In easily one of the worst morning starters of 2009, news outlets are reporting the passing on legendary Tonight Show sidekick Ed McMahon has passed away at the age of 86. Ed’s career is the stuff of legend, acting as second banana to Johnny Carson, and eventually earning solo fame as the host of Star Search and the giant check folks over at Publisher’s Clearinghouse — not to mention my favorite show TV’s Bloopers and Practical Jokes. McMahon’s genial aura has been a staple on American televisions for, believe it or not, over 50 years, and representatives say he passed away quietly at Ronald Reagan/UCLA Medical Center after midnight.
Last fall, McMahon made an appearance on The Mike and Juliet Show, where I had the distinct pleasure of meeting him before airtime. This is a man who has probably been approached by hundreds of thousands of people, and yet him and his representative (assistant?) could not have been kinder. As stated in my original post:
Yes. I met Ed McMahon. While I’m not one to approach celebrities, I knew my parents would never forgive me if I failed to shower him in Collins family adoration. So, right before the segment began, I politely mosied on over — as I do — to shake the very same hand that has handed out so many gigantic cardboard checks. Ed was a dreamboat. And God bless him, for 85, he looked great. Sure, I didn’t really expect the tongue-lashing delivered above… but what can I say? That’s Ed for ya!
Here is a short clip of Ed scolding me for an admittedly lame joke:
Today, yet another bright spot who lived in the hearts of those over the age of 20 comes to an end. It goes without saying, they don’t come as classy as Ed McMahon and the stars of yesteryear.
Ahead, we’ve got two of our favorite Ed McMahon clips: His Cash4Gold commercial, and a genius Ed anecdote courtesy of Johnny Carson.
A clip of Ed a little sauced on the Tonight Show:
And, of course, his New Millennial Legacy, as the Cash 4 Gold Man:
Ed McMahon, a class act forever.
