Ed McMahon Resting Up After Surgery

TV icon undergoes third surgery for broken neck he suffered in a fall last year

By Natalie Finn Jul 11, 2008 10:02 PMTags
Ed McMahonJeff Vespa/WireImage.com

Count an actual pain in the neck among Ed McMahon's troubles.

The renowned TV personality is recovering from his third—and hopefully final—surgery to treat the broken neck he suffered in a fall last year, according to his publicist.

"He's awake, alert and resting comfortably, and the McMahon family is grateful for all the prayers and good wishes," rep Howard Bragman said following the procedure Friday.

But "recovering at home" is probably what McMahon is really looking forward to hearing.

The former Tonight Show sidekick and Star Search emcee made the wrong kind of headlines last month, when it was revealed he was facing foreclosure on his Beverly Hills home after falling more than $600,000 behind on mortgage loan payments.

Wearing a neckbrace during a June 5 appearance on Larry King Live, McMahon said he hadn't worked since his accident 18 months before.

"You want everything to be perfect, but that combination of the economy, I have a little injury, I have a situation. And it all came together," the twice-divorced 85-year-old explained.