‘Tonight’ show sidekick Ed McMahon dies

Boston Herald ^ | 6/23/09 | Joe Dwinell

[xtinct]

Lowell native Ed McMahon, the legendary "H-e-e-e-e-re’s Johnny" pitchman, has died following a long battle with cancer.

McMahon, 86, died shortly after midnight at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center surrounded by his wife, Pam, and other family members, his publicist, Howard Bragman, told the Associated Press today.

McMahon became a star on the "Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson where the duo had a historic run from 1962 to 1992. He played Carson’s foil for decades, setting up jokes and skits and suppressing his trademark laughter through it all.

[RSmithOpt]

R.I.P., Ed.....thanks for all the laughs and the good times, especially on The Tonight Show.....

[org.whodat]

During World War II he was decorated as a Marine fighter pilot, and continued his military career in 1952 by flying 85 missions in Korea, and rose to the rank of full Colonel. He was commissioned with the rank of Brigadier General in the California Air National Guard in keeping with his family tradition, in which several of his ancestors, including the Marquis d'Equilly, had long and distinguished military careers. A McMahon was a Marshall of armies in France and served under Napoleon III. http://celebrities.adoption.com/famous/ed-mcmahon.html

[Cicero]

One of the last survivors from the days when decent people worked on TV comedy shows.

[Gondring]

he also was a spokesman for Publisher’s Clearing House

I think he was a spokesman for American Family Publishers, not Publishers Clearing House.

[3catsanadog]

RIP Ed.

I'm imagining God letting Johnny and Ed have a heavenly Tonight show for His saints right now. Guests are Bob Hope, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, John Wayne.

[Mercat]

The Dog Whisperer did an episode with him and his wife and their “house boy.” It was pretty weird. For some reason it made me sad.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

I thought the reply was

“Karnac often gets that.”

[RSmithOpt]

Thanks Ed, for all the laughs and the good times,

[Albion Wilde]

Click here:
Ed McMahon
Marine Corps Aviator

[theDentist]

RIP...

It must be friendship, because why else would a publicist be invited to witness a death?

[Jolla]

Thanks, for the memories, Semper Fi.

[skipper18]

He shouldnt have had to deal with the money crap at the end, it’s not like this guy wasnt constantly working into his elderly years.

Hope the wife had one of those magical cha-cha’s, know what I’m saying? ‘Cause it sounds like he spent large for it.

[llevrok]

started out as a pitchman in carnivals and at the seashore boardwalks. A legend in the biz

[Dubya-M-DeesWent2SyriaStupid!]

I didn’t know that. Interesting...

[MinuteGal]

All the tributes here are wonderful.....witty, poetic, patriotic, informative, downright funny......just the way I'm sure Ed would have loved.

Sympathy to his family, friends, former co-workers and yes, to his many fans who still remember the best night talk show ever.

Leni

[Dubya-M-DeesWent2SyriaStupid!]

Good post in his memory. Thanks!

[RetiredArmy]

This would make Mr. McMahon one of the very last Hollywood stars of the WWII and Korea era who actually stood up for America, support America and fought for America in the Armed forces. Jimmy Stewart, Glenn Ford were officers in the military after the wars. Ernie Borneign (spell) was a WWII vet. Many Hollywood stars served. Baseball Hall of Famer Ted Williams missed like 4 or 5 prime seasons fighting as a pilot in WWII and Korea. This is when we had these people that you could actually look up too and call heroes, want to be like them. NOT ANY MORE. If you want to be a Hollyweird like person now, you have too be a homosexual socialist commie pig. No thanks. That is why I always watch old movies and buy old movies on CD. I rarely go to a movie any more.

[wpa_mikeb]

RIP Ed McMahon

and RIP to late night television and a time when late night comedians were funny, not out to destroy a family.

[ASOC]

If I may

He was a WWII MARINE fighter pilot.... He was also a test pilot and stayed in the Reserves after the war.

He server in Korea as a FAC flying the 0-1 Bird Dog (the man has a pair made of BRASS) for 80+ some odd missions. He retired as a full bird Col. and was a BG in the CA Air Guard.

SOme would honor Ed for his charity work, his performance on the late nite TV.

I prefer to remember him for his service to our country and Nation.

Thanks.

Semper Fi Ed.

[LS]

Ed was a pilot in WW II, but did not see action. However, he was recalled in Korea where he was an artillery spotter. Have to check my notes but I'm pretty sure Johnny Carson was also in the USAF. That would have been funny:

"ho, ho, ho, those are MiGs, Johnny!"