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The off-screen persona of Johnny Carson
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Oct 15, 2013
Listen 17:58
The off-screen persona of Johnny Carson
Johnny Carson was the late night king from 1962 until 1992 with his popular show, “The Tonight Show.” At his peak, he was one of America’s highest paid entertainers. But what was he really like behind closed doors?
"Johnny Carson" By Henry Bushkin
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Johnny Carson was the late night king from 1962 until 1992 with his popular show, “The Tonight Show.” At his peak, he was one of America’s highest paid entertainers. But what was he really like behind closed doors?

Johnny Carson was the late night king from 1962 until 1992 with his popular show, “The Tonight Show.” At his peak, he was one of America’s highest paid entertainers. But what was he really like behind closed doors?

His long time lawyer and close confidant, Henry Bushkin was there for many pivotal years of Carson’s life. Bushkin writes a novel that gives a nuanced portrait of an American icon.  For nearly two years Bushkin and Carson were close friends until they parted ways in the late 1980s. Bushkin explores why Carson always wanted to be married, and tries to share how he remembers his once close friend.

Guest:
Henry Bushkin, Long-time lawyer and confidant to Johnny Carson; Author of “Johnny Carson” (Published by Eamon Dolan/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; October 15, 2013)

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Host, AirTalk
Host, All Things Considered, AirTalk Friday
Senior Producer, AirTalk & FilmWeek
Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Associate Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Apprentice News Clerk, AirTalk
Apprentice News Clerk, FilmWeek