Began his career as a bingo caller in Maine when he was 15

First broadcasting job was at WLLH-AM in Lowell, MA

Served in the US Marines during WWII; earned wings at Pensacola Naval base and became a fighter pilot instructor

Began his television career as on-air personality in Philadelphia, PA at WCAU-TV

Performed as a clown on "The Big Top" (CBS)

First worked with Johnny Carson, as announcer and host on the daytime gameshow "Who Do You Trust?" (ABC)

Worked alongside Johnny Carson as the announcer and sidekick on NBC's "The Tonight Show"

Hosted the game show "Missing Links" (NBC)

First notable acting role, "The Incident"

Hosted the NBC game show, "Snap Judgment"

Headlined the NBC comedy special "Ed McMahon and His Friends ... Discover Cypress Gardens"

Returned to films after a six-year absence in "Slaughter's Big Rip-Off"

Co-starred with Jane Fonda and George Segal in "Fun With Dick and Jane"

Hosted the short-lived NBC game show "Whodunit?"

Acted in the TV-movie "The Kid From Left Field"

Featured in the NBC TV-movies "The Great American Traffic Jam" and "The Golden Momemt - An Olympic Love Story"

Co-starred in the NBC miniseries "The Star Maker"

Had supporting role in the instant camp classic "Butterfly" featuring Pia Zadora

Co-hosted a series of NBC specials, "Television's Greatest Commercials"

Hosted the syndicated TV talent show, "Ed McMahon's Star Search"

Co-hosted with Dick Clark NBC's "TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes"

With Clark, became a commercial spokesperson for American Family Publishers

Hosted a number of ABC specials "Super Bloopers & New Practical Jokes" alongside Clark

Played himself in the feature film "Love Affair"

Had regular role on the sitcom "The Tom Show" (WB) playing the host of a morning talk show

Played a grandfather in the ABC TV-movie "Safety Patrol"

Published his autobiography For Laughing Out Loud: My Life and Good Times

Was the subject of the A&E's Biography segment "Ed McMahon: America's Sidekick"

Returned to weekly TV as host of "Ed McMahon's Next Big Star" (PAX-TV); also produced

Was the announcer and co-host of "Alf's Hit Talk Show" (TV Land)

Penned second book Here's Johnny!: My Memories of Johnny Carson, The Tonight Show, and 46 Years of Friendship