HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Ed McMahon, a fixture on late-night television for 30 years as Johnny Carson's sidekick on NBC's "Tonight Show," died early Tuesday at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. He was 86.
"He died early this morning with his wife and loved ones by his side," said McMahon's longtime publicist, Howard Bragman.
McMahon has been in poor health for several years, including a recent bout of pneumonia. The cause of death was not revealed.
McMahon started his run with Carson in 1962 and his trademark introduction, "Heeeeeeeeere's Johnny!," was one of the most famous catch-phrases in television history.
McMahon was also well known for hosting the syndicated talent show, "Star Search," as well as his pitchman duties for American Family Publishing.
In addition to his many health problems, McMahon endured several legal woes in recent years. He famously defaulted on a $4.8 million mortgage on his Beverly Hills mansion before eventually finding a buyer.
McMahon blamed his financial problems on a broken neck he suffered during a fall in early 2007. In June 2008, he and his wife, Pamela, appeared on CNN's "Larry King Live," where they spoke about the possible foreclosure of their Beverly Hills mansion, due to McMahon's inability to work since the injury.
"If you spend more money than you make, you know what happens," he told King. "You know, a couple of divorces thrown in, a few things like that. And, you know, things happen."
"We didn't keep our eye on the ball. We made mistakes," added McMahon's wife. "It's embarrassing to say the least, and it's sad, because you know, Ed's worked his whole entire life."
In addition to his wife, McMahon is survived by his children — Claudia, Katherine, Linda, Jeffrey and Lex.
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