Jeff's release also said "with Ed's passing, America has lost one of the greatest sidekicks in the history of the business, whose voice, along with his laughter and charm, added so much to the legacy of "The Tonight Show."
Ed McMahon, 86, who for nearly 30 years was Johnny Carson's affable second banana on "The Tonight Show," introducing it with his ringing trademark line, "Heeeeere's Johnny!," died early today (June 23, 2009) in Los Angeles.
(Image of Ed McMahon - NBC.com - All Rights Reserved).
According to his publicist, Howard Bragman, Ed died at Ronald Reagan Medical Center of the University of California, Los Angeles, surrounded by his family.
Bragman said McMahon had many health problems, including bone cancer and pneumonia, for which he had been hospitalized in February.
NBC Release
In a release about Ed's passing from Jeff Zucker, President and CEO of NBC, Jess said "for thirty years, a late-night ritual for millions began with Ed McMahon's booming voice introducing Johnny Carson."
Jeff's release also said "with Ed's passing, America has lost one of the greatest sidekicks in the history of the business, whose voice, along with his laughter and charm, added so much to the legacy of "The Tonight Show."
Britney Spears Tribute To Ed McMahon
Pop Princess Britney Spears posted a Tweet today on Twitter in order to remember Ed MacMahon.
It should be noted Brit got her pop start back in 1992 on the Star Search stage where the blonde 10 year old sang Naomi Judd's "Love Can Build a Bridge".
Although many Ed as Johnny Carson's sidekick, he was also on Star Search.
Britney's tweet said about Ed "he is responsible for giving so many artists their first shot, including myself." />
