Passings: Ed McMahon, March 6 1923 - June 23 2009

Ed McMahon, who is best known as Johnny Carson's long-time sidekick on The Tonight Show, has died at age 86. McMahon, who has suffered many health troubles in recent years, passed away in his sleep just after midnight.

McMahon and Carson first met on the set of the game show Who Do You Trust? in 1957. This of course led to their teaming up on The Tonight Show for over 30 years. He also helmed the popular talent show Star Search, and co-hosted TV Bloopers and Practical Jokes with Dick Clark. He was also heavily involved in the annual Jerry Lewis Telethons, held each Labor Day to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

On the game show front, McMahon was a frequent panelist and guest host on The Match Game, was a mystery guest on What's My Line?, and appeared on several iterations of Hollywood Squares. He began his game show career as the announcer on Two for the Money, which led to hosting gigs on Concentration and Missing Links. He was the announcer on Who Do You Trust?, featuring Johnny Carson as host.

Most recently, McMahon and his family appeared last year on Celebrity Family Feud (pictured), where he played the game for charity.

Ed McMahon was also well known as the pitchman for American Family Publishers, and was seen often on television arriving at people's homes to award them a giant check for winning a sweepstakes. When I was growing up, whenever someone knocked on our door at home, one of us would inevitably say, "Maybe that's Ed McMahon!" He always seemed to be laughing, smiling, and making people happy, and that's the way he will be remembered.

Our condolences go out to the McMahon family.

Photo courtesy NBC