A revealing and incisive account of the King of Late Night at the height of his fame and power, by his lawyer, wingman, fixer, and closest confidant.
From 1962 until 1992, Johnny Carson hosted The Tonight Show and permeated the American consciousness. In the 70s and 80s he was the countrys highest-paid entertainer and its most enigmatic. He was notoriously inscrutable, as mercurial (and sometimes cruel) off-camera as he was charming and hilarious onstage. During the apex of his reign, Carsons longtime lawyer and best friend was Henry Bushkin, who now shows us Johnny Carson with a breathtaking clarity and depth that nobody else could.
From the moment in 1970 when Carson hired Bushkin (who was just twenty-seven) until the moment eighteen years later when they parted ways, the author witnessed and often took part in a string of escapades that still retain their power to surprise and fascinate us. One of Bushkins first assignments was helping Carson break into a posh Manhattan apartment to gather evidence of his wifes infidelity. More than once, Bushkin helped his client avoid entanglements with the mob. Of course, Carsons adventures werent all so sordid. He hosted Ronald Reagans inaugural concert as a favor to the new president, and he prevented a drunken Dean Martin from appearing onstage that evening. Carson socialized with Frank Sinatra, Jack Lemmon, Jimmy Stewart, Kirk Douglas, and dozens of other boldface names who populate this atmospheric and propulsive chronicle of the King of Late Night and his world.
But this memoir isnt just dishy. It is a tautly rendered and remarkably nuanced portrait of Carson, revealing not only how he truly was, but why. Bushkin explains why Carson, a voracious (and very talented) womanizer, felt he always had to be married; why he loathed small talk even as he excelled at it; why he couldnt visit his son in the hospital and wouldnt attend his mothers funeral; and much more. Bushkins account is by turns shocking, poignant, and uproarious written with a novelists eye for detail, a screenwriters ear for dialogue, and a knack for comic timing that Carson himself would relish. Johnny Carson unveils not only the hidden Carson, but also the raucous, star-studded world he ruled.
Delve into the captivating and often contradictory world of Johnny Carson, the undisputed King of Late Night, through the eyes of his closest confidant, lawyer, and fixer, Henry Bushkin. "Johnny Carson," a gripping memoir by Bushkin, pulls back the curtain on the enigmatic television icon, offering an unprecedentedly intimate and insightful portrait that transcends the carefully constructed public persona. For nearly two decades, Bushkin was more than just Carson's legal counsel; he was his trusted advisor, his partner in escapades, and the keeper of his deepest secrets. This isn't just a collection of Hollywood anecdotes; it's a nuanced exploration of the man behind the legend a man who commanded the airwaves and captivated a nation, yet remained profoundly guarded and, at times, tormented. Bushkin's narrative crackles with energy, transporting readers to the glittering, high-stakes world of 1970s and 80s Hollywood. Experience the thrill of outrageous adventures, from clandestine missions to gather evidence of marital infidelity (including breaking into an apartment) to navigating the treacherous waters of potential mob entanglements. But beyond the sensational headlines, Bushkin paints a picture of Carson's complex inner life. Discover the motivations behind his relentless womanizing, his aversion to small talk, and his deeply personal struggles that remained hidden from the public eye. Why couldn't Carson visit his own son in the hospital, or attend his mother's funeral? Bushkin delves into these uncomfortable truths, providing context and understanding without excusing the flaws. "Johnny Carson" is more than just a tell-all memoir; it's a compelling character study that reveals the human vulnerabilities beneath the polished veneer of a television icon. It explores the paradox of a man who thrived in the spotlight yet craved privacy, who commanded attention yet struggled with intimacy. Through Bushkin's sharp observations and vivid storytelling, readers gain a unique understanding of the forces that shaped Johnny Carson into the King of Late Night and the price he paid for his reign. Explore Carson's relationships with fellow entertainment luminaries, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Ronald Reagan, and countless others, revealing a world of power, influence, and unwavering ambition. This First Edition, First Printing hardcover is a must-read for anyone fascinated by Hollywood history, celebrity culture, and the enduring legacy of Johnny Carson. Prepare to be shocked, moved, and ultimately captivated by this unprecedented glimpse into the life of a true American icon. Written with a novelists flair and a comedians timing, its a biography that reads like a thriller, offering a rare and unforgettable portrait of a man who shaped American entertainment. This insightful memoir offers revelations and anecdotes not found elsewhere, making it an essential addition to any biography collection.