We reported Ed McMahon's "very serious" medical condition a few weeks ago, and it tugged at the strings of our very weak and sodium clogged hearts. He's a TV legend, so much so that even people who didn't grow up watching The Tonight Show at least know of him and his work. It's been even harder to duplicate. Hank Kingsley was right. Sidekickology is a "dying art."
But a few little factoids popped up around the Internet surrounding McMahon's hospitalization, and it made the news even more tragic and depressing.
Fellow TV Squader Bob Sassone discovered on a news blog that the former Star Search host was scheduled to make a guest appearance on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson last Friday as part of CBS' big week to combat the rising tide of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Then to make matters worse, the day of his appearance was also his 86th birthday.
If the Cash4Gold people somehow find a way to make an ad out of this, I cannot be held responsible for my future actions.
It may not have done much for his career or his situation, but it would have been nice to see the man back in action on a late night couch. And especially with Ferguson, the host whose humor would go best with McMahon's giggly, light-hearted, straight-man charm.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-10-2009 @ 1:29PM
Jimmy said...
Let me get this right: The tragedy that an 86-year-old is hospitalized is made worse by the fact that he was supposed to be on TV last week?
The horror!
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3-10-2009 @ 1:52PM
Drex said...
You must be butter, because you're on a roll today Danny.. LAME!!
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3-10-2009 @ 2:00PM
Sharon said...
I never really liked him much on the tonight show.
There was something phony about him.
That's probably just me though.
I do feel sorry about the situation he is in and his failing health..
He doesn't deserve to out like this.
I'm sure he brought enjoyment to a lot of people.
Very sad :(
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3-10-2009 @ 2:15PM
Modwild said...
Wow - you must be easily tragically depressed. The dude is 86 years old. Hardly tragic that he's in failing health.
Wanna discuss March 11th being the 12th anniversary of my dad's death at 58, or that last Thursday someone crashed into me totally my car and it was a miracle I survived? I'm sure others have much more heart-string tugging stories to share, as well.
I realize he's a celebrity, but really.
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3-10-2009 @ 2:31PM
Jason said...
Who cares that he was supposed to be on Ferguson? He's sick! Show a little more sympathy for his health, and a little less about the late night wars, please. Not surprising, given that this is the same author behind that stupid GM-Ken Burns crap from earlier today. I know this is a site about TV, but not everything has to be a pity party for TV. Just report that Ed McMahon was hospitalized, mention that he was supposed to be on Ferguson, and wish him well. And the Cash4Gold bit was more than a little tasteless; remember, news site, not comedy site here!
Same with the GM story. As great and important a filmmaker as Burns is, losing GM would have a far more damaging impact on the country. Making light of that wasn't exactly the best decision. I have to wonder whether this contributor is more interested in reporting the news or being a comedian? Because he's not doing a great job of either today.
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3-10-2009 @ 2:48PM
Joe said...
This post is really tasteless. And yes, the GM one was terrible as well.
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3-10-2009 @ 2:51PM
Cincinnati Mike said...
See, I thought it was just me...
Once again, I begin reading a story...stop in confusion...go back...try again...Say "WTF?"...then, reflexively look at the byline and say "oh, that explains it." This, dear readers, is the Gallagher experience.
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3-10-2009 @ 10:26PM
Paul said...
I am not getting TV Squad readers today. How is this tasteless? It's saying that not only is it a shame that Ed McMahon is in the hospital and doing poorly, but he was supposed to appear on the air, so the timing of his health issues are even worse. I'm sure McMahon very much enjoys his television appearances, especially on a show ("Late Late Show") produced by Peter Lassally, who also produced "The Tonight Show".
The Cash4Gold line was to say that they better not turn it into a tasteless commercial, or Danny will be pissed. Have you all lost your marbles?!
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3-11-2009 @ 3:47AM
StillBash said...
The thing is: he's in critical condition and at that age it's not very likely he's going to survive.
So it sounds as if it would've been that much better had he handed in his papers a bit later so TV could've provited from his demise. At least that's what Danny makes it sound like.
I guess the idea behind the post is that that way McMahon could've gotten some cash to pay off his debts but honestly who cares the guy's most likely going to die.