Remembering the Legendary Ed McMahon

After a long battle with cancer and pneumonia, Ed McMahon died at the age of 86 on June 23, 2009. McMahon passed away at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. McMahon had been sick for the past few months, his health was deteriorating rapidly, and he was in the hospital since February battling for his life. McMahon had also been in financial problems for the past year and had many lawsuits against him. McMahon is survived by his wife, Pam Hurn, and his five children from previous marriages.

Before his major television debut, Ed McMahon would serve in the military. He was a fighter pilot for the United States Marine Corps in World War II and even returned to active duty after finishing college. McMahon would gain the rank of Colonel in the Marine Corps before retiring. Many of his family members have also served in military service.

McMahon is best known for being Johnny Carson's sidekick on The Tonight Show for 30 years, from 1962 to 1992. McMahon would start every show with his trademark phrase: "Heeeeeeeeeeere's Johnny!" that has been depicted in popular culture ever since. Carson and McMahon went as far back as 1957 when they worked together on the popular game show, Who Do You Trust? which they were on for five years before taking on the Tonight Show gig. Carson and McMahon were best of friends and were inseparable until Carson's death in 2005.

McMahon would gain a whole new fan base when he became the host of Star Search, starting in 1983. He was host of the show for 12 years until it ended in 1995. Star Search was a competition that looked for ordinary people who can excel in such aspects as singing, comedy, or dance. The show would be extremely popular and was relaunched in 2002 with Arsenio Hall as host.

Away from television, Ed McMahon was a longtime pitchman for Publishers Clearing House, helping ordinary families get back on their feet. McMahon would come to their house, ring their door bell, and give them huge checks. The people's reactions were always the best.

His last television work seems to be in commercials, his latest one being a Cash for Gold commercial that included MC Hammer.

Aside from being an announcer and host, McMahon was also a funny comedian and an author of two books.

The world might of lost Ed McMahon, but he will never be forgotten.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_McMahon