Ed McMahon

Ed McMahon was an American announcer, actor, and television personality, best known for his work on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson alongside Johnny Carson. He attended Catholic University of America and later served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and the Korean War. McMahon's career spanned over five decades, with appearances on various television shows, including The Tonight Show, Star Search, and The Larry King Show. He also worked with notable figures such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Bob Hope.

● Early Life and Education

Ed McMahon was born on March 6, 1923, in Detroit, Michigan, to Edward Leo Peter McMahon Sr. and Eleanor McMahon. He grew up in Lowell, Massachusetts, and attended Lowell High School. McMahon then enrolled in Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he studied drama and developed an interest in radio broadcasting. During his time at the university, he worked at WRC (AM) radio station, which was owned by NBC. After graduating, McMahon served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and the Korean War, achieving the rank of colonel. He was stationed in Quantico, Virginia, and later attended New York University.

● Career

McMahon's career in television began in the 1950s, with appearances on shows such as The Jerry Lewis Show and The Steve Allen Show. He worked as an announcer for ABC and CBS, and later became the announcer for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1962. McMahon's iconic introduction, "Heeeeere's Johnny!", became a signature phrase of the show. He also appeared on other television programs, including The $10,000 Pyramid, Hollywood Squares, and The Larry King Show. McMahon worked with notable figures such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Bob Hope, and was a frequent guest on The Dean Martin Show and The Carol Burnett Show. He also made appearances on Saturday Night Live, The Muppet Show, and The Simpsons.

● Personal Life

McMahon was married three times, to Alyce Ferrill, Victoria Valentine, and Pamela Hurn. He had six children, including Claudia McMahon and Katherine McMahon. McMahon was a longtime resident of Beverly Hills, California, and was involved in various charitable organizations, including the USO and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. He was also a member of the Friars Club and the Hollywood Rotary Club. McMahon was a close friend of Johnny Carson and Frank Sinatra, and often performed at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.

● Death and Legacy

Ed McMahon passed away on June 23, 2009, at the age of 86, due to complications from pneumonia and bone cancer. He died at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. McMahon's death was mourned by the entertainment industry, with tributes from Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien, and David Letterman. He was remembered for his iconic introduction on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and his numerous appearances on television shows. McMahon's legacy continues to be celebrated, with appearances in documentaries such as The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. He was also posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

● Filmography

Ed McMahon appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career, including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The $10,000 Pyramid, Hollywood Squares, and The Larry King Show. He also made appearances on Saturday Night Live, The Muppet Show, and The Simpsons. Some of his notable film roles include Fun with Dick and Jane alongside George Segal and Jane Fonda, and Brewster's Millions alongside Richard Pryor and John Candy. McMahon also appeared in The Cannonball Run alongside Burt Reynolds and Dom DeLuise, and The Cannonball Run II alongside Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Other notable appearances include The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and Murder, She Wrote. McMahon worked with notable directors such as Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, and appeared in films such as JFK and Forrest Gump. He also made appearances on The Arsenio Hall Show, The Phil Donahue Show, and The Oprah Winfrey Show. Category:American television personalities