Ed McMahon Was My Hero

by Kim Thomas

I was so sad today to learn of the death of one of my heroes, Ed McMahon. He was funny, he was a hard worker, he was , as my sister says, "the funny rich uncle we never had."

Edward Leo Peter "Ed" McMahon, Jr. (March 6, 1923 - June 23, 2009) died from complications of pneumonia and cancer. He was one of America’s most beloved comedians, game show host, announcer and television personality, however he most well known for his work on television as Johnny Carson’s announcer on the Tonight Show from 1962 to 1992, and as the host of Star Search from 1983 to 1995.

Ed McMahon was born in Detroit, attended Catholic University of America, where he majored in speech and drama. He graduated with a B.A. in 1949, was a member of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity. Ed worked as a bingo caller (age 15) and was carnival barker in Mexico, Maine before putting himself through college as a pitchman for vegetable slicers on the boardwalk in Atlantic City.

His first broadcasting job was at WLLH-AM radio and he began his television career in Philadelphia at WCAU-TV. In the 1950s, he emceed game shows, then moved on to his most well known spot as Johnny Carson’s sidekick on the Tonight Show.

Semper Fi

During WWII, McMahon was a fighter pilot in the United States Marine Corps, serving as a flight instructor and test pilot. He was a decorated pilot and was discharged in 1946, but remained in the reserves.

After college, McMahon returned to active duty. He was sent to Korea in February 1953, flew unarmed O-1E Bird Dogs on 85 tactical air control and artillery spotting missions. He retired with the rank of Colonel in 1966 and was then commissioned as a Brigadier General in the California Air National Guard.

The Tonight Show

The extroverted McMahon served as a counter to the notoriously shy Carson. Nonetheless, McMahon once told an interviewer that after his many decades as an emcee, he would still get butterflies in his stomach every time he would walk onto a stage, and would use that nervousness as a source of energy.

For many people who watch faithfully every year, McMahon’s presence and jovial personality will most certainly be missed in September when Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon is presented without its annual co-host. It is my hope and prayer that this year's telethon will generate more donations than ever, in memory of this great American hero.

pray for peace, y'all,

Kimmy