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Ed McMahon made us laugh and forget our cares as he and television’s Tonight Show host Johnny Carson came into our living rooms and bedrooms on the little silver screen late each night for more than 30 years.
And for over 40 years, Ed shared his generosity of spirit and professionalism with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He began his affiliation with the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon in 1967 and became a close friend of Jerry Lewis, MDA national chairman. The 86 year old television legend died June 23rd in Los Angeles.
"Ed performed many services for MDA behind the scenes," Lewis continued. "Of the thousands of celebrities who’ve helped ‘my kids’ during the last 50-plus years, none has given more, and given more gladly, than Ed McMahon." His last appearance on a Telethon was Labor Day, 2008.
In 1994, as host of the popular syndicated show, "Ed McMahon's Star Search," McMahon arranged for MDA to receive proceeds from call-ins to his "Star Search" annual finals. He also helped double 1994 Shamrocks Against Dystrophy proceeds in Arizona by challenging people to match his own $50,000 donation.
McMahon received both the MDA’s Lifetime Achievement Award and its National Humanitarian Award for his years of devoted service on behalf of people with muscular diseases.
McMahon served as chairperson of the MDA Senior Citizens Crusade and made many personal and news media appearances on behalf of the Association.Ed McMahon was a big, generous man who will be greatly missed at MDA. |
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- When I was at your quiz show at NBC in the 1960's, you made me feel welcomed. You did serve in the Marines in World War II, but inside you were a kind and loving person. As Jerry always said, you were a person of not only quality, but a loving soul; a gift from God. Too few people have that quality. Rest in peace sweet prince. You will be missed, and always loved.
Martin Matsil
- Ed McMahon, you were a good friend to MDA and to the National Next of Kin Registry (NOKR). You are very much missed.
The NOKR Family
- I personally sorely missed on the Jerry Lewis (God Bless You) MDA Telethon. It's a shame in his last months he was in such finacial distress and sickly. He is an institution unto himself and made Jerry & Johnny (also sorely missed) better for having him by their side. RIP Ed McMahon, you deserve it.
Dan Iovacchini
- One could write a ten page tribute, but simply stated, Ed McMahon brought out the best in the entertainers he performed with! Johnny, God rest his soul would be the first to admit that and I'm sure Jerry will second the motion!
Mike Mauro
- I would like to express my gratitude to Ed McMahon for all his wonderful contributions to MDA. I have been a huge fan of his as I was a dedecated Tonight Show viewer and always enjoyed the humor exchanged between Ed and Johnny. Plus, Ed showed the world being the butt of the joke could have its rewards. Thank you, Mr. McMahon, for being such an amazing, talented individual who gave so much of himself to better mankind. You had the great mix of knowing when to be funny and when to make others take note of a serious subject such as muscular dystrophy. You are a legend and a true American hero.
Jenny G.
- Hi, I was sorry that Ed was not there. I saw the beginning when Jerry broke down, and so did I. He will be deeply missed by one and all. My heart and prayers go out to all his family and friends.
Sincerely,
Brenda Osborne Kitchener
Ontario, Canada
- I have watched the tele. for over 40 years and it just wasn't the same without Ed. Every time the tote board changed I missed him saying one more time. He was a great advocate for MDA and will be missed.
Mary Glenn
- I just passed 50, and have been tuned in to the telethon almost every year "just past the cradle." Jerry and Ed had a winning rapport, and since he was also Johnny's right hand man during that time, he commanded the airwaves when he spoke. He'd laugh w/ Jerry, cry w/ Jerry and above all just GIVE A DAMN! Those are the kind of guts and determination that make MDA strong, and still in there! I miss him greatly ... btw Jerry dear ,you made me cry w/ that lovely song from CINDERFELLA! God Bless BOTH you and Ed FOREVER, and THANK YOU for a LIFETIME of LOVE.
Gratefully,
Tally
- A big tympanny for Mr. Ed McMahon! Hi ho!!!
Derrick Wilson
- I was raising watch the telethon, we are going to miss Ed very much. Ed and Jerry was two peas in a pod. Jerry I love you and what you believe in. keep up the good work not just for the kids also for Ed.
Darlene Love
- Thank you Jerry and Ed for all the years of hard work and dedication. We will miss you Ed.
Debi Goris
- Having watched the MDA Telethon for nearly all of my life, Ed McMahon became as much a part of my life as did the whole meaning behind MDA! With his subtle voice and sincere caring to the cause of finding the cure to this absolutely devastating disease it did not take me long to realize the true meaning of life and the value that each of us should place into it! The work that both Jerry and Ed have done over the years has forever left a lasting impression in my life and only hope that my legacy in life will reach a fraction of what either of these two men have achieved! God has a special place for Ed and many of those who preceded him in passing will be dancing with Ed in the streets of Heaven. Ed you will be missed....but your legacy and all of the wonderful memories you left us in conjunction with MDA will live on forever! May you rest in peace and just know you will never be forgotten my friend!
Tony Hyatt
- The laughter you brought with Mr. Lewis to the telethon will never be matched. growing up the highlight of the Labor Day weekend was the telethon with you and Mr. Lewis. Thanks to you for the joy and laughter you brought every year and also for the amazing way you and Mr. Carson brightened our evenings. I grew up watching the telethon from the start. Thanks for the memories.
John Weber
- I just wanted to say I have watched the telethon for so many years and Ed was a great part of it. I will miss him on the telethon; the world will miss this great man.
Guy Thompson
- I've been watching the telethon since I was a kid. But, in 1980 it took on a special meaning for me. I had my first daughter (who turned 29 on Sept 1) on that labor day. I sat up all night Sunday night watching the show and wondering about my baby. Luckily, she is healthy as are my other 2 daughters. I said many prayers that night for her health. I was so touched by the stories and Ed and Jerry's dedication. I try when I am able to donate. I prayer that there will be a cure and we will no longer have to watch the telethon on Labor Day weekend.
Pam Hoorn
- Ed, you were the smoothest ... the ultimate!! A true class act! You will be missed by all!! RIP my brother'
TR
- I will miss you on the Jerry Lewis Television show for Jerry kids over the labor day weekend. We will miss you Ed McMahon.
Cortnie Burkhardt
- I grew up watching Ed from Johnny, to the American Family Sweepstakes, to Jerry Lewis he will be missed!! The tote well never be the same without Ed calling the tote!!!
Marisia Bonnema
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