Ed McMahon, longtime costar on Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show,” died Tuesday morning, June 23, 2009, at a Los Angeles hospital. He was 86. (Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)
Jay Leno, who was sidekick-free during his “Tonight Show” run, chats with guest McMahon. (Kevork Djansezian / Associated Press)
McMahon helped host the 41st annual Jerry LewisLabor Day Telethon to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Assn. The event was held in Las Vegas. (Ethan Miller / Getty Images)
The TV personality in his home office in 1993. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
McMahon served as a Marine in World War II and the Korean War, piloting fighter planes. He had attained the rank of colonel by the time he retired from the military in 1966. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press)
McMahon broke his neck in a fall in 2007. (David Livingston / Getty Images)
In early 2009, McMahon was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital to be treated for pneumonia and was listed in serious condition. In a statement, his publicist, Howard Bragman, assured fans that McMahon was dealing with his illness with strength, courage and dignity. (Matt Sayles / Associated Press)
