Ed McMahon
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Born Name:
Edward Leo Peter McMahon Jr.
Born Date: March 6, 1923
Born Place: Detroit, Michigan
Died Date: June 23, 2009
Died Place: Los Angeles, California
Occupations: Comedian, actor. singer, game show host, announcer, spokesman
Brief Biography: Ed McMahon was best known as Johnny Carson's legendary sidekick and announcer on NBC’s The Tonight Show, a role he held for 30 years from 1962 to 1992.
Early Life and Military Service:
Born in Detroit, Michigan, on March 6, 1923, Edward Leo Peter McMahon Jr. was raised primarily in Lowell, Massachusetts. Before entering show business, he served with distinction as a United States Marine Corps fighter pilot during World War II and remained in the reserves, eventually retiring with the rank of colonel.
The Tonight Show Era:
McMahon's partnership with Johnny Carson began in 1958 on the ABC game show Who Do You Trust?. When Carson took over The Tonight Show in 1962, McMahon went with him. As the announcer and "second banana," McMahon became a television icon, famous for his roaring, elongated introduction: "Heeeeeere's Johnny!" and his hearty, infectious laugh. He acted as the perfect straight man and comedic foil to Carson, anchoring the couch for exactly three decades.
Broader Career and Pop Culture:
Beyond The Tonight Show, McMahon was an incredibly prolific and recognizable face on television:
Star Search: He hosted the original, long-running talent competition series Star Search from 1983 to 1995.TV’s Bloopers & Practical Jokes: He co-hosted this popular comedy and blooper series alongside Dick Clark.
Pitchman & Spokesperson: McMahon became the iconic front man for the American Family Publishers sweepstakes and Budweiser beer, and annually co-hosted the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon.
Born Date: March 6, 1923
Born Place: Detroit, Michigan
Died Date: June 23, 2009
Died Place: Los Angeles, California
Occupations: Comedian, actor. singer, game show host, announcer, spokesman
Brief Biography: Ed McMahon was best known as Johnny Carson's legendary sidekick and announcer on NBC’s The Tonight Show, a role he held for 30 years from 1962 to 1992.
Early Life and Military Service:
Born in Detroit, Michigan, on March 6, 1923, Edward Leo Peter McMahon Jr. was raised primarily in Lowell, Massachusetts. Before entering show business, he served with distinction as a United States Marine Corps fighter pilot during World War II and remained in the reserves, eventually retiring with the rank of colonel.
The Tonight Show Era:
McMahon's partnership with Johnny Carson began in 1958 on the ABC game show Who Do You Trust?. When Carson took over The Tonight Show in 1962, McMahon went with him. As the announcer and "second banana," McMahon became a television icon, famous for his roaring, elongated introduction: "Heeeeeere's Johnny!" and his hearty, infectious laugh. He acted as the perfect straight man and comedic foil to Carson, anchoring the couch for exactly three decades.
Broader Career and Pop Culture:
Beyond The Tonight Show, McMahon was an incredibly prolific and recognizable face on television:
Star Search: He hosted the original, long-running talent competition series Star Search from 1983 to 1995.TV’s Bloopers & Practical Jokes: He co-hosted this popular comedy and blooper series alongside Dick Clark.
Pitchman & Spokesperson: McMahon became the iconic front man for the American Family Publishers sweepstakes and Budweiser beer, and annually co-hosted the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon.