NBC to host celebration of late “Tonight” show sidekick Ed McMahon in Los Angeles on July 1

NBC to host celebration of Ed McMahon on July 1

LOS ANGELES — Ed McMahon’s publicist says a celebration of the late “Tonight” show sidekick, who died Tuesday at 86, is set for July 1.

McMahon’s publicist, Howard Bragman, tells The Associated Press Friday that NBC will host the untelevised event, scheduled to be held at 6 p.m. PST at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in North Hollywood.

Bragman says details are still being finalized, including the guest list.

McMahon died early Tuesday at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Bragman says McMahon had a “multitude of health problems the last few months.”

McMahon played second banana to longtime host Johnny Carson on NBC’s “Tonight” show from 1962 until Carson retired in 1992.