Ed McMahon, the iconic television personality and beloved sidekick to Johnny Carson on “The Tonight Show,” was not only a legendary entertainer but also a dedicated patriot who served his country with honor and distinction. Let’s review the remarkable life and military service of Ed McMahon, a man whose laughter resonated across generations.
Ed McMahon’s Early Life
Born on March 6, 1923, in Detroit, Michigan, Edward Leo Peter McMahon Jr. grew up in a modest household during the Great Depression. His childhood revolved around traveling from town to town with his parents, as his father was a professional fundraiser for charity projects. At a young age, McMahon worked for three years as a carnival barker in Mexico, Maine, before serving as a fifteen-year-old bingo caller in the state. As a boy, he dreamed of becoming an entertainer and did impersonations of stars, using a flashlight as his microphone and his dog, Valiant Prince, as his audience. At 17, McMahon landed his first job as a radio announcer with a local station, WLLH-AM, and he began his television career in Philadelphia at WCAU-TV.
McMahon hoped to become a United States Marine Corps fighter pilot. Before the US entry into World War II, both the Army and Navy required pilot candidates to attend at least two years of college. McMahon attended Boston College with a major in electrical engineering in 1940-41 before joining the military during World War II.
Ed McMahon’s Military Service
In 1941, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, McMahon’s was able to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. He was eager to serve his nation during World War II, and his journey in the military would shape his character and set the stage for his future endeavors.
During his time in the Marines, McMahon became a Marine Corps test pilot and a flight instructor in F4U Corsair aircraft at Lee Field, in Green Cove Springs, Florida. Renowned for its speed, ruggedness, and firepower, the F4U Corsair excelled as both a fighter and an attack aircraft in support of ground forces.
McMahon was stationed in the Pacific Theater, where he participated in combat missions, including reconnaissance and ground-attack missions against Japanese forces. His bravery and skill as a pilot earned him numerous accolades and commendations, and he rose to the rank of captain by the end of the war.
McMahon remained in the Marine Corps Reserve after World War II ended and was recalled to active duty during the Korean War. He was awarded six Air Medals for flying 85 combat missions over North Korea in an OE-1 unarmed observation aircraft.
After the Korean War, McMahon remained in the Marine Corps Reserve and retired as a colonel in 1966. Later the State Commission named Ed Brigadier General in the California Air National Guard – an honorary award to recognize his support for the National Guard and Reserve.
From Battles to Banter: Ed McMahon Transit to Entertainment
After World War II, McMahon studied at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., under the GI Bill and graduated in 1949. He majored in speech and drama while studying under Gilbert Hartke and was a member of the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity.
He then landed a job at a Philadelphia radio station and began appearing on television as, among other things, a clown and the host of a cooking show. McMahon pursued a career in broadcasting, leveraging his natural charisma and charm to forge a path in the burgeoning world of television. After his career as a radio announcer he transitioned to television, where he found success as a game show host and presenter.
He also pursued a separate career as a businessman. By the time he made it as an announcer, he had acquired a stationery company, a company that made knickknacks, two television and film companies and a talent agency.
Here’s Johnny: Ed McMahon and His Big Break
McMahon’s big break came in 1962 when he was tapped to be the announcer and co-host of “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson. The famous introduction “Here’s Johnny” was heard nightly for 30 years, and ranked top of the TV Land poll of the U.S. TV catchphrases and quotes in 2006. Throughout his tenure, Ed was a beloved and iconic figure on the show.
For three decades, McMahon’s booming voice and infectious laughter served as the perfect complement to Carson’s wit and humor, making them one of the most iconic duos in television history. Together, they entertained millions of viewers each night, cementing “The Tonight Show” as a cultural institution. The two developed a friendship that lasted for decades. “For 40 years Johnny and I were as close as two nonmarried people can be,” he wrote. “And if he heard me say that, he might say, ‘Ed, I always felt you were my insignificant other.’ ”
McMahon’s career extended to film as well. Among the movies he appeared in were “The Incident” (1967), in which he played a passenger brutalized by young thugs on a New York subway train; “Slaughter’s Big Rip-Off” (1973); and “Fun With Dick and Jane” (1977).
After leaving “The Tonight Show,” Mr. McMahon appeared in summer stock and kept his hand in television, as a guest star on various series and taking supporting roles in television movies. For 12 years he was the host of the talent show “Star Search”; he joined Dick Clark on “TV’s Bloopers and Practical Jokes”; he was Tom Arnold’s sidekick on the short-lived sitcom “The Tom Show.” For the USA Radio Network, he broadcast “Ed McMahon’s Lifestyles Live” weekly from his home.
Beyond the Limelight: Ed McMahon’s Legacy and Impact
Beyond his achievements in entertainment, Ed McMahon’s legacy extends to his philanthropic work.
After becoming a member of the Horatio Alger Association, McMahon served as a director on the board. The Horatio Alger Association was established in 1947, following the Great Depression and the Second World War, to reinforce belief in the American Dream and promote the merits of private enterprise. It bears the name of the renowned author Horatio Alger, Jr., whose tales of overcoming adversity through unyielding perseverance and basic moral principles captivated the public in the late 19th century.
Mr. McMahon was the master of ceremonies for the annual Horatio Alger induction ceremony starting in 1997 and served as the event’s executive producer beginning in 2002. In 2003, McMahon received the Norman Vincent Peale Award, which honors exceptional Horatio Alger members for their ongoing involvement in Association activities, their humanitarian contributions to society, and their service as role models of courage, tenacity, and integrity in the face of great challenges.
McMahon’s other humanitarian work included co-hosting the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon for more than 35 years, as well as serving as an officer of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He was also closely involved with the Lou Rawls Parade of Stars Telethon for the United Negro College Fund. While working on The Tonight Show, McMahon served as the president of Catholic University’s national alumni association from 1967 to 1971 and would often return to campus, especially for homecoming.
In recognition of his service and contributions to society, McMahon was honored with numerous awards and accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. However, his greatest legacy lies in the countless smiles he brought to audiences around the world and the enduring impact of his kindness and generosity.
Mr. McMahon passed away on June 23, 2009, at the age of 86 years, at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA. Ed McMahon’s life was a testament to the power of laughter, service, and perseverance. From his humble beginnings in Detroit to his illustrious career in entertainment, he embodied the values of patriotism, integrity, and humility. As we remember him fondly, let us also celebrate his legacy and the joy he brought to countless lives. Ed McMahon may have left us, but his laughter will continue to echo in our hearts for generations to come.
In the words of Johnny Carson, “Here’s Ed!” – a sentiment that will forever evoke memories of a true American icon.
Learn About Other Famous Veterans On The TogetherWeServed.com Blog
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This story reflecting Col McMahon’s life, was an eye opener. I appreciate the shared information.
I never knew Ed McMahon was a col. In the Marine corps. Great read and thanks for sharing… Semper Fi Colonel..💪🇺🇲
Great story and so well written.
He was a true hero.
Always a great Patriot and side-kick to Johnny Carson….a great humanitarian…Thank you for your service and may you Rest In Peace.