MovieChat Forums > The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) Discussion > Carson's biography by Henry Bushkin

Carson's biography by Henry Bushkin

posted 9 years ago by fanaticita
9 replies | jump to latest

I just finished reading Bushkin's biography of Carson (2013) and was deeply moved by the description of Carson's relationship with his mother. I quote: "His mother, Ruth Carson, inflicted emotional pain on her offspring that endured throughout their lives. She ignored his needs, was indifferent and lacked emotion. The damage manifested itself in Johnny in bonding, decision making, and depression. He constantly sought her approval but she never really accepted him. He could never really be happy with any woman for an extended period of time, including his children. All his life he strove to win his mother's love and never received it." Very sad. But fortunately his fans loved him, and I hope he recognized that love.

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[–] ScarletKnights 9 years ago

To be fair, Bushkin was in a better position than anyone else to know.

[–] 9 years ago

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[–] 9 years ago

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[–] tmaj48 9 years ago

While the book has some interesting insights, such as the relationship between Carson and his mother, overall it reeks of spite. Carson had a falling-out with "Bombastic Bushkin" in his later years, and this bio reads like Bushkin is out to
get revenge on a dead guy (who certainly gave him some good times over the years).

I'm not crying, you fool, I'm laughing!

Hewwo.

[–] 9 years ago

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[–] ScarletKnights 9 years ago

To be fair, he couldn't write the book while Johnny was alive because of lawyer-client privilege.

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[–] fanaticita 9 years ago

Yes, Carson and Bushkin did have a falling out over something that was misunderstanding regarding Carson's company. The explanation in the book made me believe that someone was trying to drive a wedge between Carson and Bushkin, and succeeded. The two were very close for 20 years, and for the friendship (he was also Carson's attorney) to end without Bushkin being able to defend himself was very sad. Bushkin wasn't trying to "get back" at Carson, I think he was just trying to work out the disappointment and frustration at losing his good friend.