TUESDAY'S POST

LOS ANGELES – Ed McMahon, the loyal "Tonight Show" sidekick who bolstered boss Johnny Carson with guffaws and a resounding "H-e-e-e-e-e-ere's Johnny!" for 30 years, died early Tuesday. He was 86.

McMahon died shortly after midnight at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center surrounded by his wife, Pam, and other family members, said his publicist, Howard Bragman.

Bragman didn't give a cause of death, saying only that McMahon had a "multitude of health problems the last few months."

McMahon broke his neck in a fall in March 2007, and battled a series of financial problems as his injuries prevented him from working.

Doc Severinson, "Tonight" bandleader during the Carson era, said McMahon was a man "full of life and joy and celebration."

"He will be sorely missed. He was one of the greats in show business, but most of all he was a gentleman. I miss my friend," Severinson said in a statement.

David Letterman paid tribute to McMahon as a "true broadcaster" and key part of Carson's show.

"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," Letterman said, adding, "We will miss him."

Letterman's bandleader, Paul Shaffer, said McMahon "defined professionalism in broadcasting."

We leave it here because of what has just happened with Dave and
Sara. I actually feel sorry for Dave in a way. The pros of old left such a high
standard for others to follow. You also have to remember that they did not
have to deal with cable and all the filth that cable brings. However, Jay Leno has not gone in the sewer like Dave has done. I want to really thank Jay for that. It is ironic that Johnny actually hand picked Dave to succeed him on the tonight show. Jay, the scoundrel, went around Johnny and got the show. Not once have I seen Jay get into any of the predicaments that Dave has. It just goes to show that you can't always rely on the scoundrel to really be the scoundrel.
Good night Johnny and Ed where ever you are, and THANK YOU!!