Ed McMahon died at age 86

Television personality Ed McMahon has died at age 86 at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Most people will always remember McMahon as Johnny Carson’s sidekick on the “The Tonight Show” from 1962 to 1992. 

However, I will always remember McMahon as the host of the talent show “Star Search” from 1983 to 1995, which I watched every week with my family.  The show was  a precursor to “American Idol.”

“Star Search” helped launch the careers of several celebrities including Christina Aguilera, Drew Carey, Destiny’s Child, Britney Spears, Martin Lawrence, Dennis Miller, Rosie O’Donnell, Alanis Morissette, LeAnn Rimes, Ray Romono, Adam  Sandler, Justin Timberlake and Usher. 

McMahon was hospitalized in February with pnemonia and bone cancer.

Tim Henley