Legendary Johnny Carson sidekick and announcer Ed McMahon has died at the age of 86. The television personality passed away shortly after midnight at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center according to his longtime publicist Howard Bragman. He had been hospitalized in February 2009 with what had been described at that time as bone cancer.
Becoming famous for the phrase “Heeeeeere’s Johnny!“, McMahon sat on the guest couch next to Carson from 1962 to 1992. Other noteworthy career highlights were Ed’s co-hosting of the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon, as well as his work with Publishers Clearing House and Budweiser.
In recent years Ed has been plagued with many health issues including a neck injury in 2007 and pneumonia.
In June of 2008 the press got wind of financial difficulties for Ed and had a field day, reporting that he was in arrears on his mortgage and owed back taxes. His mansion was in foreclosure and he eventually found a private buyer that would allow McMahon to remain in the home until his death.
McMahon was survived by his wife Pamela, three daughters and two sons. A sixth son died of cancer in 1995.
View photo of Carson and McMahon below.