Conan O'Brien Pays Tribute To Ed McMahon During 'Tonight Show' Monologue

Access Hollywood - June 24, 2009 1:05 AM PDT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- New "Tonight Show" host Conan O'Brien has paid tribute to former veteran of the late night program, Ed McMahon, who passed away on Monday.

McMahon, who died at Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles on Monday, was best known as Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show" sidekick, so it was only fitting that Conan acknowledged the television legend during his Tuesday night monologue.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: A Look Back: Life & Times Of Ed McMahon

"Ladies and gentlemen, before we go any further tonight we're going to change gears here because there's something very important I do need to talk about. As you've probably all heard, Ed McMahon passed away last night and this is obviously a very sad day," Conan said. "It is impossible I think, for anyone to imagine the 'Tonight Show With Johnny Carson' without Ed McMahon. Ed's laugh was really the soundtrack to that show."

Conan went on to point out that Ed's presence on the show helped make the show with Johnny so "iconic."

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Hollywood Legends

"For 30 years Ed played his part perfectly, he played it with effortless joy and sitting alongside Johnny, Ed was an indelible part of what I think is the most iconic two-shot in broadcasting history," Conan said. "There will never be anything like that again. Now everybody here at the 'Tonight Show' mourns the lose of this warm and really truly funny man. Our thoughts go out to his family and to his fans everywhere... Ed, you will be missed."

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
VIEW THE PHOTOS: The Men & Women Of Late Night Television
PLAY IT NOW: Stars React To Ed McMahon's Passing
PLAY IT NOW: Access Extended: Howard Bragman Reacts To Ed McMahon's Passing (June 23, 2009)

MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Ed McMahon - Conan O'Brien - Tonight Show - Late Night

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comments 1-9 of 16  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • M E
    thats sad; ed had a tough time in his later years :(
    report abuseposted June 24, 2009 10:58 AM PDT
  • Bad Kitty
    Nice and fitting tribute to Mr.McMahon...Thank you for remembering him,and the many years of happiness he gave us all...R.I.P.Mr.McMahon
    report abuseposted June 24, 2009 5:22 AM PDT
  • SA
    That was a really nice tribute!
    report abuseposted June 24, 2009 4:15 AM PDT
  • stst
    hell you brats weren't even alive when ed and johnny were on the tonight show... so can your puke holes.
    report abuseposted June 24, 2009 4:06 AM PDT
  • nicole
    It is always a pleasure to watch a Conan O'BRIEN show. Paying tribute to Ed McMahon is a good gesture. Regarding the money, I am sure he also got bills to pay.
    report abuseposted June 24, 2009 2:58 AM PDT
  • Seapath
    Obama--Crass comment.
    report abuseposted June 24, 2009 1:57 AM PDT
  • __A_YAHOO_USER__
    Conan O'Brien Pays Tribute To Ed McMahon But Still Wants The Money He Lent Him Back!
    report abuseposted June 24, 2009 1:16 AM PDT
  • __A_YAHOO_USER__
    Conan O'Brien Pays Tribute To Ed McMahon But Still Wants The Money He Lent Him Back!
    report abuseposted June 24, 2009 1:16 AM PDT
  • __A_YAHOO_USER__
    Conan O'Brien Pays Tribute To Ed McMahon But Still Wants The Money He Lent Him Back!
    report abuseposted June 24, 2009 1:16 AM PDT
comments 1-9 of 16  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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