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Ed McMahon (left) shook hands with host Johnny Carson during the final taping of "The Tonight Show" on May 22, 1992. McMahon died today at age 86.

By Mark Feeney, Globe Staff

Ed McMahon, whose nearly three decades as Johnny Carson’s sidekick on “The Tonight Show” and innumerable appearances as television pitchman and master of ceremonies made him one of the medium’s most ubiquitous figures, died today. He was 86.

Publicist Howard Bragman told the Associated Press that Mr. McMahon died at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center surrounded by his family. Bragman didn't give a cause of death, saying only that the entertainer had a "multitude of health problems the last few months."

“My talent is making it seem I have no talent,” Mr. McMahon once wrote. “It took me years of hard work to convince an audience that I wasn’t working.”

Implacably genial, Mr. McMahon’s persona was one of abundant bonhomie and reputed bibulousness. His booming voice made him a natural announcer, and his even more booming laugh made him a natural straight man.

“If I could fake that much laughter, I’d be the finest actor in the world,” Mr. McMahon once said. “I thought Johnny Carson was very funny.”

Carson and Mr. McMahon were a match made in late-night heaven. Where Carson was slight, coiled, preternaturally quick, Mr. McMahon was oversized (6 feet 4 inches tall, and usually well over 200 pounds) and the soul of unhurried amiability.

His trademark response of “Hi-yo!” to a particularly racy Carson line was a boys-will-be-boys battle cry, and his nightly introduction of Carson, “Heeeere’s Johnny!,” became one of the best-known catchphrases in popular culture. When Jack Nicholson’s homicidal maniac in the 1980 film “The Shining” used it to announce an ax-wielding assault, everyone in the audience got the joke.

Getting the joke was fine, but Mr. McMahon’s fonder wish was that everyone in the audience buy the product. Among the companies he was associated with as spokesman were Budweiser, Alpo (he claimed to have served it to some 4,000 dogs on camera), and American Family Publishers’ sweepstakes. Indeed, the words most associated with Mr. McMahon might not have come from “The Tonight Show” but were instead the sweepstakes’ come-on, “You may have already won $10 million!”

A series of financial and medical setbacks left Mr. McMahon flirting with bankruptcy last year, which he averted with the sale of his house.

Mr. McMahon had few if any peers as a pitchman. By his estimate, he did more than 60,000 commercials on radio and television. “Of all the things I am, most of all I’m a salesman,” he declared in his 1998 memoir, “For Laughing Out Loud.” “I’ve always said with great pride, if I can hold it up or point to it, I can sell it.”

Mr. McMahon, who was born in Detroit on March 6, 1923, came by that talent as a birthright. His father, Edward Leo Peter McMahon Sr., was at various times a traveling salesman, entrepreneur, charity fund raiser, and sideshow operator. The one professional constant was movement. By the time he was 5, Mr. McMahon and his mother, Eleanor (Russell) McMahon, had accompanied his father to some 40 states.

The closest thing Mr. McMahon had to a home was Lowell, where his paternal grandparents lived. He spent summers there, as well as attending a year of junior high school and his final two years of high school.

While still in school, Mr. McMahon worked as a bingo caller. His dream, though, was to be a radio announcer. He took elocution classes at Emerson College and got a job on Lowell’s WLLH. As part of the Navy’s V-5 program, Mr. McMahon then enrolled at Boston College, where he was freshman class president. He served as a Marine flight instructor in Florida during World War II.

Rather than returning to BC, he enrolled at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., because he could major in speech and drama there.

Upon graduation, Mr. McMahon hosted several television programs in Philadelphia. He was recalled to active duty during the Korean War, flying 85 combat missions in an artillery-spotting plane.

Back in Philadelphia, Mr. McMahon resumed his television career and began commuting to New York to do commercials. In 1957, he was offered the job of announcer for a daytime game show called “Who Do You Trust?” The host was Carson.

Mr. McMahon later described his introduction to Carson as “about as exciting as watching a traffic light change.” Yet it led to television history. The next five years amounted to a giant dress rehearsal for “The Tonight Show,” with Carson and Mr. McMahon perfecting their onscreen chemistry.

“We developed,” Carson later wrote, “a unique relationship — similar to that which married couples often experience — an unspoken method of communication.... By a look a pause, body language, or tone of voice we could tell each other the direction to go.”

“My role on the show was never strictly defined,” Mr. McMahon said of his “Tonight Show” years. “I did what had to be done when it had to be done. I was there when he needed me, and when he didn’t I moved down the couch and kept quiet.”

Over the years, Mr. McMahon also performed in a nightclub act, hosted television quiz shows, presented compilations of television bloopers and practical jokes, took on the occasional film or stage role, and assisted Jerry Lewis with his annual muscular dystrophy telethon.

The best-known of these ancillary activities was “Star Search,” a syndicated television talent show that ran from 1983-1995. Among the then-unknown performers who appeared on the show were Rosie O’Donnell, Martin Lawrence, Britney Spears, and Drew Carey.

“I am one of the very fortunate people who grew up to do exactly what I spent my whole childhood dreaming of doing,” Mr. McMahon once wrote, “even if no one is quite sure exactly what it is that I do.”

