On The Tonight Show, Johnny Carson introduced several memorable recurring characters, with Carnac the Magnificent being one of the most iconic. Carnac, a “Mystic from the East,” had the uncanny ability to psychically deduce answers to questions sealed in envelopes. This beloved character made his debut in 1964 and quickly became a fan favorite.
In a 1986 episode, Ed McMahon introduces Carnac, who makes his grand entrance by humorously tripping on the first step. Ed sets the stage with a few jokes, but chaos ensues when Johnny realizes his answer sheet is missing. Whispering to Ed, the two share a laugh before taking a commercial break to recover.
Once back, Carnac delivers his comedic predictions. He starts with the answer, “Born in the USA,” revealing the question, “What song has a California lottery winner never sung?” His next answer, “Dust, spare change, and Howard Cosell,” prompts the question, “Name three things discovered under a rug!” The laughs continue as he declares “Superbowl” and then asks, “What do you call a toilet with see-through walls?”
Ed McMahon’s laughter echoes throughout as Carnac goes on. For “Yoko Ono,” he quips, “How would you order one egg in Japan?” And with “Whoopi Goldberg,” he humorously reveals the question, “What do you call a novelty cushion in Israel?” In another highlight, Carnac predicts “Abcdefghijkl,” then opens the envelope to ask, “Describe the sound made by someone choking on alphabet soup.”
Every Carnac appearance brought laughter and fun, showcasing Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon’s perfect comedic timing. As one of late-night TV’s most beloved characters, Carnac remains a standout in television history.
