Posted on 06/23/2009 9:29:01 AM PDT by Starman417
June 24, 2009 Ed McMahon, Americas Top Second Banana, DiesBy RICHARD SEVERO Ed McMahon, who for nearly 30 years was Johnny Carsons affable second banana on The Tonight Show, introducing it with his ringing trademark call, Heeeeres Johnny!, died early Tuesday in Los Angeles. He was 86.
His publicist, Howard Bragman, told NBC that Mr. McMahon died at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center surrounded by his family. Mr. Bragman did not give a cause of death, saying only that Mr. McMahon had a multitude of health problems the last few months.
A person close to Mr. McMahon, speaking anonymously because he was not authorized to release information, said Mr. McMahon had bone cancer, among other ailments, The Associated Press reported. In February he had been hospitalized with pneumonia, Mr. Bragman told CNN.
With his broad, genial, regular-guy features, Mr. McMahon had the face of someone you would buy a used car from. Indeed, for decades he was one of televisions most ubiquitous pitchmen, selling everything from boats to beer. He also took a few acting roles and in later years was the host of the television talent show Star Search and wrote some popular books, includinghis memoirs.
But it was in the role of the faithful Tonto to Carsons wry Lone Ranger that Mr. McMahon made his sidemans mark. After he rolled out his introduction like a red carpet for the boss, and after Carson delivered his nightly monologue, Mr. McMahon, in jacket and tie, would take his seat on the couch beside the hosts desk, chat and banter with Carson a bit before the guests came on and almost invariably guffaw at his jokes, even when he was the butt of them. When the guests did arrive, he would slide over to make room and rarely interrupt.
6 years, 2 wars, and 85 combat missions serving in the Marine Corp. That was part of Ed McMahon's 86 year history, as well.
It's the passing of a generation, folks.
Andrea Shea King did an interview with him November 30, 2007. Worth a listen to.
The rest of the NYTimes piece, by Richard Severo:
(Excerpt) Read more at floppingaces.net ...
I have gone to the same church as McMahon for many years.
Always liked him.
Yet another icon of the days of television-with-class gone.
That leaves more classless icons on television, and further dilution of anything worth watching.
When I first heard that Ed had died, it was introduced as “Johnny and Ed are together again.” I miss both of them. Rest in peace Mr. Ed. You have earned it.
I have to wonder is Saint Peter started looking for the Prize Patrol when he saw Ed McMahon appear at the gate.
RIP Ed and prayers of comfort to his family and friends.
RIP Ed. I miss the old Tonight Show with the two of them. Today’s TV offerings are horrible compared to what we had for so many years.
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