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TV Legend Ed McMahon died early

Tuesday morning at Ronald Reagan/UCLA Medical Center.

McMahon is best known for being Johnny Carson’s sidekick/announcer on “The Tonight Show” from 1962 to 1992 with his signature introduction of “Heeeeeeere’s Johnny”�.

While on “The Tonight Show” in the evenings he also hosted “Star Search” from 1983 to 1995 and helped to discover the likes of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.

Britney said about McMahon “I am deeply saddened by today’s news about Ed McMahon. He is responsible for giving so many artists their first shot including myself. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.”

McMahon had been battling with cancer and was hospitalized in January with pneumonia. He had also faced serious financial problems over the last few years, falling behind on his mortgage of $4.8 million.

Donald Trump who helped bail him out financially said “America has lost one of its great icons. Ed McMahon was a terrific entertainer and a wonderful person. he will be greatly missed.”

Many other celebrities expressed their feelings for McMahon; David Letterman said “Ed McMahon’s voice at 11:30 was a signal that something great was about to happen. Ed’s introduction of Johnny was a classic broadcasting ritual – reassuring and exciting. Ed was a true broadcaster, and an integral part of Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show.” We will miss him.”

“Fifty years ago, Ed and I were next door neighbours. Over the years, our friendship grew while he became one of America’s favourite television personalities. We were together for years. Ed was a big man, had big talent and a really big heart. We’ll all miss him,” said Dick Clark.

McMahon is survived by his wife Pamela and five children. He was 86.