Ed McMahon crammed a lot of life into 86 years. Apart from playing straight man to Johnny Carson for 30 of those, he was also a TV host in his own right (Star Search, anyone?) and one of the best-known pitch-men on the planet. He frequently used his skills to shill cars (a natural fit, given his Detroit roots), but he wasn't afraid to push life insurance or beer or anything else that needed selling, either. Here at TCC, we fondly remember his stint with Publishers' Clearinghouse and more than a few of his auto spots, but this is the clip that we hold dearest:
So here's to Ed: sometimes a sideman, but always our man.
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