ed mcmahon, johnny carson’s announcer and sidekick for three decades, died today @ the age of 86. nytimes:

mr. mcmahon was one of the most recognizable men in america. with his broad, genial, regular-guy features, he had the face of someone you would buy a used car from. indeed, for decades he was one of television’s most ubiquitous pitchmen, selling everything from boats to beer. he also took a few acting roles and in later years was the host of the long-running television talent show “star search” and wrote some popular books, including his memoirs.

but it was in the role of the faithful tonto to carson’s wry lone ranger that mr. mcmahon made his sideman’s mark. after he rolled out his introduction like a red carpet for introduction like a red carpet for the boss, and after carson delivered his nightly monologue, mr. mcmahon, in jacket and tie, would take his seat on the couch beside the host’s desk, chat and banter with carson a bit before the guests came on and almost invariably guffaw at his jokes, even when he was the butt of them. when the guests did arrive, he would slide over to make room and rarely interrupt.

the work paid handsomely — some reports said $5 million a year — and it made mr. mcmahon a familiar face, and voice, in millions of households. “the tonight show” became the country’s most popular late-night television diversion, and the “heeeeere’s johnny!” introduction became a national catchphrase…

“i laugh for an hour and then go home,” mr. mcmahon once said. “i’ve got the world’s greatest job.”


ed was also known as the host of the original star search, and, along w/dick clark, the host of tv’s bloopers & practical jokes.

we are touched by ed’s passing. skippy, along w/his friend buzz belmondo (of whom we have spoken before), were lucky enough to work w/ed on a tv project (that never saw the light of day) back in the 90′s.

ed was a consumate professional and a lovely person. after watching buzz do his routine only once, ed jumped in for the second rehearsal and fed buzz the straight lines for his jokes. afterwards skippy told buzz, "ed mcmahon was your straight man!" an honor indeed in hollywood.

for a couple of years after that, the skippy’s received christmas cards from the mcmahons. ed was a class act and a true hollywood legend.

we suppose god needed someone to introduce johnny carson up in heaven.

rest in peace, ed mcmahon.