Ed McMahon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ed McMahon
|
|
|---|---|
McMahon in November 2005
|
|
| Born |
Edward Leo Peter McMahon Jr.
March 6, 1923 Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
|
| Died | June 23, 2009 (aged 86) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
|
| Education | Boston College |
| Alma mater | Catholic University of America |
| Occupation |
|
| Years active | 1957–2009 |
|
Notable work
|
The Tonight Show, Star Search, TV's Bloopers & Practical Jokes |
| Spouse(s) |
Alyce Ferrell
(m. 1945; div. 1974)Victoria Valentine
(m. 1976; div. 1989)Pam Hurn
(m. 1992) |
| Children | 5 |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Marine CorpsUSMC Reserve |
| Years of service | 1941–1966 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles/wars | World War II Korean War |
| Signature | |
 |
|
Edward Leo Peter McMahon Jr. (born March 6, 1923 – died June 23, 2009) was a famous American TV personality. He was an announcer, game show host, comedian, actor, and even a combat pilot.
McMahon is best known for being the sidekick and announcer for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. He worked on the show for 30 years, from 1962 to 1992. He also hosted the popular talent show Star Search and co-hosted TV's Bloopers & Practical Jokes.
Contents
Early life and beginnings
Edward Leo Peter McMahon Jr. was born in Detroit, Michigan. His father was a fundraiser and entertainer. Ed grew up in Lowell, Massachusetts.
Before becoming famous, he had many interesting jobs. He worked as a carnival barker and a bingo caller in Maine. He also sold vegetable slicers on the Atlantic City boardwalk. His first job in broadcasting was at a radio station called WLLH-AM. Later, he started his TV career in Philadelphia at WCAU-TV.
Military service
Ed McMahon always wanted to be a United States Marine Corps fighter pilot. Before World War II, pilots needed at least two years of college. So, McMahon studied at Boston College from 1940 to 1941.
After finishing college, he began his flight training. He became a Marine Corps flight instructor for two years. In 1945, he was set to go to the Pacific, but the war ended.
During the Korean War, McMahon was called back to duty. He flew 85 combat missions as a spotter pilot. He helped guide artillery and fighter planes. For his bravery, he earned six Air Medals. He stayed in the Marine Corps Reserve and retired as a Colonel in 1966.
College life
After World War II, McMahon used the GI Bill to study at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He studied speech and drama and graduated in 1949.
He was very dedicated to his university. He helped raise money for a theater there. McMahon also served as the president of the university's alumni association. In 1988, he received an honorary degree. Today, there's an Ed McMahon Endowed Scholarship. It helps students who study drama or media.
Entertainment career
Who Do You Trust?
Ed McMahon and Johnny Carson first worked together on a game show called Who Do You Trust?. This show ran from 1957 to 1962 on ABC. McMahon was the announcer, and Carson was the host.
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
McMahon joined Carson again for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1962. For nearly 30 years, McMahon was Carson's famous sidekick and announcer. He would introduce the show with his booming voice, saying: "Heeeeeeeeeeere’s Johnny!"
His loud voice and constant laughter earned him nicknames like the "Human Laugh Track". McMahon was a great partner to Carson, who was known for being a bit shy. McMahon also did commercials during the show for products like Budweiser beer and Alpo dog food. His famous opening line was even used in the 1980 horror film The Shining.
Star Search
McMahon also hosted Star Search, a popular weekly talent show. It started in 1983 and ran until 1995. This show helped many new actors, singers, and comedians get their start. McMahon even made a special appearance on a new version of the show in 2003.
Other roles
Ed McMahon was known as "Mr. Budweiser" because of his long work with the beer company Anheuser-Busch. He used this connection to help the Muscular Dystrophy Association. From 1973 to 2008, he co-hosted the annual Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. This event raised money for a good cause.
He also co-hosted TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes with Dick Clark from 1982 to 1993. McMahon appeared in several films, including The Incident and Fun with Dick and Jane. He also hosted other game shows like Missing Links and Concentration.
McMahon wrote two books about his life and career. These include Here's Johnny!: My Memories of Johnny Carson and For Laughing Out Loud. In his later years, he appeared in commercials, including one for FreeCreditReport.com where he played a rapper.
Personal life
Family
Ed McMahon was married three times. He first married Alyce Ferrell in 1945. They had four children together. They later divorced in 1974. He then married Victoria Valentine in 1976, and they adopted a daughter. They divorced in 1989. In 1992, McMahon married Pamela "Pam" Hurn. He was a longtime summer resident of Avalon, New Jersey.
Death
Ed McMahon passed away on June 23, 2009, at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. He was 86 years old. His publicist said he had been dealing with several health issues in his final months.
Tributes and legacy
Ed McMahon received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television in 1986. This honor celebrates his important contributions to television. In 2010, he was also added to the Hall of Fame by the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia.
Books
- Ed McMahon's Barside Companion (1969)
- Slimming Down (1972)
- Here's Ed: The Autobiography of Ed McMahon (1976)
- Ed McMahon's Superselling (1989)
- For Laughing Out Loud: My Life and Good Times (1998)
- Here's Johnny! My Memories of Johnny Carson, The Tonight Show, and 46 Years of Friendship (2005)
- Backstage at the Tonight Show (Foreword by Ed McMahon) (2006)
- When Television Was Young: The Inside Story with Memories by Legends of the Small Screen (2007)
Images for kids
-
Ed McMahon's signature
See also
In Spanish: Ed McMahon para niños
