Photo SpecialJohnny Carson, 1925-2005
Take a look back inside the life of one of America's most beloved television personalities. By Beth Lipton
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THE MAGIC
Carson (in costume as Carnac the magician, one of his recurring characters) is "the Everest, the role model, the prototype," said former talk show competitor Alan Thicke. Carson's charm and low-key style annihilated an army of other would-be late-night hosts – including David Brenner, Merv Griffin, Joey Bishop, Dick Cavett, Pat Sajak and, notoriously, Joan Rivers.
