Faces to Watch in ’95 : We’re Counting on Them : COMEDY

Some of them you know. Some you don’t. But the following artists, entertainers and executives have one thing in common: We’re counting on each to mae a significant impact or difference in their respective fields this year. Sure, there will be thers who make a splash, but after we talked with dozens of people who work in entertainment and the arts, these were the names mentioned most often. You might say that Jim Carrey was a face to watch in ‘94, and you would be right. But, based on “Ace Ventura,” “The Mask,” and “Dumb and Dumber,” Carrey’s ’95 should bear watching. Another pair of familiar faces--Jay Leno and David Letterman--appear on our list. Why? Haven’t we looked at these guys enough? Well, truth be told, how do you know what’s going to happen to them this year? Fame can be sooooo fleeting.

David Letterman & Jay Leno

In 1994, David Letterman crashed Jay Leno’s party when he brought his CBS “Late Show” to os Angeles. Leno countered by taking his NBC “Tonight Show” to New York and on to Vegas. That isn’t all.

Not to be outdone, Letterman in May will take his “Late Show” cameras to the streets of London. Latest word from Leno’s camp: The shaggy-haired host will tape a week in Chicago and on weekends will personally fly across America to record remote comedy bits. Who’s the better for all the travel? Probably the airline industry.

Despite an October surge from Leno, Letterman has maintained his comfortable lead of 1 rating point, or 954,000 TV homes, although both shows are up slightly. It’s not too early to speculate what stunts could be planned for the November sweeps. Calling Cape Canaveral.

Inside Hollywood

* For more Times coverage and analysis of the entertainment industry, sign on to the TimesLink on-line service and “jump” to keyword “Inside Hollywood.”

For details on Times electronic services, see today’s news sections.