How many of you went to bed listening to The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon every night? If you did view it as we generally did on a regular basis, you know that Ed was the ultimate side-kick of all time!  Now that he is deceased, tributes are flowing and he will live on in our fond memories.

He was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 6, 1923 and died today, June 23, 2009. Ed McMahon will be greatly missed but long remembered.

He did a number of things, but what this author will remember most is his appearance on The Tonight Show which ran from 1962 until 1992.

My parents went to sleep laughing to the combination of antics and clever retorts executed with perfect timing by Ed to Johnny's humor, and so have we that many years later.

The famous introduction of "Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeere's Johnny!" will resound in history as Ed McMahon introduced the star of the Johnny Carson Show. He always played the straight man to Johnny's form of humor and most people would agree that if it were not for Ed, the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson would probably not have achieved the long lasting status and successful viewing audience that it had.

Doc Severinsen was the third member of the team as the crazily dressed and much beloved band leader during the years that we watched. This trio dominated the late night audience viewing hours of television for 30 years.

Anyone reading this can click on the links to read many details of Ed's life starting with how he studied theatre in college to his fighter pilot days during World War 2, etc. I am not going to elaborate on all those details as they are readily available for those interested in learning more about this accomplished man.

Suffice it to say that people of my age remember him best for starring on The Tonight Show. In addition he did (among other things) the following that I most remember:

Budweiser commercials - He made a great spokesman!

Co-hosting the Jerry Lewis annual telethon for muscular dystrophy

Prominent figure in the Macy's Day Parade each year from the 1970's to the 1980's

Talent Star Search from 1983 to 1995

But the one that I always hoped to hear from Ed McMahon was that I had just won the Million Dollar Publisher Clearing House Sweepstakes! Sad to say, that doorbell will now never ring with Ed's voice informing me that I was, indeed, the winner.

Not only was Ed McMahon a great pitchman for various products, but his laughter was legendary. Whoever heard his laugh could hardly forget it.

This hub is in honor of our long remembered side-kick and co-host of late night television as well his involvement in memorable commercials and other events.

Ed McMahon leaves behind many happy memories of grand entertainment through the years.

The skies opened today and hopefully the following was announced in grand style..."Heeeeeeeeeeeeere's Ed!"

Ed McMahon, you were the ultimate side-kick of all time. So long dear friend. We will miss you!