Post by oowsvu on Jun 23, 2009 10:18:00 GMT -5
TV Legend Ed McMahon Dies
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."
Whether on the 'Tonight Show,' 'Star Search' or one of this other many entertainment endeavors, Ed McMahon was always a funny, charming class act. Click to See Ed's Journey Through the Years
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Remembering Ed McMcMahon
Always the showman, McMahon made a name for himself thanks to his boisterous personality, extended introductions of Mr. Carson and his catchphrase, "Heyo!"
McMahon is seen here in 1997 with his third wife, Pam Hurn. He and Hurn married in 1992. McMahon's previous marriages were to Alyce Ferrill from 1949-1979, and to Victoria Valentine from 1977-1989.
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.
Throughout his career, McMahon has always used his status to help charities. He was longtime co-host of Jerry Lewis' annual Labor Day telethon benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy, and he's seen here walking at Nancy Davis/Tommy Hilifiger's Rock To Erase MS.
American television host Ed McMahon sits behind the steering wheel of a motorboat at Cypress Gardens, Florida, 1972. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
In 1977, McMahon landed a major big screen movie role in 'Fun With Dick and Jane.' He's seen here on set with costar George Segal.
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.
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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.
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.
credit to the LA Times and various news outlets for this info.....
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."
Whether on the 'Tonight Show,' 'Star Search' or one of this other many entertainment endeavors, Ed McMahon was always a funny, charming class act. Click to See Ed's Journey Through the Years
(Note: Please disable your pop-up blocker)
Remembering Ed McMcMahon
Always the showman, McMahon made a name for himself thanks to his boisterous personality, extended introductions of Mr. Carson and his catchphrase, "Heyo!"
McMahon is seen here in 1997 with his third wife, Pam Hurn. He and Hurn married in 1992. McMahon's previous marriages were to Alyce Ferrill from 1949-1979, and to Victoria Valentine from 1977-1989.
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.
Throughout his career, McMahon has always used his status to help charities. He was longtime co-host of Jerry Lewis' annual Labor Day telethon benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy, and he's seen here walking at Nancy Davis/Tommy Hilifiger's Rock To Erase MS.
American television host Ed McMahon sits behind the steering wheel of a motorboat at Cypress Gardens, Florida, 1972. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
In 1977, McMahon landed a major big screen movie role in 'Fun With Dick and Jane.' He's seen here on set with costar George Segal.
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.
Skip over this content
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.
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.
credit to the LA Times and various news outlets for this info.....