[movieman]

Ed McMahon, who for nearly 30 years was Johnny Carson's affable second banana on "The Tonight Show," introducing it with his ringing trademark line, "Heeeeere's Johnny!," died early Tuesday in Los Angeles. He was 86.

His publicist, Howard Bragman, said McMahon died at Ronald Reagan Medical Center of the University of California, Los Angeles, surrounded by his family. Bragman said McMahon had many health problems, including bone cancer and pneumonia, for which he had been hospitalized in February.

McMahon was one of the most recognizable men in America. With his broad, genial, regular-guy features, he had the face of someone you would buy a used car from. Indeed, for decades he was one of television's most ubiquitous pitchmen, selling everything from boats to beer. He also took a few acting roles and in later years was the host of the long-running television talent show "Star Search" and wrote some popular books, including his memoirs.

But it was in the role of the faithful Tonto to Carson's wry Lone Ranger that McMahon made his sideman's mark. After he rolled out his introduction like a red carpet for the boss, and after Carson delivered his nightly monologue, McMahon, in jacket and tie, would take his seat on the couch beside the host's desk, chat and banter with Carson a bit before the guests came on and almost invariably guffaw at his jokes, even when he was the butt of them. When the guests did arrive, he would slide over to

[movieman]

R. I. P.