Ed McMahon American actor and television host Date of Birth: 06.03.1923 Country: USA

1. Biography of Ed McMahon
2. Early Life and Career
3. Partnership with Johnny Carson
4. Other Television Work and Films
5. Later Life and Legacy

Biography of Ed McMahon

Ed McMahon was an American actor and television host. He was born on March 6, 1923, and passed away on June 23, 2009. McMahon is best known for his partnership with Johnny Carson on "The Tonight Show" from 1962 to 1992. He also hosted the talent show "Star Search" from 1983 to 1995 and co-hosted "TV's Bloopers & Practical Jokes" with Dick Clark from 1982 to 1986.

Early Life and Career

Edward Leo Peter "Ed" McMahon Jr. was born on March 6, 1923, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the son of Edward Leo McMahon Sr., a charity fundraiser and emcee, and Eleanor Russell McMahon. McMahon grew up in Lowell, Massachusetts and attended Boston College from 1940 to 1941 before graduating from The Catholic University of America in 1959.

McMahon's career began at the age of fifteen when he hosted bingo games in Maine. He worked as a carnival auctioneer for three years and sold vegetable slicers as a street vendor in Atlantic City while attending college. He landed his first hosting job on WLLH-AM radio station in his hometown of Lowell. His television career took off in Philadelphia at WCAU-TV.

Partnership with Johnny Carson

McMahon first teamed up with Johnny Carson as co-hosts of the game show "Who Do You Trust?". They continued their partnership on "The Tonight Show" in 1962, which lasted over thirty years. McMahon's outgoing and energetic personality provided a contrast to Carson's more reserved demeanor. Despite decades in the industry, McMahon admitted to feeling nervous before each performance and used that energy to fuel his stage presence.

Other Television Work and Films

In addition to his work with Carson, McMahon hosted the program "Star Search" from 1983 onwards, helping launch the careers of numerous actors, singers, choreographers, and comedians. He also appeared in several films, including the crime drama "Incident, or The Incident in the Subway" in 1967, the comedy "Fun with Dick and Jane" in 1976, the comedic horror film "Full Moon High" in 1981, and the crime drama "Butterfly" in 1982. His final film appearances were in "Bewitched" with Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell and "The Weather Man" with Nicolas Cage, both released in 2005.

Later Life and Legacy

In 2007, McMahon suffered an injury and underwent two surgeries for a broken neck in March 2008. He later filed a lawsuit against Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and two doctors, accusing them of fraud, mistreatment of elderly patients, and causing emotional distress. McMahon passed away at the age of 86 on June 23, 2009, at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. His trademark phrase, "Heeere's Johnny!", became legendary and is known throughout America. McMahon is considered one of the greatest sidekicks in American television history. He was laid to rest at Hollywood Hills Cemetery in Los Angeles. The official cause of death was never publicly disclosed.