The untold story of Richard Wolcott Carson, Johnny Carson's son

The untold story of Richard Wolcott Carson, Johnny Carson's son

Richard Wolcott Carson was an American celebrity child best known as Johnny Carson's son from his wife, Jody Morrill Wolcott. Johnny, a renowned television personality, comedian and writer, was widely recognized for hosting The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Sadly, Richard died on 21 June 1991. So, what happened to the celebrity son?

Richard Wolcott Carson’s net worth
Johnny Carson at The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Photo: Herb Ball
Source: Getty Images

Richard Wolcott Carson's cause of death was a traffic collision when his car plunged down a steep embankment along a paved service road near Cayucos, San Luis Obispo, California, USA. His untimely death shook the Hollywood scene to its core.

Richard Wolcott Carson's profile summary and bio

Full nameRichard Wolcott Carson
NicknameRicky
GenderMale
Date of birth18 June 1952
Died21 June 1991
Age at death39 years old
Zodiac signGemini
BirthplaceCalifornia, USA
Place of deathNear Cayucos, San Luis Obispo, California, USA
Cause of deathTraffic collision
NationalityAmerican
EthnicityWhite
ReligionChristianity
Hair colourDark brown
Eye colourDark brown
SexualityStraight
Marital statusSingle
Parents Johnny Carson and Jody Morrill Wolcott
SiblingsChristopher and Cory
Famous forBeing a celebrity kid
ProfessionPhotographer

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How old was Richard Wolcott Carson?

Who inherited Johnny Carson's money?
Johnny Carson at The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in California, Burbank, USA. Photo: Gene Arias
Source: Getty Images

Richard Wolcott Carson (aged 39 years old at the time of death) was born on 18 June 1952 in California, USA. His zodiac sign was Gemini.

Richard Wolcott Carson's photography

The celebrity child had a passion for photography from a young age. He had been taking photographs when his accident happened. On the first Tonight Show after his son's tragic death, Johnny paid tribute to Wolcott's photographic work by displaying his nature slides.

How much was Richard Wolcott Carson's net worth?

Richard's net worth had yet to be publicly mentioned at his death. He led a private lifestyle, keeping details about his life under wraps.

Who was Johnny Carson?

For his natural talent, the late television personality received six Primetime Emmy Awards, the Television Academy's 1980 Governor's Award and a 1985 Peabody Award. He was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1987.

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In addition, the comedian was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992 and received a Kennedy Centre Honor in 1993. He is a cultural icon widely regarded as the king of late-night television.

What happened to Johnny Carson?

How old was Richard Wolcott Carson?
Johnny Carson at the Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers game. Photo: Peter Read Miller
Source: Getty Images

The comedian died on 23 January 2005 at 79 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles. Johnny Carson's cause of death was respiratory failure arising from emphysema. He had been a heavy smoker for decades.

Johnny Carson's children

Christopher (born in 1950) is the late Johnny's eldest son with his first wife and former actress Jody Morrill Wolcott. He is a talented golfer.

Cory, the late Johnny's last-born son, was born in 1953. He is a songwriter, and he has recorded several albums throughout 2003 and 2004.

Johnny Carson's net worth

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Johnny had an estimated net worth of $300 million at his death.

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So, who inherited Johnny Carson's money? The late television personality's millions went to charity and his family. The Johnny Carson Foundation received a whopping $156.5 million, while the Los Angeles Children's Hospital received a $4 million donation.

Johnny Carson's children
Johnny Carson hosted The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Photo: Michael Ochs Archives
Source: Getty Images

In addition, Johnny left his $300 million estate to his widow Alexis Maas and sons Christopher and Cory.

Richard Wolcott Carson, Johnny Carson's son, maintained a lowkey profile away from the limelight that came with his celebrity parent's prominence. He died a tragic death at the age of 39.

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Briefly published intriguing facts about Jamar Jakes, an American celebrity son. Jamar is famous for being the eldest child of renowned author T.D. Jakes and his wife, Serita Jakes. T.D. Jakes is undoubtedly one of the most influential preachers in the world.

T.D. owns a Dallas-based megachurch, The Potter's House, and continues to spread the Gospel of Christ worldwide. In the mid-2000s, T.D. Jakes's son gave his parents a scare when he suffered several heart attacks.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Ruth Gitonga avatar

Ruth Gitonga (Lifestyle writer) Ruth Gitonga has a background experience in Mass Communication for over six years. She graduated from the University of Nairobi with a degree in Mass Communication in December 2014. In 2023, Ruth finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She has worked for Briefly.co.za for five years now. She specializes in topics like lifestyle, entertainment, travel, technology, and sports. Email: gitongaruth14@gmail.com.

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