Television legend and longtime 'Tonight Show' sidekick Ed McMahon has passed away. He was 86 years old.
McMahon died shortly after midnight at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. His publicist Howard Bragman didn't give a cause of death, but said Ed had a "multitude of health problems the last few months."
McMahon is seen here with unidentified family members in 1978.
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Always the showman, McMahon made a name for himself thanks to his boisterous personality, extended introductions of Mr. Carson and his catchphrase, "Heyo!"
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McMahon is seen here in 1997 with his third wife, Pam Hurn. He and Hurn married in 1992. McMahon's previous marriages were to Alyce Ferrill from 1949-1979, and to Victoria Valentine from 1977-1989.
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For 30 years, McMahon was Johnny Carson's trusty sidekick on 'The Tonight Show' as the two pioneered what late night television has come to be known as. McMahon stayed on board until Carson handed the 'Tonight' reigns to Jay Leno in 1992.
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Promotional portrait of American television host Ed McMahon, early 1960s. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
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Throughout his career, McMahon has always used his status to help charities. He was longtime co-host of Jerry Lewis' annual Labor Day telethon benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy, and he's seen here walking at Nancy Davis/Tommy Hilifiger's Rock To Erase MS.
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American television host Ed McMahon sits behind the steering wheel of a motorboat at Cypress Gardens, Florida, 1972. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
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In 1977, McMahon landed a major big screen movie role in 'Fun With Dick and Jane.' He's seen here on set with costar George Segal.
In February, Bragman announced that McMahon had been hospitalized for nearly a month withpneumonia and that other medical problems emerged, though little information was given since then. "It's serious. He's an 85-year old man with a number of medical issues going on," Bragman told Reuters at the time.
McMahon's hospitalization followed a difficult year for theveteran TV celebrity, most famous for his nightly "Heeeeeeere'sJohnny!" introduction of Carson for 30 years and for hishosting the TV talent show "Star Search."
In addition to his stints on "The Tonight Show" and "StarSearch," McMahon became well-known as the presenter of theAmerican Family Publishing sweepstakes and as a pitchman fornumerous commercials, most notably for Budweiser beer.
He also served as the longtime co-host of Jerry Lewis'annual Labor Day telethon benefiting the Muscular DystrophyAssociation.
Aside from his entertainment career, McMahon was a colonel in the United States Marines, serving during the late 1940s and 1950s.
In recent years, McMahon made headlines due to financial troubles, where his bankruptcy and possible home foreclosure led to him getting more work via commercials.
