Close Call With Mafia
An innocent mistake almost got the talk show into some deep trouble with the mafia! Back in 1970, Carson began flirting with a woman, who he invited home. Unbeknownst to Johnny, this woman’s boyfriend was a mobster. Thus, upon the boyfriend’s return, he and his friends assaulted Carson and sent him flying down the stairs of the bar. Luckily, the bar owner stopped the fight right there. Naturally, a hit went out on Johnny, but the superstar was able to get it canceled with some help. Apparently, agents at William Morris had to work hard to make a deal with Joseph Colombo who only requested that the network make sure to cover an upcoming rally for Italian-Americans in a positive light.
Close Call With Mafia
Battle With Alcoholism
Again, Carson usually kept his private life off the air. Yet, he shared a very personal struggle in his 60 Minutes interview with Mike Wallace in 1979. He expressed how hard it has been for him to drink responsibly. He said on the air, “I don’t handle alcohol well at all, no. Really don’t.” Also, he added that instead of a fun, silly drunk, he found himself getting aggressive and moody towards other people.
Battle With Alcoholism
