Ed McMahon Dies at 86

US television legend Ed McMahon, died early Tuesday at 86, after battling a series of illnesses in recent months. He was best known for his long-running role as Johnny Carson’s sidekick on The Tonight Show.

Conformed by his publicist, Howard Bragman, McMahon passed away at the Ronald Reagan Medical Center in Los Angeles having been in ill condition for some time. He had pneumonia, but his precise cause of death was not released. As Bragman said, “He died early this morning with his wife and loved ones by his side.”

McMahon’s career spanned more than 50 years, including his solid 30-year involvement with Carson on The Tonight Show, the show that cemented his status as one of the entertainment industries most beloved figures.

He and Carson actually began teaming up on the 1950s game show Who Do You Trust, and then together again joining The Tonight Show in 1962. McMahon became known for his signature introduction line for Carson: “Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeere’s Johnny!”, as well as being a constant source of gags and punchlines with Carson. Carson later became the longest-serving host in the late-night talk show’s history with McMahon on his side, fronting 30 seasons up until 1992 when Jay Leno took over.

During that time, McMahon also hosted the talent-spotting television contest Star Search for 12 years from 1983 to 1995. He was also a long-time co-host of Jerry Lewis’ annual telethon benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and he became well-known as the presenter of the American Family Publishing sweepstakes, as well as a very well-known pitchman on numerous TV commercials; from Budweiser beer to dog food and financial planning. Lewis once said about McMahon, saying he was “a dear, dear friend. We were always making jokes, cracking each other up … It’s hard to imagine doing the (telethon) without him.”

McMahon made such positive impressions on people, resulting in he received all the praises. Like the one Bragman said, “I knew Ed a long time. He was just one of the kindest people you ever wanted to meet. People responded to his authenticity.” While Jerry Digney, McMahon’s longtime personal publicist during The Tonight Show and Star Search days, called McMahon the “most courtly, good-natured person you could every meet.”

Digney added, “All those years on the Carson show, he never forgot that he was the second banana, a role to which he brought elegance, humor and a new sense of importance.” Talk show host David Letterman also said his gratitude, “Ed’s introduction of Johnny was a classic broadcasting ritual — reassuring and exciting. Ed was a true broadcaster, and an integral part of Johnny Carson’s ‘Tonight Show.’ We will miss him.”

California governor and former movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger said America had lost “one of its greatest and most memorable television personalities. From ‘Star Search’ to the 30 years he spent in our living rooms as an integral part of the ‘Tonight Show,’ Ed brought joy and laughter to millions of Americans,” Schwarzenegger said in a statement.

In recent years McMahon made headlines when he defaulted on a $4.8 million mortgage on his six-bedroom Beverly Hills mansion and faced foreclosure. The star blamed his financial woes on having broken his neck about 18 months earlier, leaving him unable to work. He also sued Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, accusing it of failing to diagnose the neck fracture and botching two operations.

McMahon lived in the home up to his death with wife of 17 years, Pamela. His two previous marriages had produced five children.

So long Mr. McMahon, we will miss you.

[ via Yahoo! News ]

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