I was saddened to read today’s news of the passing of  Ed McMahon, longtime sidekick on “The Tonight Show.”

From nytimes.com:

Ed McMahon, who for nearly 30 years was Johnny Carson’s affable second banana on “The Tonight Show,” introducing it with his ringing trademark call, “Heeeere’s Johnny!,” died early Tuesday in Los Angeles. He was 86.

His publicist, Howard Bragman, told NBC that Mr. McMahon died at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center surrounded by his family. Mr. Bragman did not give a cause of death, saying only that Mr. McMahon had a “multitude of health problems the last few months.”

A person close to Mr. McMahon, speaking anonymously because he was not authorized to release information, said Mr. McMahon had bone cancer, among other ailments, The Associated Press reported. In February he had been hospitalized with pneumonia, Mr. Bragman told CNN.

The most recent appearance that I remember seeing McMahon was in the Cash4Gold Super Bowl commercial with M.C. Hammer:

Cash4Gold commented on McMahon’s passing:

Cash4Gold today expressed its great sadness at the news that Ed McMahon has passed away at the age of 86. Cash4Gold CEO Jeff Aronson and Cash4Gold President Howard Mofshin today released the following statement:

“Cash4Gold mourns the passing of Ed McMahon, and our most heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wife and children, who were the light of his life,” said Aronson and Mofshin.

“Ed McMahon was an entertainment legend, and it was a tremendous honor for Cash4Gold to have had the opportunity to work with him.

“Ed McMahon was a true patriot who loved America, and was proud of having served his country, rising to the rank of colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps.

“Ed was as talented and funny as he was humble, gentle and caring—he will be sorely missed.”

It seems like the days of the deep-voiced announcer are becoming a thing of the past, as the talk shows of Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Fallon both feature higher-pitched voices leading into their programs.  As funny as Andy Richter is on “The Tonight Show,” I don’t believe his, or anyone else’s, announcing style will ever be as memorable as McMahon became with his opening line of “Heeeere’s Johnny!” and hearty laugh.