Step 1 : Introduction to the question "What was the name of Johnny Carson's sidekick on "The Tonight Show"?"
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson first aired on October 1, 1962. Ed McMahon served as the show's announcer—with the trademark line "Heeeeeeere's Johnny!" Ed McMahon would become a fixture for the next three decades, keeping American viewers laughing with his banter and on-air personality. McMahon also made a name for himself in other areas—first as a pitchman for products as diverse as Budweiser, Breck Shampoo, and Sara Lee Kitchens, and later as host of the long-running syndicated talent show Star Search.