Earlier quoted context omitted.
I also remember the article. I think he smoked in an airport and said nearby people overreacted (his words paraphrased) like a woman clutched her child. And maybe the airport security came too? I really want to read it now. But can’t find it by Google.
I found it: https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/health/a4263/learning-to-s... Search terms I used were: starting smoking at 40 cigarettes It was the sixth google result for me.
Thank you! (I'm the OP of this thread.) I'm putting that on my re-read list.