Johnny Carson's friend says late-night king wisely avoided partisanship, as Kimmel controversy grows
Johnny Carson avoided political commentary on his show to focus on entertainment, according to his friend Howard Smith. Smith contrasts Carson's approach with modern late-night hosts like Jimmy Kimmel, whom he criticizes for relying on politics over comedy. Carson maintained professionalism by hosting figures like Ronald Reagan despite personal differences.
- ▪Johnny Carson kept his political views private and avoided discussing politics on 'The Tonight Show.'
- ▪Howard Smith, Carson's friend and tennis partner, believes today's comedians use politics to compensate for a lack of comedic talent.
- ▪Carson postponed his show by 24 hours after the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan out of respect.
- ▪Smith and Carson had differing political opinions but remained close friends for two decades.
- ▪Carson hosted President Reagan on his show multiple times despite not always agreeing with him personally.
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Media Johnny Carson's friend says late-night king wisely avoided partisanship, as Kimmel controversy grows Howard Smith says today's late-night hosts lean on politics because they lack real comedic talent By Madison Colombo Fox News Published May 2, 2026 8:00am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Kimmel condemned for 'sick' ‘expectant widow’ Melania joke Fox News contributor Marc Thiessen criticizes late night show host Jimmy Kimmel for an insensitive joke targeted at the Trump family on ‘The Story.’ NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Legendary comedian Johnny Carson held political convictions like any other American. But when the "on air" light came on, he kept them off the show.
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