Edward Leo Peter `` Ed '' McMahon , Jr. ( March 6 , 1923 â `` June 23 , 2009 ) was the announcer and co-host of The Tonight Show with host Johnny Carson . Edward Peter `` Ed '' McMahon , Jr. ( March 6 , 1923 â `` June 23 , 2009 ) was an American comedian , game show host and announcer .