David Hasselhoff talks to ET about the death of Ed McMahon.

When he first heard the news, David says it took him by surprise, "It just didn't register because ... he was such a man full of life. He was always, 'don't worry about me pal, I'm a Marine, you know us Marines are fighters, we never give up.'"

David goes on to describe Ed's many accomplishments and gives his thoughts on why he was such an icon. Watch the video for more as the "America's Got Talent" judge details how their personal friendship grew over the years.