Longtime MDA Telethon Anchor Ed McMahon Dies

McMahon received both the MDA’s Lifetime Achievement Award and its National Humanitarian Award for his years of devoted service in behalf of people with neuromuscular diseases. He also was recipient of the Harry Zimmerman Memorial Award from Service Merchandise for his service to MDA, and in 1997, was presented with an MDA Paragon Award for his voluntary efforts.

McMahon served as chairperson of the MDA Senior Citizens Crusade and made many personal and news media appearances in behalf of the Association. He frequently worked with and encouraged the support of MDA’s national sponsors, as well.

In 1994, McMahon arranged for MDA to receive proceeds from call-ins to his "Star Search" annual finals. He also helped double 1994 Shamrocks Against Dystrophy proceeds in Arizona by challenging people to match his own $50,000 donation.

In a 1991 interview about the MDA Telethon, he said, "Over the years, it's become a tradition with people. Like you have turkey at Thanksgiving, come Labor Day, you have the Telethon."

McMahon began a lifelong fascination with broadcasting as a 6-year-old, hearing a distant radio station through headphones of a crystal set. At 15, he was working as a professional announcer at a carnival. He served as a fighter pilot instructor and tester in the Marine Corps during World War II and flew combat missions in the Korean war, earning the rank of full colonel.

His first television job was in Philadelphia in 1949 where he became host, writer and producer of 13 different shows simultaneously. In 1958, he became announcer for Johnny Carson’s "Who Do You Trust?" quiz show, then moved with Carson to "The Tonight Show," where his "Heeeere’s Johnny" show opening became a trademark.

McMahon was much sought after to host game shows, parades and special TV events. He was also one of the country's best known commercial spokesmen, appearing for corporations including Anheuser-Busch, Colonial Penn Insurance and American Family Publishers. In 2006, he was named “greatest sidekick of all time” by Entertainment Weekly.