Most people remember Johnny Carson as the witty host who dominated late-night TV for decades. But his eldest son, Chris Carson, lived a much quieter life. Sadly, Chris, the first son of The Tonight Show legend Johnny Carson, died earlier this year at the age of 74.
His death was confirmed by Howard Smith, a longtime family friend, during an appearance on the Nostalgia Tonight podcast. The news had been passed along quietly, without a public statement or obituary.
Howard Smith revealed Chris Carson’s death at a show
Howard Smith talked about his attempts to reach Chris after moving to Florida. He even joined a golf club where Chris had been a member. But the two never reconnected. It wasn’t until Smith attended a tribute show for Johnny, hosted by Johnny’s nephew Jeff Sotzing, that he le