It was a job that generally aimed the spotlight at Carson , the host . Ed McMahon , who played Tuesday , was known as a comedian -- but also a ` ` star '' His outgoing public persona was in contrast to that of his boss , Johnny Carson . ` ` ' '' ' Doc Severinsen : ` ` Ed defined what the sidekick was '' Ray Collins : ` ` When you needed him , he was a rock ''
Ed McMahon , who played Tuesday , was known as a comedian -- but also a ` ` star '' His outgoing public persona was in contrast to that of his boss , Johnny Carson . ` ` ' '' ' Doc Severinsen : ` ` Ed defined what the sidekick was '' Ray Collins : ` ` When you needed him , he was a rock ''