‘AMERICA’S SIDEKICK’ DEAD AT AGE 86

The man known as “America’s Sidekick” has died after decades of leaving the nation laughing.

Ed McMahon, famous for his “Here’s Johnny” introduction on “The Tonight Show” as well as the weekly syndicated series “Star Search,” died Tuesday at the age of 86.

McMahon began his career as a bingo caller in Maine in 1938 at the age of 15. Eleven years later, he launched his television career in Philadelphia, Pa. at WCAU-TV.

After the Korean War, McMahon landed a gig with Johnny Carson as announcer and host on the daytime game show “Who Do You Trust?” The pair would go on to work together for another 35 years, including “The Tonight Show.”

But McMahon was more than a great entertainer. He was a great American.

McMahon was a Marine who proudly served in two wars — World War II and the Korean War. And he was a personal hero for his dedicate work on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Photo: Getty Images