Things You Didn’t Know about Ed McMahon

He was possibly the best second banana in TV history.

Creative Commons: Alan Light

Johnny Carson is no doubt the greatest icon in late night TV talk show history. But in addition to his talent, he had some fantastic wingmen. First and foremost among that crew was Ed Mc Mahon. While Ed was primarily known for his tenure on the “Tonight Show,” the was a lot more to his career. So, here are some facts about Ed.

1: For a while, Ed was a Marine Corps flight instructor, He eventually was eventually ordered to the Pacific Fleet in 1945.

Ironically, Ed was often bombed himself.

2: McMahon actually flew 85 combat missions. He also earned six Air Medals.

No, the medals aren’t made of air, they are real.

3: McMahon began his career as a bingo caller in Maine at the age of 15.

He went on to be calling Bingo in the Big Apple. Wait, being told that’s bogus.

4: Ed worked with Johnny Carson on the game show, “Who Do You Trust?” from 1957–62.