Pat McMahon

Background

McMahon was born to vaudeville performers, Jack and Adelaide McMahon—billed as "McMahon and Adelaide"—in 1933 At age five, he joined the act and spent 12 years touring the world.

Education

The family eventually settled in Davenport, Iowa where McMahon attended high school and Saint Ambrose College.

Career

McMahon is also a longstanding fixture on the Phoenix broadcasting scene where he has worked at KRIZ, KOY, and KTAR radio stations—serving as program director, disc jockey, and talk-show host, among other positions. McMahon"s broadcasting career began while he was in college when he took a job as a disc jockey at Davenport radio station KSTT. His career was interrupted by a stint in the Army, beginning in 1958. He had gained some television experience while in the service and, after he was discharged, decided to try to break into the business in Phoenix.

In 1960, he began working at KPHO television in a variety of capacities.

At that time, lieutenant"s Wallace had already been on the air six years—hosted by Wallace (Bill Thompson) and Ladmo (Ladimir Kwiatkowski). They decided they needed a third person to play various characters in the skits they performed in between cartoons and McMahon was incorporated into the show.

His most memorable role was as Gerald, a wealthy, spoiled boy who was ostensibly the station manager"s nephew. The band recorded several singles and made appearances on Tonight Starring Steve Allen and The Joey Bishop Show.

Currently, McMahon continues to work in radio and television for KTAR and AZTV.

Achievements

• Regional Emmy"s The Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame The Arizona Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame The Herberger Theater Hall of Fame (2001) Edward R Murrow Award International Broadcasting Gold Medal Honorary Doctorate Ottawa University Radio Program Director of the Year (1970) Los Angeles Recording Industry Manitoba of the Year (1969).