In his new book, Myfriendjohnny.com, author Howard Smith, known for his remarkable, “Forrest Gump”-style life, takes readers on an exclusive, behind-the-scenes journey into the world of late-night legend Johnny Carson. Offering a rare and personal perspective, Smith recounts his decades-long friendship with Carson, a man who reshaped television and the landscape of late-night entertainment.
In Myfriendjohnny.com, Smith reveals the untold stories of his time with Carson, shedding light on moments that the public has never seen. The book explores Carson’s private life, revealing anecdotes from Hollywood’s golden years, private relationships, and moments of laughter and insight. It’s a window into the human side of a figure who became a household name and changed the face of television.
“Johnny Carson was more than just a late-night host,” Smith reflects. “He was a man of incredible complexity and depth. Our friendship spanned decades, and I had the rare privilege of standing behind the curtain with him—witnessing firsthand the man that few people knew. This book is my attempt to share that side of Johnny Carson, the one that Jay Leno and I knew.”
The book is already generating buzz, with Jay Leno endorsing it as “a testament to the Johnny Carson both Howard and I knew.” Leno’s praise for Myfriendjohnny.com highlights its accuracy and authenticity, offering a rich, human portrayal of the late-night icon, beyond the polished public persona that made Carson a legend. For fans of Carson, this is a chance to see him not only as a cultural titan but as a close friend, mentor, and fellow entertainer.
But Myfriendjohnny.com isn’t just a biography; it’s also a fascinating exploration of friendship, fame, and the world of television that both Smith and Carson inhabited. Smith’s journey mirrors the unpredictable adventures that came with being a close confidant of Carson, and the book offers readers a seat at the table during some of Hollywood’s most defining moments. From backstage encounters to intimate dinners with Hollywood elite, Smith reveals an insider’s look into the world of show business, where moments of vulnerability and humor intertwine with larger-than-life personalities.
“Johnny and I shared a lot of laughs, but we also had deep conversations about life, love, and the business we were both in,” Smith says. “This book is a reflection of those moments, offering readers a chance to understand Johnny on a more personal level—beyond his public persona. It’s a look at his relationships, his philosophies, and the life lessons he imparted to those around him.”
Beyond the entertainment world, Smith’s life story serves as a fascinating companion to his book. Much like the unpredictable course of Forrest Gump, Smith’s experiences led him to cross paths with influential figures across politics, history, and the arts. His tales are woven into the fabric of Hollywood’s most vibrant decades, with firsthand accounts of interactions with celebrities, powerful political figures, and legendary personalities that have shaped both pop culture and world events.
For readers who are fascinated by Carson’s impact on entertainment, Myfriendjohnny.com provides a rare, candid look at a man who captivated millions while maintaining a quiet, private side that few were privileged enough to witness. It offers a nuanced perspective on Carson’s career and personal life, highlighting his friendships, struggles, and the human side of stardom that often remains hidden from public view.
“My book isn’t just about Johnny Carson,” Smith explains. “It’s a reflection of a friendship that shaped my own life, and of the world in which we both operated. It’s about the lessons I learned from him, about the world of entertainment, and how he interacted with the people closest to him. It’s a portrait of the real Johnny Carson, the man who, in private, was very different from the man we saw on TV every night.”
Myfriendjohnny.com is more than just a memoir. It’s a celebration of friendship, the fleeting nature of fame, and the bond shared between two men who understood both the benefits and burdens of living life in the spotlight. Whether you’re a fan of Johnny Carson or simply someone who enjoys compelling, authentic storytelling, this book offers a treasure trove of anecdotes that provide deeper insights into the world of entertainment during one of its most vibrant eras.
For more information on Howard Smith’s Myfriendjohnny.com, visit Myfriendjohnny.com.