Last of the Breed
Ed McMahon 1923-2009 -
June 24th, 2009
To say Ed McMahon was a disappointment for not showing up at our doorstep with a balloon bouquet and a gigantic cardboard check may not be fair, but dammit if those brown-windowed envelopes marked "Urgent" didn’t make us think we had a shot.
McMahon had a joyful voice that was as comforting as it was relaxing. He was like the hysterical, hip uncle who would keep the house entertained while siphoning off your liquor cabinet and offering to check your girlfriend for abnormal moles. Strapped for cash after three marriages, various lawsuits, and years of hard living, McMahon saddled up with MC Hammer for a hysterical Cash4Gold SuperBowl commercial that lampooned his overspending lifestyle — proof that the man who brought us so much laughter still had the balls to laugh at himself.
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13
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Number of television shows Ed had in 1952, when the medium of television was still in its infancy. Among the programs he hosted: a morning show, a noon show, the late-night movie, a game show, and Strictly for the Girls!, a chat show for women. “Hi-yoooo!” |
Ed only drinks on special occasions . . . like when he sees wall-to-wall carpeting.
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Johnny Carson
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The Toilet Paper’s offices have a nice thick shag. We tilt our 40ozs to you, sir. You will be missed!
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factotum
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noun. 1. A person employed to do all kinds of work.
Whether Ed was introducing Johnny, greeting guests, pitching the products of the show’s sponsors, or playing the ultimate straight man, he did it all on The Tonight Show. Refilling the odor cakes in the urinals? That was Doc Severinsen’s job.
A decorated fighter pilot in World War II, McMahon returned to active duty to fly in Korea, along with baseball star Ted Williams. He remained in the Marine Corps Reserve until retiring with the rank of colonel in 1966.
One of the Greats
| Was a carnival barker, bingo caller, and peepshow roadie as a kid in Atlantic City |
| Put himself through college on money made selling vegetable peelers |
| Was on the one of the first covers of TV Digest (TV Guide predecessor) |
| Had his catchphrase, "Heeeeere’s Johnny!" quoted in The Shining |
| Budweiser pitchman who had extensive knowledge of the product |
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While the current Hollywood climate reeks of "me, me, me," Ed McMahon was the consummate professional, thrilled to be a second banana as long as he got to share the stage. |
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