his silent mourning persisted. Reflecting on the enduring impact of Rick’s death two decades later, Severinsen remarked, “Johnny was never the same after that.” Adapted from “Carson the Magnificent” by Bill Zehme with Mike Thomas. Copyright © 2024 by Bill Zehme. Reproduced with permission from Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved. Purchase the book here: “Carson the Magnificent” Available at local bookshops via Bookshop.org For additional information: “Carson the Magnificent” by Bill Zehme with Mike Thomas (Simon & Schuster), in Hardcover, Large Print, eBook, and Audio formats Preliminary autopsy findings in the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Dispute between Trump and Zelenskyy in Oval Office | Special Report Authorities suspect foul play in the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, prompting an investigation.
