TV Land PRIME blog

Ed McMahon, Johnny Carson's congenial sidekick on The Tonight Show for more than 30 years, passed away in L.A. early Tuesday. He was 86.

According to his publicist, McMahon had a "multitude of health problems the last few months." He was diagnosed with bone cancer.

The co-host's most famous phrase - "Heeeeeeeeere's Johnny!" - still resonates with legions of TV fans, from Johnny Carson viewers to horror film buffs (who notably saw Jack Nicholson proclaim it during The Shining's infamous axe-to-door scene). McMahon was a tirelessly charming personality, hosting American Idol predecessor Star Search from 1983 to 1995; was the face of the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon; co-hosted TV Bloopers and Practical Jokes with Dick Clark from 1982 to 1998; and in 2004, was the face of a TV Land original series, Alf's Hit Talk Show.

McMahon was known to a younger generation as the proud face of Publisher's Clearing House Sweepstakes, and more recently appeared in a Super Bowl commercial with MC Hammer, rapping about his (real-life) money woes and hawking a gold toilet and other items for Cash For Gold. He and his wife, Pam, also appeared on an episode of Cesar Millan's Dog Whisperer with their troublesome terrier, Gus.

The legendary sidekick made headlines in 2007 and 2008 for a string of financial and legal struggles, including a battle with toxic black mold in his house, a fall from a ladder that broke his neck, and an offer by Donald Trump to purchase and sublet McMahon's house, which was in foreclosure, in order to allow him to stay in it. In February he was hospitalized for complications from pneumonia, and his condition continued to worsen.

McMahon is survived by his wife, three sons and three daughters.

Photos courtesy: WireImage and Getty Images.