Johnny Carson’s Legacy in Late Night Comedy

Johnny Carson, the iconic comedian, was as politically aware as anyone, yet he chose to keep those views off the air. His longtime neighbor and tennis partner, Howard Smith, sheds light on Carson’s decision to prioritize entertainment over political discourse. According to Smith, Carson believed his role was to make people laugh, avoiding political discussions that might turn off viewers. “He never talked about politics at all,” Smith stated, emphasizing Carson’s commitment to his audience.

Smith, who penned the book “My Friend Johnny: The Last 20 Years of a Beautiful Life with Johnny Carson and Friends,” scheduled for a 2025 release, mentions that contemporary late-night hosts seem to lean heavily on political commentary in their routines. In a candid moment, he shared his disdain for Jimmy Kimmel, saying simply, “I’m not a fan of Jimmy Kimmel.”

Carson’s principles were evident during pivotal moments, such as the Oscars in 1981, which took place just after the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan. He acknowledged the solemnity of the occasion, stating the show’s continuation felt trivial given the circumstances.

“Because of yesterday’s incredible events, the old adage that the show must go on seemed relatively unimportant,” Carson addressed the audience, a testament to his awareness and sensitivity.

Carson maintained his stance throughout his life. Even when hosting Reagan, he kept personal opinions at bay, emphasizing the importance of the office over individual beliefs. Smith reflects on this, noting that, despite differences in viewpoint, they maintained a close friendship. When Ronald Reagan passed away in 2004, Carson remained respectful and civil, sticking to his philosophy of separate personal and professional realms.

Today, Smith feels that the respect Carson showed has dwindled in current late-night dynamics, citing Kimmel’s recent controversy over remarks about Melania Trump as an example of how times have changed.

Kimmel faced backlash for jokingly referring to Melania Trump as a “widow” at a recent event, comments that prompted calls for him to be fired. In a moment of reflection, Smith pointed out that Kimmel, once a student of Carson, had once praised the late comedian, yet seems to be veering into territory Carson would have avoided.

“The difference these days is these guys aren’t as funny,” Smith remarked bluntly, suggesting that comedians are opting for political commentary rather than focusing on humor. He recalls Carson’s refusal to participate in political events, expressing a clear preference for staying out of such matters.

Smith also noted that Carson perceived the shifting landscape of comedy before retiring. He held reservations about David Letterman taking over his time slot, wary of the latter’s political approach to humor. Jay Leno, who eventually followed Carson, shared similar sentiments, advocating for laughter over political debates.

As Kimmel navigates backlash for his comments, he defended his intentions, stating it was meant as a light-hearted joke about age differences and reaffirmed his stance against gun violence. Observing the current atmosphere surrounding late-night television, it’s evident that Carson’s approach—one grounded in respect and entertainment—may feel like a distant memory in today’s landscape of comedy.