Giving Back
In 2004, Carson decided to donate $5.3 million to the University of Nebraska Foundation in order to help the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts Department of Theater Arts. They then opened up the Johnny Carson School of Theater in Film thanks to his donation.
A Big Smoker
One of Johnny Carson’s biggest vices was smoking cigarettes. He was known for his heavy smoking habit, reportedly even smoking up to four packs a day. However, his habit did catch up to him in the end. On January 23rd, 2005, Carson passed away due to respiratory failure when he was 79 years old.