Johnny Carson
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Heeeere’s Johnny! Or … not. The TV host with the golden comedic timing became notoriously private after his retirement in 1992. Even before he stepped down as the king of late-night, the seemingly gregarious star gave few interviews — and withdrew if they went too in-depth.
The one and only social function that Carson continued to participate in was monthly poker night at friend and producer Daniel Melnick’s house. It was mostly the same crew every time, including people like Steve Martin, Neil Simon, and Chevy Chase.
“John was not comfortable playing with someone he didn’t know,” Melnick says. “I’d have to brief him beforehand.” Other than the poker games, Carson spent a lot of time traveling with a very close-knit group, or alone on his yacht.
Such is the paradox of the ever-outgoing man on stage versus the very reserved and quiet man off of it. Perhaps the most relevant reason for Carson’s double persona was the lack of approval by his critical mother, Ruth. Is this why he strove so diligently for the approval of America? Here’s hoping he finally received it before his death in 2005.
