Following the death of Ed McMahon on Tuesday, stars and friends of the TV legend shared their thoughts and memories of the 86-year-old icon with Access Hollywood.
“I am deeply saddened by today’s news about Ed McMahon. He is responsible for giving so many artists their first shot including myself. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.” – Britney Spears
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“Fifty years ago, Ed and I were next door neighbors. Over the years, our friendship grew while he became one of America’s favorite television personalities. We were together for years. Ed was a big man, had big talent and a really big heart. We’ll all miss him.” – Dick Clark
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“Ed was full of life and joy and celebration. He will be sorely missed. He was one of the greats in show business, but most of all he was a gentleman. I miss my friend.” – Doc Severinsen
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“I’ve lost my dearest friend. Ed was my anchor, both on the Telethon which he endowed with his unmatched class and year-round as one of the top leaders of MDA. What he gave ‘my kids’ will live in their hearts forever, as will the pain of his loss in mine.” – Jerry Lewis
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“Ed McMahon’s voice at 11:30 was a signal that something great was about to happen. Ed’s introduction of Johnny was a classic broadcasting ritual – reassuring and exciting. Ed was a true broadcaster, and an integral part of Johnny Carson’s ‘Tonight Show.’ We will miss him.” – David Letterman
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“Ed McMahon defined professionalism in broadcasting. We’ll miss him!” – Paul Shaffer
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“He could not have been warmer. He always had a joke, always had a kind word. The Ed I met when I was 17 is the same Ed I saw last year at a Friars Club. You’ll never be able to separate him from ‘The Tonight Show’ and from Johnny and I think Johnny was such a smart man to realize that Ed McMahon was such a powerful part of the package – it’s very hard to find a second banana! He’s at peace, he’s at rest now and St. Peter’s going ‘H-e-e-e-e-e-ere’s Ed!’” – Kathie Lee Gifford
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“I liked him tremendously. He was just what you thought he’d be. The same on camera as off. He was affable, a team player, totally reliable and an all around good guy. Don’t forget, he created the form of sidekick on television that they still use today. By the way, I never slept with him.” – Joan Rivers
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“America has lost one of its great icons. Ed McMahon was a terrific entertainer and a wonderful person – he will be greatly missed.” – Donald Trump
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“Besides being a TV legend, Ed was a very nice man. I am honored to have known him and my thoughts are with his family.” — Jimmy Kimmel
Check back for more reactions on the death of Ed McMahon throughout the day.
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