Jack Paar: Former Tonight Show Host Dies at 85

January 27, 2004

Jack Paar was an American television host who led The Tonight Show from 1957 to 1962. Born on May 1, 1918, in Canton, Ohio, he started in radio and served in the Army during World War II.

Paar turned the late-night program into a talk show of conversation and personality, with guests such as Jonathan Winters, Bob Newhart and Judy Garland. In February 1960 he walked off the show after NBC cut a joke from the broadcast, and he returned weeks later with the line "As I was saying before I was interrupted."

Paar left the show in 1962 and was succeeded by Johnny Carson. He later hosted a prime-time weekly show and made occasional specials. He died at his home in Greenwich, Connecticut, on January 27, 2004, at age 85.

Achievements: Host of The Tonight Show (1957-1962), predecessor of Johnny Carson.

Birth: May 1, 1918 - Canton, Ohio.

Profession: Television host.

Interesting Facts: His 1960 walk-off is among the best-known moments in late-night television history.