R.I.P. Ed McMahon

Old Ed MchMahon just died today:

Hollywood icon Ed McMahon has passed away. Ed was most famous for his work as Johnny Carson’s announcer on the “Tonight Show,” and as the host of the classic TV talent show “Star Search.” He was 86.

As ET reported in late February, McMahon was suffering from systemic bone cancer and had been treated at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. His wife Pam was at his side when he passed away. After playing a clown on the CBS circus-themed show, “The Big Top,” he took the role of announcer on ABC’s “Who Do You Trust?” — a TV show that would change his life. It was on that program the he met that show’s host Johnny Carson, and developed a hilarious camaraderie that lasted for decades. Their chemistry was carried over to NBC’s “The Tonight Show,” when Carson took over as host in 1962. McMahon stuck with him for the next three decades, until Carson bid a final good night in 1992.

During his fruitful years on “The Tonight Show,” McMahon also hosted “Star Search,” the popular talent show that introduced stars such as Rosie O’Donnell, Britney Spears, Ray Romano and Justin Timberlake.

During the mid-90s, McMahon made several TV and movie appearances, including a cameo in the 1994 Warren Beatty and Annette Bening drama, ‘Love Affair.’ He also played a morning talk show host in The WB sitcom, “The Tom Show.” In 2001, he once again embarked on a talent search, this time for PAX-TV’s “Next Big Star.”

McMahon is survived by his wife Pamela, as well as five children: Claudia, Linda, Katherine, Jeffrey and Lex. He was pre-deceased by son Michael.

R.I.P.

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