Ed McMahon, Johnny Carson's sidekick on 'The Tonight Show,' dead at 86
Entertainer Ed McMahon, best known for his nearly 30-year stint as sidekick to Johnny Carson on "The Tonight Show," died today at age 86.
McMahon's publicist, Howard Bragman, said the beloved comedian and big-check presenter passed away this morning at Ronald Reagan/UCLA Medical Center. The cause of death wasn't announced, but McMahon had been in failing health for some time.
"Ed has been a rock for 30 years, sitting over here next to me ... . We have been friends for 34 years," Carson said of McMahon during the pair's final "Tonight Show" taping in 1992. "A lot of people who work together on television don't necessarily like each other. This hasn't been true ... . We're good friends; you can't fake that on television."
What are your favorite McMahon moments? Share your memories here.
Photo: Associated Press
Ed got to the gates of Heaven today.....as he entered I swore I heard him say
HI-YOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!!!!!! R.I.P. Ed....another piece of Americana has left us.
Posted by: DaleE | June 23, 2009 at 11:09 AM
I attended the Carson-hosted Tonight Show between 25 and 30 times, and it was always such a polished presentation, before and during the show. Ed was a Jimmy Stewart-like figure, in that we felt as if we knew him.
Posted by: Burton Helms | June 23, 2009 at 12:27 PM
Terrible news... another American icon gone. My condolances to his family and the entertainment industry.
Posted by: Dirk | June 23, 2009 at 12:28 PM
My memories of Mr. McMahon are very pleasant. I met him when he was getting his divorce from Victoria and I have to say he was always gracious and very kind. In fact, even though a difficult divorce, Victoria was also very nice. My condolences go out to his family.
Posted by: Sharon Walker | June 23, 2009 at 04:08 PM
RIP Big Dawg! And tell Johnny we miss him!
Posted by: Bryan | June 23, 2009 at 09:16 PM
I had the great pleasure to know and work with Ed on several Television projects. He was a true class act. I remain impressed with how genuine and
unpretentious he was for a Hollywood legend. He always treated everyone with respect, compassion and his wonderful sense of humor. My deepest condolences to Pam, Jeff and the rest of Ed's family.
Posted by: Tom Buderwitz | June 24, 2009 at 01:44 AM
I enjoyed watching Mr. McMahon over the years. I remember him mostly from Star Search. I did watch episodes of the Tonight Show and he was the funny one to me, always capable of taking the jokes towards him. He lived a long life and I'm sure is in Heaven. My prayers go out to his family, friends, and all those they knew him personally. RIP Mr. McMahon and thanks for the memories.
Posted by: Lexi | June 24, 2009 at 03:27 AM
ed was the kind of person you don't forget his actions,his manerizums,and last but not least heeeeeeeeeeeers johnny.i will miss him on the jerry lewis telethon as he was a great figure there especially when he gave the totes on the totals board.he was just a great human being
Posted by: earl jenkins | June 24, 2009 at 05:42 AM