Oprah is probably way up there, too. But late night > daytime talk.
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As a peak, maybe Ed Sullivan? But Carson wins on years I think.
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Sullivan was huge, but the medium was still expanding when he passed his prime. Carson perfectly fits its peak.
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Lots of clips on YouTube of Johnny Carson. The difference between him and someone like Oprah is that he boosted people's careers without making a dime from them. If you did stand-up and he called you over to sit with him it was almost a golden ticket.
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Dick Clark? American Bandstand, New Years Rockin' Eve have to at least be considered for that distinction
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Also high on the list.
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In some order: Carson, Lucy, Oprah. Honorable mention for the effect he had on TV goes to Gleason
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But late night is late night. If you want cultural dominance, you want '50s prime time, which suggests Lucille Ball.
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What's interesting is how fleeting TV stardom is, if you're not an actor. I wonder how many people under 35 know who Carson was? I bet a lot more know Lucy.
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