TJ Phaserman 2 Posted June 23, 2009 Ed McMahon, the loyal "Tonight Show" sidekick who bolstered boss Johnny Carson with guffaws and a resounding "H-e-e-e-e-e-ere's Johnny!" for 30 years, died early Tuesday. He was 86. McMahon died shortly after midnight at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center surrounded by his wife, Pam, and other family members, said his publicist, Howard Bragman. Bragman didn't give a cause of death, saying only that McMahon had a "multitude of health problems the last few months." McMahon had bone cancer, among other illnesses, according to a person close to the entertainer, and had been hospitalized for several weeks. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to release the information. McMahon broke his neck in a fall in March 2007, and battled a series of financial problems as his injuries preventing him from working. McMahon and Carson had worked together for nearly five years on the game show "Who Do You Trust?" when Carson took over NBC's late-night show from Jack Paar in October 1962. McMahon played second banana on "Tonight" until Carson retired in 1992. "You can't imagine hooking up with a guy like Carson," McMahon said an interview with The Associated Press in 1993. "There's the old phrase, hook your wagon to a star. I hitched my wagon to a great star." McMahon, who never failed to laugh at his Carson's quips, kept his supporting role in perspective. "It's like a pitcher who has a favorite catcher," he said. "The pitcher gets a little help from the catcher, but the pitcher's got to throw the ball. Well, Johnny Carson had to throw the ball, but I could give him a little help." Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kor37 9 Posted June 23, 2009 A merciful death for that poor guy.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gummy 0 Posted June 23, 2009 He's had a tough last few years. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bethlehem 7 Posted June 23, 2009 Just seems like yesterday I was watching Ed and Johnny. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TJ Phaserman 2 Posted June 23, 2009 i remember watching the show as the kid. whenever i came home from preschool i would always "here's johnny!!" when i came through the door and make my parents laugh. *sighs* he will be deeply missed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
youbroughtheryouRiker 2 Posted June 25, 2009 Rest In Peace, Ed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites