Hollywood Remembers Ed McMahon

Updated 1:00 PM CST, Tue, Jun 23, 2009

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Following the death of Ed McMahon on Tuesday, stars and friends of the TV legend shared their thoughts and memories of the 86-year-old icon with Access Hollywood.

"Ed was full of life and joy and celebration. He will be sorely missed. He was one of the greats in show business, but most of all he was a gentleman. I miss my friend." – Doc Severinsen

VIEW THE PHOTOS: A Look Back: Life & Times Of Ed McMahon

"I've lost my dearest friend. Ed was my anchor, both on the Telethon which he endowed with his unmatched class and year-round as one of the top leaders of MDA. What he gave 'my kids' will live in their hearts forever, as will the pain of his loss in mine." – Jerry Lewis

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Hollywood Legends

"Ed McMahon's voice at 11:30 was a signal that something great was about to happen. Ed's introduction of Johnny was a classic broadcasting ritual - reassuring and exciting. Ed was a true broadcaster, and an integral part of Johnny Carson's 'Tonight Show.' We will miss him." – David Letterman

VIEW THE PHOTOS: The Men & Women Of Late Night Television

"Ed McMahon defined professionalism in broadcasting. We'll miss him!" – Paul Shaffer

"He could not have been warmer. He always had a joke, always had a kind word. The Ed I met when I was 17 is the same Ed I saw last year at a Friars Club. You'll never be able to separate him from 'The Tonight Show' and from Johnny and I think Johnny was such a smart man to realize that Ed McMahon was such a powerful part of the package - it's very hard to find a second banana! He's at peace, he's at rest now and St. Peter's going 'H-e-e-e-e-e-ere's Ed!'" – Kathie Lee Gifford

"I liked him tremendously. He was just what you thought he'd be. The same on camera as off. He was affable, a team player, totally reliable and an all around good guy. Don't forget, he created the form of sidekick on television that they still use today. By the way, I never slept with him." – Joan Rivers

"America has lost one of its great icons. Ed McMahon was a terrific entertainer and a wonderful person – he will be greatly missed." – Donald Trump

Check back for more reactions on the death of Ed McMahon throughout the day.

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