When I have been there in the audience to see him hosting "Late Night, " I can't help myself: I still look for the ghost of Johnny Carson in the house, and of myself there years ago as a child.

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But I couldn't help myself.

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"I don't want to make a fool of myself referring someone who asked for my help" to an adviser who will reject him, he says.

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There are a million reasons why I hope "Struck By Lightning" resonates with audiences, but on a personal level I hope by showing a character like Carson, someone tragically robbed of all the life and potential they possess, I'll help convince this generation (and maybe even convince myself) that trying doesn't mean you're weak -- it means you're alive.

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