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Vale: Ed McMahon

Veteran US TV personality, and longtime sidekick to Johnny Carson, dies aged 86.

edmcmahonnVeteran US television personality Ed McMahon died on Tuesday of multitude of health problems. He was 86.

McMahon was best known as Johnny Carson’s sidekick on the Tonight Show from 1962-92, creating his trademark “Heeeeeeeere’s Johnny!” introduction. It is a role that has been mimicked the world over and immortalised in The Shining.

Moving to the couch next to Carson after the show’s first commercial, he was considered an excellent foil for Carson’s comedy and topical banter. McMahon, who professed affection for the bubbly, good-naturedly endured Carson’s jabs at his drinking, often delivering an amusing W.C. Fields’ imitation. Many considered him to be a Rock of Gibraltar for Carson, making the host feel secure as he stoically deflected comic misfires. Jeffrey Tambor’s talk-show sidekick character on The Larry Sanders Show is based on him.

In addition to Tonight Show, McMahon also hosted the syndicated talent show Star Search from 1983-95, and co-hosted the annual Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon for 15 years.

His death follows earlier reports of ill health in February.

Source: Hollywood Reporter

4 Responses

  1. we are all going to miss you Ed McMahon you brought so much laughter and love to all of us, god bless ya buddy may you rest in peace and your wife and family be blessed in your familys time of sorrow may they find peace, you will live forever Ed McMahon you will be deeply missed.

  2. It’s going to be a sad time for the Americans with Walter Cronkite also on his death-bed.

    CBS is ready to go with his obituary at any moment.

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