"Have fun and the audience will have fun"

quotes below are from:
Ed McMahon, host, sidekick and pitchman, dies at 86
By Gayle Ronan Sims, Philadelphia Inquirer Staff Writer
Posted on Wed, Jun. 24, 2009
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/obituaries/
20090624_Ed_McMahon__host__
sidekick_and_pitchman__dies_at_86.html

Ed McMahon, 86, who began his half-century television career in Philadelphia before becoming Johnny Carson's sidekick on The Tonight Show, where his booming announcement "Heeere's Johnny!" became his trademark, died yesterday.
...
"The Tonight Show was powerful. It launched the careers of many comedians," said the stand-up comic Tom Dreesen, who appeared on the show 61 times. "Johnny Carson didn't speak with guests before the show. Ed McMahon would.
"The show had about 15 million viewers, and the first time I performed I was obviously nervous. Ed McMahon put his arm around my shoulder and said, 'Have fun and the audience will have fun.' I never forgot that. I think about that every night before I go on stage to this day. Nobody had more fun than Ed McMahon. He had a hearty, distinctive laugh."

(underscore added by blogger)