What does it mean to be most famous for being the sidekick, the helper, the yes-man, the TV version of an assistant, to a television legend? Ed McMahon, who has died at age 86, lived out that quandary for more than three decades starting in 1962 as the announcer for Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show. He anchored down the guest-couch with his impressive bulk and even bulkier laugh. It was Ed’s job to make every off-the-cuff yuk Johnny uttered seem like a perfect joke (“Yes!”), and in so doing, get the audience — in the studio, at home — to laugh along, too. Ed McMahon, you might say, was the human equivalent of a laugh track.
If all of this sounds belittling to McMahon, it’s because it leaves out all the important qualities about him. McMahon was really good at his job. He had a great announcer’s voice, resonant and jolly simultaneously. He had a truly natural laugh, even when he must have been straining for the naturalness. And despite the fact that McMahon was frequently parodied as the ultimate suck-up — most artfully by Jeffrey Tambor as sidekick Hank Kingsley on Gary Shandling’s Larry Sanders Show — McMahon, if you watch any of those old Tonight Shows on DVD, rarely sucked up at all. He conversed with Johnny about the day’s events; he sometimes needled, even irritated, his boss. He had his dignity.
He also had Star Search on the side (1983-95), hosting a sort of cross between American Idol and The Gong Show. And some might say his post-Johnny jobs removed some of that dignity. He became a walking punchline, for example, as the spokesman for the big-check giveaways for American Family Publishing.
He shilled life insurance in numerous commercials. But he always did it with an irrepressible friendliness; there wasn’t anything phony or overlaid with guile in what Ed McMahon did.
He knew his place in the show-biz hierarchy and made it look like the best job in the world. And maybe, for him, it was.
More on Ed McMahon: Ed McMahon’s Wild Ride
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RIP Mr. McMahon.
R.I.P. Mr. McMahon
What’s to admire about a guy who was always sucking up to the main character? He also managed to mis-manage his finances to the point that he almost became homeless. This guy in short embodied some of the most unenviable qualities a person can possess.
Truly a sad day for television
They compiled a little video of his accomplishments over at http://doiop.com/rzkh if anyone wants to check it out, it’s very touching. We’ll miss him
What this article doesn’t mention is that Ed McMahon also joined the U.S. Marines during WWII. He became a decorated pilot. So he embodied some of the best qualities a person can possess. Bravery, honor, and patriotism. He served his country with honor and distintion. I always enjoyed the back and forth between Ed and Johnny, they were a great team.
Sad Sad news. A True legend of the TV.
http://tvdonewright.com/2009/06/23/tv-legend-ed-mcmahon-dead-at-86/
RIP Ed =(
Phil Harmonic you’re pathetic.
Well Ken, as fate would have it, I read your book last night. The one where you talk about how much you hated the Carson era of The Tonight Show, Ed McMahon included. I think it’s bad taste that you’re the one the site had write this tribute. Rest in Peace Mr. McMahon, I loved you the Carson/McMahon period of The Tonight Show.
RE: Phil Harmonic
What is an unenviable quality, is badmouthing someone who has just died.
RIP
RE: Phil Harmonic
What’s unenviable, is a man who will bad mouth someone publicly who has just passed away.
RIP E.M.
How can you forget all Ed did for MDA, if it was’nt for Ed, Jerry would have a hard time. Thanks for thinking of our kids, Ed. Love you, Laura
It was a great time in the history of television-what a team! and both Johnny and Ed continued entertaining audiences with dignity and respect until the last show.How wonderful for Bette Midler to have been chosen to perform such a moving goodbye song. Yes, Ed served in the war as a Colonel and for that alone he has my respect and admiration.
I AM TRULEY SORRY TO HEAR OF ED PASSING WE ARE FROM THE SAME ERA I WAS BORN IN 23 SO I GREW UP WITH ED SMART MAN AND VERY FUNNY AT TIMES GREAT SHOWS TOO, I WILL MISS HIM. I WAS SURE HOPING TO MEET HIM ONE DAY I STILL SEND OUT MY P CLEARING HOUSE FOR ALL THE YEARS IN HOPE OF METTING HIM HE WAS A GREAT OLD SOUL MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY.MAYBE WILL MEET IN THE HAPPY PLACE IN THE SKY.
RIP =( I can’t believe the legendary Ed McMahon died today. He will forever be missed. I found this great gallery that reminisces Ed’s good times. Wanted to share the link with you during this sad time: http://www.iheartradio.com/cc-common/gallery/display.html?album_id=184581&cmp=ncle_edmcmahon
You were a champion and will be missed. http://www.cutejewishdating.com/
While Ed McMahon may be best known as Johnny Carson’s sidekick, his list of accomplishments beyond “The Tonight Show” is impressive. Here’s a look at Ed’s career, his booming laugh will be sorely missed. http://www.getback.com/gallery/heeeerrrre-s-ed-mcmahon/2986658