Ed McMahon
Edward Leo Peter McMahon Jr. (March 6, 1923 – June 23, 2009) was an American announcer, game show host, comedian, actor, singer, and combat aviator. McMahon and Johnny Carson began their association in their first TV series, the ABC game show Who Do You Trust?, running from 1957 to 1962. McMahon then made his famous thirty-year mark as Carson's sidekick, announcer and second banana on NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson from 1962 to 1992.
Ed McMahon | |
|---|---|
McMahon in a 1960s publicity photo | |
| Born | Edward Leo Peter McMahon Jr. March 6, 1923 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | June 23, 2009 (aged 86) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Education | Boston College |
| Alma mater | Catholic University of America |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1957–2009 |
| Notable work | The Tonight Show, Star Search, TV's Bloopers & Practical Jokes |
| Spouses | Alyce Ferrell
(m. 1945; div. 1974)Victoria Valentine
(m. 1976; div. 1989)Pam Hurn (m. 1992) |
| Children | 5 |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | United States Marine Corps USMC Reserve |
| Years of service | 1941–1966 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles/wars | World War II Korean War |
| Signature | |
McMahon also hosted the original Star Search from 1983 to 1995, co-hosted TV's Bloopers & Practical Jokes with Dick Clark from 1982 to 1998, presented sweepstakes for American Family Publishers, annually co-hosted the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon from 1973 to 2008 and anchored the team of NBC personalities conducting the network's coverage of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade during the 1970s and 80s.
McMahon appeared in several films, including The Incident, Fun With Dick and Jane, Full Moon High and Butterfly, as well as briefly in the film version of the TV sitcom Bewitched and also performed in numerous television commercials. According to Entertainment Weekly, McMahon is considered one of the greatest "sidekicks".