Ed McMahon, USMC, R.I.P.

[Matt Gunsch]

Television legend and longtime 'Tonight Show' sidekick Ed McMahon has passed away. He was 86 years old.
McMahon died shortly after midnight at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. His publicist Howard Bragman didn't give a cause of death, but said Ed had a "multitude of health problems the last few months."

Always the showman, McMahon made a name for himself thanks to his boisterous personality, extended introductions of Mr. Carson and his catchphrase, "Heyo!"

For 30 years, McMahon was Johnny Carson's trusty sidekick on 'The Tonight Show' as the two pioneered what late night television has come to be known as. McMahon stayed on board until Carson handed the 'Tonight' reigns to Jay Leno in 1992.

He also served as the longtime co-host of Jerry Lewis' annual Labor Day telethon benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Aside from his entertainment career, McMahon was a colonel in the United States Marines, serving during the late 1940s and 1950s.
In recent years, McMahon made headlines due to financial troubles, where his bankruptcy and possible home foreclosure led to him getting more work via commercials.

In February, Bragman announced that McMahon had been hospitalized for nearly a month with pneumonia and that other medical problems emerged, though little information was given since then. "It's serious. He's an 85-year old man with a number of medical issues going on," Bragman told Reuters at the time.
McMahon's hospitalization followed a difficult year for the veteran TV celebrity, most famous for his nightly "Heeeeeeere's Johnny!" introduction of Carson for 30 years and for his hosting the TV talent show "Star Search."
In addition to his stints on "The Tonight Show" and "Star Search," McMahon became well-known as the presenter of the American Family Publishing sweepstakes and as a pitchman for numerous commercials, most notably for Budweiser beer.

[Robbie Stuart]

Godspeed Ed, & thanks for your service during WWII, & Korea.
Robbie

[SPANNERmkV]

According to WIKI he was a USMC O-1E bird-dog driver in Korea with 85 Arty spotting combat Missions.

Flight Instructor in WWII before that. I remember him saying something about flying Corsairs on the Tonight Show one time, but my memory ain't half what it once was.

God Bless him...

Semper Fi

[JBoyle]

I recall the Corsair comment. I think he metioned it more than once...or Carson did comparing his military life as an lowly ensign to Ed's as a "fighter pilot".

[SaxMan]

There was an issue of either Air Classics or Warbirds where they had Ed McMahon talking about Corsairs and sitting in a restored one.