Ed McMahon Recovering After Two Surgeries After Suffering From Fall Last Year

Ed McMahon, famous sidekick of Johnny Carson on the "Tonight Show," broke his neck in a fall last year and was recovering after two surgeries, his publicist said on Thursday. McMahon has recently been seen at public events in a neck brace.

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His publicist, Susan DuBow, said the fall happened last March but could not release any more details. In a released statement, McMahon said, "It's been a tough year, but I'm working hard in rehab and doing the best I can to get through it."

McMahon, 85, is best known for his trademark opening on the "Tonight Show" when he said: "And now h-e-e-e-e-e-ere's Johnny!" followed by a small bow toward the star."

He also worked with Carson on the game show "Who Do You Trust?" in 1957 and never failed to laugh at Carson's jokes.

McMahon was also co-host with Dick Clark on the "Blooper" shows and made regular appearances on The Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon.

In March of 2005, McMahon fell at his home in a gated community in Beverly Hills and suffered a mild concussion and received several stitches for a cut on his forehead.