Ed McMahon passed away this morning at age 86

Show business lost one of the greats today with the passing of Ed McMahon. The former Tonight Show sidekick and host of the talent show Star Search passed away early Tuesday morning at the age of 86.

McMahon rose to stardom as Johnny Carson's sidekick on The Tonight Show, from 1962 to 1992. During his tenure with the show McMahon aided Carson's jokes and skits, and was famous for the his rendition of the late night host's introduction, "H-e-e-e-e-e-ere's Johnny!"

A little-known fact is that McMahon began his career as a bingo caller in the state of Maine at age 15.

Read more about the life of Ed McMahon...