Carson Sidekick Ed McMahon Dies at 86

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Ed McMahon, a fixture on U.S. late-night television for 30 years as the full-throated announcer and sidekick for Johnny Carson on NBC's "The Tonight Show," has died at age 86, KNBC television reported on Tuesday.

The veteran TV personality, best known for his nightly introduction of Carson in a deep, booming voice with the drawn-out line, "Heeeeeeeeere's Johnny!", died at a Los Angeles-area hospital, said KNBC, the Los Angeles affiliate of the national TV network NBC.

McMahon's 1980's talent show, Star Search helped launch the careers of Ellen DeGeneres, Rosie O'Donnell and out Broadway star Sam Harris. Look for Rosie and her big, poofy mullet in this Star Search promo from 1985.