ED McMAHON

March 6, 1923

Edward Leo Peter McMahon Jr. was born in Detroit, Michigan. He was best remembered as the announcer / sidekick of Johnny Carson on “The Tonight Show” but he was also a game show host, comedian, actor, singer, and product spokesperson. 

His first television experience was as the local host of “The Philadelphia Story” in 1950, quickly followed by “Off The Record” and “Strictly for the Girls,” and “Home Highlights.” McMahon was also skilled in the art of clowning, and appeared on television’s “Big Top” (1950-55). 

McMahon and Johnny Carson began their association in their first TV series, the ABC game show “Who Do You Trust?” (1957-62). 

His thirty years as co-host, announcer, and sometimes substitute host on “The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson” lasted thirty years, starting in 1962. 

Lucille Ball joined Ed and Johnny on “The Tonight Show” many times: 

1. July 11, 1968
2. November 20, 1968
3. November 26, 1968
4. August 20, 1969
5. November 14, 1969
6. February 23, 1970
7. November 16, 1970
8. May 21, 1971
9. August 16, 1971
10. September 22, 1972
11. March 22, 1974
12. November 15, 1974
13. December 2, 1975
14. April 28, 1977
15. November 18, 1977
16. February 7, 1980
17. June 4, 1982
18. November 1, 1985

On December 1, 1969, McMahon played himself on “Lucy and Johnny Carson” (HL S2;E11). At a filming of “The Tonight Show” Lucy plays Stump the Band and wins dinner at the Brown Derby.  Unfortunately for Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon, Lucy seats herself at their table. The scene is a nod to “Hollywood at Last!” (ILL S4;E16) in 1955.

McMahon returned to the series, this time as an actor, in “Lucy, the Wealthy Widow” (HL S6;E4) on October 1, 1973. When the Employment Agency needs cash, Lucy invites bank loan officer Ed McAllister (Ed McMahon) to dinner and poses as a wealthy widow.

In between, McMahon and Ball were both part of John Wayne’s patriotic special “Swing Out, Sweet Land” in November 1970. Ball played the Statue of Liberty and McMahon played a bartender.  

This was particularly fitting as he had a reputation as a drinker and also was spokesperson for Budweiser Beer doing many television commercials for the brewers, many with their trademark Clydesdale horses. 

He acted with Lucille Ball on her final special “Lucy Calls the President” (1977) playing Floyd Whittaker, Lucy’s husband, owner of a bowling alley.  McMahon has the distinction of being the first actor to play a husband of a Lucille Ball character since Desi Arnaz in 1960. 

In 1985 McMahon and Ball both appeared on “Bob Hope Buys NBC?” although they did not share any screen time.  While “The Tonight Show” was always an NBC show, Lucille Ball had only signed with the peacock network in 1980. 

McMahon was married three times; to Alyce Ferrell​​ (1945-74)​, Victoria Valentine​​(1976-89)​ and Pam Hurn (1992 until his passing). 

McMahon died on June 23, 2009. He was 86 years old. McMahon’s publicist attributed his death to the many health problems he had suffered over his final months.