Television Legend Ed McMahon has died

Ed Mc Mahon ( WIKI)

June 23, 2009 Ed McMahon has died.

Mc Mahon 86, was the longtime sidekick of Johnny Carson on the "Tonight Show”. This morning NBC News reports that he died after long battle with cancer. NBC network home of the "Tonight Show" McMahon's publicist, Howard Bragman. confirmed the television icon's death.

Regis Philbin (WIKI)

The death of Television legend Ed McMahon, has touched another American Television Icon.
 

Regis Philbin Hostof the popular "Regis and Kelly", spoke of highly McMahon on his show this morning along with guest host Kara DioGuardi judge on American Idol.

Philbin :
“First of Let me tell you we had some sad news today... “
“an old friend of ours passed Ed McMahon died last night..”
“He was a lovely guy always alot of fun”

Philbin: “Anyway Ed’s gone and I’m sure he’s with Johnny right now ...
"Maybe Johny said “Heeeeeeere’s Ed!”

His last appearance on Regis and Kelly show was in Nov 28, 2005, where McMahon was promoting his new book.

McMahon had recently been hospitalized at the UCLA Ronald Reagan Hospital in Los Angeles suffering with pneumonia. He was most famous for his role on the "Tonight Show" . He appeared beginning in 1962, “nightly”, for 30 years as co-host to Johnny Carson. On the "Tonight Show," McMahon was known worldwide for creating the infamous catchphrase "Heeeeeeere's Johnny!"

The entertainer was also known for his role giving away giant checks on the “Publishers Clearing house sweepstakes” commercials. He also hosted the popular talent show "Star Search" and co-hosted "TV Bloopers And Practical Jokes" with Dick Clark.

In recent news McMahon's financial woes had sadly been his claim to fame.
He was facing bankruptcy proceedings he was reportedly behind $644,000 on his $4.8 million dollar mortgage on his home. Over recent years he also been suffering numerous health problems from a sever mold reaction to from a broken neck he suffered during a fall, and a unconfirmed battle with bone cancer.
 

He was born Edward Peter Leo McMahon, Jr., on March 6, 1923, in Detroit, Michigan.
McMahon began his entertainment career as a bingo announcer at various carnivals during high school. He also studied engineering at Boston College, and later joined the Navy in hopes of becoming a Marine corps fighter pilot. He proudly earned his wings in 1944, but spent most of WWII working stateside as a flight instructor and test pilot. He received a BA from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. in 1949.

McMahon began his career in broadcasting began after his graduation with his first job at a Philadelphia radio station that was also involved with broadcasting television. He was bitten by the TV bug when he was hired as a producer and co host for “ The Take Ten Show” which was a 3 hour variety show. During the next few years he appeared on numerous shows including “ The Big Top”, a circus show ,where he played a clown.
During the 1950’s he appeared on no fewer than 13 concurrently running programs on local Philadelphia television.

McMahon was called into service during the Korean War, and earned six medals during his tour of duty. After his tour was ended he returned to Television. His big break came in 1958 whe he was cast as the announcer of a New York based quiz show called “Who Do You Trust?” it was on that set that McMahon met his longtime friend Johnny Carson.

When Carson was chosen by NBC to replace Jack Paar on “ The Tonight Show”, he insisted McMahon come with him. For three decades McMahon served as announcer and started ach episdoe with his trademark line "Heeeeeeere's Johnny!" He was also the perfect partner for Carson’s jokes.
 

Here is piece a classic footage from "The Tonight Show"

Post your favorite memories of Ed McMahon below: