Today, we lost one of the last remaining ICONS of television, as Ed McMahon passed away at the age of 86.
How do you appropriately summarize his career? In a world where he was content to be the “second banana” to Johnny Carson, he later emerged from that shadow and created his own identity, one that was as varied as the roles he played out in the public spotlight.
Sidekick, game show host, emcee extraordinaire, host of “Star Search” pitchman for a variety of products-and the guy who wanted to give you millions in the Publisher’s Clearinghouse—and even a movie star of sorts, appearing in several films.
Through it all, he was funny, self-deprecating and a guy that America would love to have a beer with.
Born in Detroit, he was raised in Lowell, Mass. and graduated from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. in 1949. He worked as a carnival barker in Mexico, Maine for 3 years-and as a bingo caller in Maine as well. During World War II, he was a Marine fighter pilot-and served in Korea as well.
Most famous for his introduction of Carson: “Heeeeeeeeere’s Johnny!”, he was a huge part of the success of the Tonight Show. In later years, his financial troubles made headlines-and surprised his many fans who naturally “assumed” he had millions stashed away. Billionaire Donald Trump offered to buy his Beverly Hills home and lease it back to McMahon in order to keep it from being foreclosed. A lawsuit McMahon lodged against a contractor for mold spores in his home (which made the family ill and killed their dog) netted McMahon about $7 Million dollars.
Enjoy the following video clip of Ed McMahon, appearing on the Tonight Show after he had a wee bit too much to drink-hilarious!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC-25xPmX7o
Ed, you will be missed! Thanks for the many years of laughs!
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