R.I.P.: Ed McMahon

Ed McMahon, left, and Johnny Carson on the "Tonight Show." (Courtesy NBC)

Ed McMahon, Johnny Carson's faithful second banana on NBC's "Tonight Show" for 30 years (1962-1992), died early this morning (June 23) at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in L.A.

We all knew it was coming.  McMahon, a well-known TV pitchman after his tenure alongside the late Carson had ended, did not have what anyone will call an easy time of it late in his 86-year life.

McMahon almost lost his home to foreclosure, had numerous health problems and even suffered a fall that resulted in a broken neck.

I think I know why a death like this -- even an expected one -- has such an impact.  McMahon and Carson were like guests in our homes, or we were guests in theirs.  With a simple press of a button, there they were night after night laughing and kidding; always (seemingly at least) in a great mood.

The dynamic duo of late-night TV lifted my spirits hundreds of times during their three decades together. They accomplished that just by being there.  Just by being a constant, an unsinkable jovial force, as the drama, losses and rare fulfilling days of my everyday life played out. 

So here's to you, Ed.  May you finally rest in peace, unburdened at last by a mansion infested with mold, a sometimes unsettled personal life and, darn the ill luck, a broken neck late in life.

Hi-Yo!

Comments

[Nathan]

If you're interested in searching out a wonderful documentary, look up "Pitch People." Netflix may have it. It's all about the "second oldest profession," according to the pressbook on the film. As one of the subjects interviewed in the film, Ed McMahon recalls his days as a pitchman.