Curious World Staff
Christopher Carson, the eldest son of legendary Tonight Show host Johnny Carson, has died at the age of 74.
The news was confirmed by Howard Smith, a close friend of Johnny Carson, during an appearance on Joe Sibilia’s Nostalgia Tonight podcast. Smith said he learned of Christopher’s passing two months ago from Johnny’s nephew, Jeff Sotzing, and noted the death occurred earlier this year. No cause of death was disclosed.
“When I asked Jeff what was happening with Chris, he said, ‘Howard, Chris just died last week.’ I was stunned,” Smith shared. He also recalled how he used to play golf with Chris in Fort Lauderdale, where Chris was a club member and worked as a golf instructor.
Christopher, born in 1950, was one of three sons Johnny shared with his first wife, Joan Morrill Wolcott. His brother Rick died in a car accident in 1991 at age 39, while his youngest brother Cory is still alive but reportedly stays out of the spotlight.
Though Chris lived a mostly private life, he drew public attention in the 1980s during a contentious custody battle with ex-partner Tanena Love Green over their daughter, Christal Love Carson. During the case, it was revealed that his main income came from support provided by his father.
Johnny Carson passed away in 2005 at age 79.
