Ed McMahon , who died Tuesday , was known as a sidekick -- but also a `` star '' His outgoing public persona was in contrast to that of his boss , Johnny Carson . `` Tonight '' bandleader Doc Severinsen : `` Ed defined what the sidekick was '' he had an ability to be funny and serious at the same time.
Ed McMahon , who died Tuesday , was known as a sidekick -- but also a `` star '' His outgoing public persona was in contrast to that of his boss , Johnny Carson . `` Tonight '' bandleader Doc Severinsen : `` Ed defined what the sidekick was '' Joan Rivers : `` When you needed him , he was a rock ''