There Goes Ed McMahon

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Ed McMahon, who died at the age of 86 Tuesday, had a varied career in television. But he was best known for his association with Johnny Carson, which lasted 35 years.

From a game show called Who Do You Trust? in the 1950s to the Tonight Show, McMahon was always the setup man for Carson, making his boss look good whether he needed it or not. He would introduce the show, laugh the loudest during Carson's monologue, play straight man during sketches (which included repeating everything Carnac the Magnificent would say), then move down the couch when the guests were introduced.

McMahon set the standard for the late-night sidekick to the point where the job became obsolete. You'll notice that on David Letterman's and Jay Leno's shows, the only other person they seem to have nightly chats with is the bandleader. And they're not even invited on the couch.

McMahon had done a little bit of everything in TV besides his stint with Carson. Among other things, he did game shows, talent contests (Star Search), beauty pageants, and TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes with Dick Clark. And he acted in a few movies, mostly playing himself.

Thanks to his early career hawking products on the Atlantic City boardwalk to pay for college, McMahon turned into quite the pitchman. He sold everything on TV from dog food to life insurance to mail-order sweepstakes. He didn't need to scream and shout to get your attention.

Ed McMahon was one of those people you've seen your entire life on TV in one form or another, and you never gave it a second thought. Well, he isn't here any more. So let's all give a hearty Hiyooooo to America's Sidekick.