Colonel (retired) Edward "Ed" Peter Leo McMahon, Jr. was an American comedian, game show host, announcer, and television personality most famous for his work on television as Johnny Carson's announcer on Who Do You Trust? from 1957 to 1962 and on the Tonight Show, from 1962 to 1992, and as the host of the talent show Star Search, from 1983 to 1995. He later also became well-known as the presenter of American Family Publishing sweepstakes (not to be confused with Publishers Clearing House) who arrives unannounced at the homes of winners. He subsequently made a series of Neighborhood Watch Public Service Announcements reprising that role in parody.He also cohosted the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon, and has performed in numerous television commercials, most notably for Budweiser.In the 1970s and 1980s, he anchored the team of NBC personalities conducting the network's coverage of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Was a decorated Marine fighter pilot during WWII.
Was a huge fan of W.C. Fields.
Weird Al Yankovic wrote a song about him called "Heres Johnny".
Graduated from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.
Retired as a Colonel in the United States Marine Corps. During World War II, he was a pilot-instructor and test pilot. During the Korean War, he flew 85 combat missions after being called back to active service in 1952. Was commissioned a Brigadier General in the California Air National Guard in 1966 and continued to serve after he began his acting career. Along with James Stewart , he held the highest active military rank of any actor in history. McMahon was the highest-ranking officer to become an actor, and Stewart was the established actor who achieved the highest rank. Both were decorated combat aviators.
Retired from U.S.M.C. reserve status in 1983 to host "Star Search" full time, a show on which such performers as Britney Spears and Arsenio Hall (his own successor to the show) were later discovered.
Was present for the 2007 demolishing of the old Burbank studio where he had taped the last "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" , calling it an end of an era.
Son, Michael, died of liver cancer at age 44, on July 28, 1995.
Hospitalized in intensive care in a Los Angeles for treatment of pneumonia and bone cancer [February 27, 2009].
His publicist is Howard Bragman.
Father of Claudia McMahon.
Release of his book, "When Television Was Young".
Continues to be spokesman for Premiere Bath commercials on television.
Release of his book, "For Laughing Out Loud: My Life and Good Times" by Ed with David Fisher.
Release of his book, "Heres Johnny: My Memories of Johnny Carson, the Tonight Show and 46 Years of Friendship".
Born in Michigan, but raised in Lowell, Massachusetts.
Honesty is the most single most important factor having a direct bearing on the final success of an individual, corporation, or product. .
