News & Politics - Ed McMahon dies at 86

**vc318** · 06-23-2009, 09:17 AM

Ed McMahon dies at 86 - CNN.com

Ed McMahon dies at 86

(CNN) -- Ed McMahon, the longtime pitchman and Johnny Carson sidekick whose "Heeeeeeerre's Johnny!" became a part of the vernacular, has died.

McMahon passed away peacefully shortly after midnight at the Ronald Reagan/UCLA Medical Center, his publicist, Howard Bragman, said Tuesday

McMahon, 86, was hospitalized in February with pneumonia and other medical problems.

He had suffered a number of health problems in recent years, including a neck injury caused by a 2007 fall. In 2002, he sued various insurance companies and contractors over mold in his house and later collected a $7 million settlement.

Though he later hosted a variety of shows -- including "Star Search" and "TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes," McMahon's biggest fame came alongside Carson on "The Tonight Show," which Carson hosted from 1962 to 1992. The two met not long after Carson began hosting the game show "Who Do You Trust?" in 1957.

I know he was in pain for a while so I'm happy that he's in a place now where pain can no longer touch him. Just such sad news still.

**sunnykerr** · 06-23-2009, 06:32 PM

I don't want to sound callous, but I do think it's about time the man found some peace.

I mean, it seems fairly clear that he was living under tremendously diminished circumstances and that he suffered a lot in the end.

So I'm not doing pirouettes over the fact that this great man is no longer with us, but at least his pain is gone.

And at least he left a long and happy life.

**wanderer78** · 06-23-2009, 11:38 PM

Sad news. I found this out this afternoon. I remember watching "Star Search" as a little kid, and I have very fond memories of him. As I imagine many people do.

I, too, am glad he's no longer in pain.

amazing_paula · 06-24-2009, 07:33 PM

Sad news for the industry. He will always be remembered.

The Survivor · 06-25-2009, 05:34 AM

Another legend gone. I am glad that with all the troubles he had been going through the last few years, he is at peace now. I'll always remember him from Star Search.

**Rainstorm Jenny** · 06-25-2009, 05:25 PM

Very sad, like I said in the Michael Jackson thread, too many deaths in just a few days. He lived a long life, and may he rest in peace. I also known his work alot from Star search and "Late show" with Johnny Carson.

***Jerry D*** · 06-25-2009, 06:41 PM

I grew up watching Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon. Ed was a great sidekick and a nice man. He'll be missed. May he rest in peace.

wbjunkie · 06-25-2009, 09:20 PM

this is just sad... RIP Ed McMahon!!!

all this death is so sad.

**vc318** · 06-26-2009, 04:25 PM

I know much of the news coverage will be about the passing of Michael Jackson, but I just read online that NBC will be hosting an event in honor of Ed McMahon:

NBC To Host Celebration Of McMahon On July 1 - Entertainment News Story - WPLG Miami

NBC To Host Celebration Of McMahon On July 1
'Tonight Show' Sidekick Died Tuesday

LOS ANGELES -- Ed McMahon's publicist says a celebration of the late "Tonight" show sidekick, who died Tuesday at 86, is set for July 1.

McMahon's publicist, Howard Bragman, tells The Associated Press Friday that NBC will host the untelevised event, scheduled to be held at 6 p.m. PST at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in North Hollywood.

Bragman says details are still being finalized, including the guest list.

McMahon died early Tuesday at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Bragman says McMahon had a "multitude of health problems the last few months."

McMahon played second banana to longtime host Johnny Carson on NBC's "Tonight" show from 1962 until Carson retired in 1992.

**wanderer78** · 06-27-2009, 12:06 AM

That's really nice of NBC to do. Honor the man who did so much for their network.