Howard Smith's memoir reveals the Johnny Carson few knew - a loyal friend who enjoyed astronomy, learned languages, and ...

Johnny Carson with his first wife Jody Wolcott at their home in Encino, California, circa 1955 ; Johnny Carson and Alexis Maas attend an event on September 21, 1983 in Beverly Hills, California ...

And Carson’s widow, Alexis Maas, called to say she’d seen it all and wanted to thank him. “You’ve been magnificent,” he remembered her telling him. “I love you, Ed, just as Johnny did.” ...

For reference, he married his wife, Alexis Maas, in 1987. It was his fourth and longest marriage, and it lasted until he died in 2005. Betty White met Johnny Carson before he grew into himself.

Johnny Carson, 79, whose topical monologues and outlandish comedy made him the foremost figure of late-night entertainment for three decades, died Sunday. ... Alexis Maas in 1987.

Johnny Carson’s longtime friend and neighbor Howard Smith is reflecting on their friendship 20 years after the late-night host’s death. Read an exclusive book excerpt.

Johnny Carson with his first wife Jody Wolcott at their home in Encino, California, circa 1955 ; Johnny Carson and Alexis Maas attend an event on September 21, 1983 in Beverly Hills, California.

Johnny Carson, beloved host of The Tonight Show, famously joked about his difficulties in love, casting the blame, at one point, on his most iconic role. “If I had given as much to marriage as I ...