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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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 OBITUARY 
9

Iconic Sidekick Ed McMahon Dead at 86

Former Tonight Show sidekick fought cancer

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(Newser) – Ed McMahon died last night in Los Angeles. The former Johnny Carson sidekick, 86, had long fought cancer and was recently admitted to the hospital with pneumonia, WAPT reports. Besides his Tonight Show role, McMahon was known for hosting Star Search and appearing on commercials handing giant checks to American Family Publishers sweepstakes winners.

McMahon introduced Carson to viewers with his trademark “Heeeere’s Johnny!” as “TV’s most famous second banana” from 1962-1992, People reports. After graduating college, McMahon got a job at a Philadelphia TV station; his first meeting with Carson a few years later was “about as exciting as watching a traffic light change,” he said. But he was hired on Carson’s ABC show in 1956 before the pair headed to the Tonight Show.

Promotional portrait of American television host Ed McMahon, early 1960s.
Promotional portrait of American television host Ed McMahon, early 1960s.   (Getty Images)
In this May 22, 1992 file photo, Ed McMahon, left, shakes hands with talk show host Johnny Carson, during the final taping of the
In this May 22, 1992 file photo, Ed McMahon, left, shakes hands with talk show host Johnny Carson, during the final taping of the "Tonight Show" in Burbank, Calif.   (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac, File)
In this July 24, 2007 file photo, Ed McMahon arrives at the premiere of
In this July 24, 2007 file photo, Ed McMahon arrives at the premiere of "The Simpsons Movie" premiere in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, FILE)
Ed McMahon and his wife, Pam Hurn, arrive for the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008.
Ed McMahon and his wife, Pam Hurn, arrive for the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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9 comments
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ClearSight
Jun 23, 09 8:22 AM CDT
Rest in Peace Ed....... Reply
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+2
DarkFrancis
Jun 23, 09 8:28 AM CDT
Bye Ed...sleep tight. Thank you. Best wishes to your family. Reply
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+1
Circusdog
Jun 23, 09 8:29 AM CDT
Hi-Yoooooooooooooooooooooo The answer is Mt Baldy...Mt. Baldy..The question..What Yul Brenner said on his wedding night.. We'll miss you Ed! Reply
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+2
TerrifiedCitizen
Jun 23, 09 8:35 AM CDT
One of the nicest people I ever met. Reply
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+1
IN RESPONSE:
kokuaguy
Jun 23, 09 2:17 PM CDT
Tell me about it TC. Pretty please?
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