Mr. McMahon leaves his wife, Pamela (Hurn); a stepson, Lex; from his first marriage, he leaves two daughters, Claudia and Linda, and son, Jeffrey (another son, Michael, died in 1995); from his second marriage, to Victoria (Valentine), he leaves a daughter, Katherine Mary, and X grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements were pending.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/06/ed_mcmahon_amia.html

You JUST beat me to it Nellcote !!!!!!

RIP Ed !!!!!!

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,528407,00.html

Legendary Television Host and Comedian Ed McMahon Dead at 86
Tuesday , June 23, 2009

" Ed McMahon, the loyal "Tonight Show" sidekick who bolstered boss Johnny Carson with guffaws and later carved out his own niche as the host of "Star Search," has died at a Los Angeles hospital. He was 86.

According to his publicist Howard Bragman, the former "Tonight Show" announcer passed away at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in California this morning.

Earlier this year, the "Star Search" host was in and out of the hospital for pneumonia and other medical issues, according to sources close to him.

While Bragman did not give a cause of death, he said McMahon had "a multitude of health problems the last few months."

McMahon had bone cancer, among other illnesses, according to a person close to the entertainer, and had been hospitalized for several weeks. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release the information.

FAST FACTS: Ed McMahon's Life and Career

Best known for his famous catchphrase "Heeeeeere's Johnny," said every night when Johnny Carson took the stage, McMahon spent three decades as the legendary comedian's sidekick.

McMahon and Carson had worked together for nearly five years on the game show "Who Do You Trust?" when Carson took over NBC's late-night show from Jack Paar in October 1962. McMahon played second banana on "Tonight" until Carson retired in 1992.

"You can't imagine hooking up with a guy like Carson," McMahon said an interview with The Associated Press in 1993. "There's the old phrase, hook your wagon to a star. I hitched my wagon to a great star."

McMahon, who never failed to laugh at his Carson's quips, kept his supporting role in perspective.

"It's like a pitcher who has a favorite catcher," he said. "The pitcher gets a little help from the catcher, but the pitcher's got to throw the ball. Well, Johnny Carson had to throw the ball, but I could give him a little help."

The highlight for McMahon came just after the monologue, when he and Carson would chat before the guests took the stage.

"We would just have a free-for-all," he told the AP. "Now to sit there, with one of the brightest, most well-read men I've ever met, the funniest, and just to hold your own in that conversation. ... I loved that."

When Carson died in 2005, McMahon said he was "like a brother to me" and recalled bantering with him on the phone a few months earlier.

"We could have gone on (television) that night and done a 'Carnac' skit. We were that crisp and hot."

His medical and financial problems kept him in the headlines in his last years. It was reported in June 2008 that he was facing possible foreclosure on his Beverly Hills home.

By year's end, a deal was worked out allowing him to stay in his home, but legal action involving other alleged debts continued.

Among those who had stepped up with offers of help was Donald Trump.

"When I was at the Wharton School of Business I'd watch him every night," Trump told the Los Angeles Times in August. "How could this happen?"

McMahon even spoofed his own problems with a spot that aired during the 2009 Super Bowl promoting a cash-for-gold business. Pairing up with rap artist MC Hammer, he explained how easy it is to turn gold items into cash, jokingly saying "Goodbye, old friend" to a gold toilet and rolling out a convincing "H-e-e-e-e-e-ere's money!"

McMahon was also a veteran of the United States Marines and served as a fighter pilot during World War II. "

Kins? Jacky?

:Youmakeagrownmancrylikejoey

Ed's had some tough times in recent years. He might be better off now. Maybe him and Johnny can do a Tonight Show in heaven...R.I.P. Ed.

Deepest condolences, Joey.

Joey wrote on Jun 23^rd, 2009 at 9:59am:

" Maybe hime and Johnny can do a Tonight Show in heaven..."

!!!!

!!!!

Joey,may a camel with weak bowels back up into your cereal bowl....Heyoooo :retarded

" Joey,may a camel with weak bowels back up into your cereal bowl....Heyoooo "

!!!!!

" Deepest condolences, Joey. "

Thanks Gazza .................................

Er , what time will you be arriving at The Brazen Head Friday evening ?!

That is right ... " Acoustic Groove " will be performing live . Clive and Katie are bartending ( ...only two bartenders needed during the summer months -- slow ) .

www.BRAZENHEADPUB.com

Him and Johnny were the best, "You are correct sir", "I hold in my hand the last................","You may have already won............"
Rest in Peace Oh Great One.

tonightshow.jpg (Attachment deleted)

He had a great life and a priceless opprtunity to work with Johnny Carson.

He had some rough times recently.

RIP Ed McMahon.

There was a classic Carson episode with Raquel Welch and a cat. Ms. Welch asks Carson if he wants to pet her pussy, Carson responds: "Move your cat, and I will.'

RIP Ed.

So sorry Kins. I thought of you immediately when I heard this sad news.

