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I crossed paths with Ed McMahon several times. He was always kind, nice and polite. He made you feel good.
The last time I saw him, he was signing his book "Here's Johnny!" at Book Soup. He regaled the 25 or so people there -- including some of his grandchildren -- with stories from his life for two and a half hours. It was golden.
He chatted with everybody who wanted to get a book signed, to make sure the inscription was personal. I spoke with him about a landmark "Tonight Show" I had attended, and he remembered it (It's a classic. Bob Hope and Dean Martin showed up unexpectedly.) and he was gracious enough to come up with an inscription for a book I had purchased for my father, who had worked night shifts and only discovered Johnny Carson after he retired and was finally able to watch late-night television.
Ed signed my father's book "What the hell kept you?"
A giant, whose talent was only matched by his modesty. Any comedian will tell you the hardest job in show business is to be a straight man. Ed was one of the best.
Ave atque vale, Mr. McMahon. Hoist one with Johnny tonight.
--t
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