Longtime MDA Telethon Anchor Ed McMahon Dies

His last appearance on the Telethon in 2008 was McMahon’s 41st, second only to Lewis’ number of appearances.

McMahon, president of McMahon Communications Inc., appeared on an MDA Telethon as early as 1967, and became its anchor in 1973, a position he held until his death.

In his 1998 memoir, “For Laughing Out Loud,” McMahon remembers that his first appearance on the Telethon was as a celebrity guest asking viewers for donations. But while he was making his pitch, Lewis temporarily left the stage, leaving McMahon standing there alone when his speech was done. So, “being a professional, I introduced the next performer at the proper time. ‘Ladies and gentlemen, here they are, let’s give a big round of applause…’ As I finished I looked into the wings and saw Jerry standing there, arms folded, watching me. ‘Go ahead,’ he told me. ‘You’re doing a great job.’” It was the first step in a decades-long Telethon partnership.