Longtime MDA Telethon Anchor Ed McMahon Dies

TUCSON, Ariz. June 23, 2009 — Ed McMahon, one of America’s best known television personalities and longtime anchor of the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon, died today at age 86 in Los Angeles.

McMahon, of Beverly Hills, Calif., was an MDA corporate member from 1974 to 1988 and served as a volunteer MDA national vice president since 1992. He became a member of MDA’s board of directors in 2001.

McMahon perhaps was best known as the announcer on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," from 1962 to 1992. Subsequently he became host of the popular syndicated show, "Ed McMahon's Star Search," and co-host with Dick Clark on NBC's "TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes." He also starred in the comedy series, “The Tom Show” with Tom Arnold, and appeared in several movies.

Jerry Lewis, MDA national chairman, said, "Ed was a dear, dear friend. We were always making jokes, cracking each other up. He cared deeply about people with neuromuscular diseases. On the Telethon, he was my right-hand man – it’s hard to imagine doing the show without him.

"Ed also performed many services for MDA behind the scenes," Lewis continued. "Of the thousands of celebrities who’ve helped ‘my kids’ during the last 50-plus years, none has given more, and given more gladly, than Ed McMahon."

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.

McMahon received both the MDA’s Lifetime Achievement Award and its National Humanitarian Award for his years of devoted service in behalf of people with neuromuscular diseases. He also was recipient of the Harry Zimmerman Memorial Award from Service Merchandise for his service to MDA, and in 1997, was presented with an MDA Paragon Award for his voluntary efforts.

McMahon served as chairperson of the MDA Senior Citizens Crusade and made many personal and news media appearances in behalf of the Association. He frequently worked with and encouraged the support of MDA’s national sponsors, as well.

In 1994, McMahon arranged for MDA to receive proceeds from call-ins to his "Star Search" annual finals. He also helped double 1994 Shamrocks Against Dystrophy proceeds in Arizona by challenging people to match his own $50,000 donation.

In a 1991 interview about the MDA Telethon, he said, "Over the years, it's become a tradition with people. Like you have turkey at Thanksgiving, come Labor Day, you have the Telethon."

McMahon began a lifelong fascination with broadcasting as a 6-year-old, hearing a distant radio station through headphones of a crystal set. At 15, he was working as a professional announcer at a carnival. He served as a fighter pilot instructor and tester in the Marine Corps during World War II and flew combat missions in the Korean war, earning the rank of full colonel.

His first television job was in Philadelphia in 1949 where he became host, writer and producer of 13 different shows simultaneously. In 1958, he became announcer for Johnny Carson’s "Who Do You Trust?" quiz show, then moved with Carson to "The Tonight Show," where his "Heeeere’s Johnny" show opening became a trademark.

McMahon was much sought after to host game shows, parades and special TV events. He was also one of the country's best known commercial spokesmen, appearing for corporations including Anheuser-Busch, Colonial Penn Insurance and American Family Publishers. In 2006, he was named “greatest sidekick of all time” by Entertainment Weekly.

McMahon is survived by his wife, Pam; five children, Claudia, Linda, Jeffrey, Katherine Mary and Alexis; and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Michael, who died of cancer in 1995.

McMahon is survived by his wife, Pam; five children, Claudia, Linda, Jeffrey, Katherine Mary and Alexis; and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Michael, who died of cancer in 1995.

MDA is a voluntary health agency supporting programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, advocacy and professional and public health education for muscular dystrophy and related diseases. The Association’s programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.