LJ.

damn! Sad news....

now who's going to deliver the American Family Publisher Sweepstakes???
:Youmakeagrownmancrylikejoey :Youmakeagrownmancrylikejoey :Youmakeagrownmancrylikejoey :Youmakeagrownmancrylikejoey

Factory Girl wrote on Jun 23^rd, 2009 at 11:20am:

There was a classic Carson episode with Raquel Welch and a cat. Ms. Welch asks Carson if he wants to pet her pussy, Carson responds: "Move your cat, and I will.'

That's an oft told Carson anecdote.

Never happened though...

RIP Ed

You are in my thoughts Joey

Is it crowded in there Joey?

May he rest in peace.

Co-Co Conan O'Brien had a nice tribute to Ed on The Tonight SHow last night. Somehow Co-Co's sidekick Andy R isnt filling Ed's big shoes! He better step up!

The first thing Ed said when he got to heaven....HALOOO!

Ed was a bit of a hack but really, late night shows are a heaven for hacks!

this old crackpot never did anything for me.

I can't believe Ed's gone! I'm sure Jimmy Fallon's barker is now feeling more secure in his job. BTW I watched that show last night & it's the worst I've seen. Worse than Letterman.

Joey wrote on Jun 25^th, 2009 at 9:37am:

" I can't believe Ed's gone! "

blue ( small " b " ) ......

Have you ever been " Nokia'd " ?!

!!!!

Joey you really should be on the Nokia payroll. Maybe they can sponsor your next dump. :whydontcha

" Joey you really should be on the Nokia payroll. Maybe they can sponsor your next dump. "

I continue , CONTINUE to feel bad that you got " Nokia'd " .

That was a lot of money you shelled out for a band that somehow caught the ' California Ennui's ' ...... Shiver ...................

What .. ?! .... Oh , sure ! :

!!!!

" The first thing Ed said when he got to heaven.... "

S.C.L. ......

I am curious ... where EXACTLY were you sitting when you got " Nokia'd " ?!

|
|
V

http://www.ticketsnow.com/tools/thumbnail.aspx?f=%2Fmaps%2F5326-1-1-main.gif&rw=500&rh=500 !!!!!

Joey wrote on Jun 25^th, 2009 at 10:26am:

Joey,I was in the Loge. Right behind the soundbooth. Very good sound of Phyllis Daltry's croaking. But I don't care what Dan says. It is a good place to see a show.

Page 2 and Joey still hasnt delivered his beloved Ed a eulogy

what a selfish bastard

" Joey,I was in the Loge. Right behind the soundbooth. "

< --- Wow !!!! .... that is THE Definition of getting " Nokia'd " .

I feel ya Lil' Fella ( Little Fijikins ... oh , Little Fiji ) .

S.C.L. usually when Rog. is having an off night vocally , Pete will ' step up ' and deliver some firebrand fretwork / windmills / showmanship / burning solos and pure entertainment .

You MUST have received at LEAST twenty ' windmills ' at the very end of WGFA !!!!

Correct ?!

I just can not believe such ennui enveloped the band .

I absolutely REFUSE to believe it !!!!

J.

Joey,it was so bad,that I didn't stick around for Tea & Theatre. By that point,I needed a beer and a shot. :areyoufuckingserious

" Joey,it was so bad,that I didn't stick around for Tea & Theatre. By that point,I needed a beer and a shot. "

This makes Joey sad .

Hell , I have not heard a statement like that since Kenny Jones played drums for the band ( circa 1982 ) .

Why ?!

**** From my good Friend Tom Wright ( A GREAT MAN !!! ) : AN OLDIE BUT A GOODIE !!!! ******

" Don't get me wrong --- www.MaxLugar.com SEEMED like a good idea --- at the time .
However , letting Kenny Jones play drums for THE WHO seemed like a good idea --- at the TIME !!!!
Fine if you are performing in concert halls / small arenas where the echo fixes the beat .
But " Rocks Off " & " Shidoobee " are both in the Big Leagues -- STADIUM STYLE . It soon
became apparent that all of Maxy's posts sounded the friggin same . They all had this rumbling &
thumping about them -- like a school bus careening down the hill at ninety miles per hour
with a flat tire in the back and a flat tire in the front leaving the readers with puzzled looks on their
faces and empty wallets as they ( the members of the board ) headed straight to the bar in order to try
and DESPERATELY forget what they had just witnessed ......so sad .........and so COMPLETELY unnecessary . "

http://www.amazon.com/Roadwork-Rock-Roll-Turned-Inside/dp/1423413008

Saint Sway wrote on Jun 25^th, 2009 at 11:14am:

Page 2 and Joey still hasnt delivered his beloved Ed a eulogy

what a selfish bastard

It's Coming...

He's just waiting to see what Maxlugar writes first...

ROCKS OFF - The Rolling Stones Message Board
http://rocksoff.org/cgi-bin/messageboard/YaBB.pl GENERAL >> MAIN BOARD >> Ed McMahon Dead (massive Joey content) http://rocksoff.org/cgi-bin/messageboard/YaBB.pl?num=1245763289 Message started by Nellcote on Jun 23^rd, 2009 at 8:21am