Jack Paar, long time ago Tonight Show host, passes away, age 85

[Dan Murphy]

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Jack Paar, 1918-2004--click here

And here, for lots of memories</center>

One of the items he is so well known for, his 'water closet' joke........

......He had countless feuds with columnists like Walter Winchell and Dorothy Kilgallen. He even quit the show briefly in 1960 as a matter of principle, after NBC edited out a joke that used the term "water closet." Almost in tears and clearly angry, Paar looked into the camera and said, "I am leaving The Tonight Show . There must be a better way of making a living than this." That famous "walk-off" and Paar's triumphant return a few weeks later had the country abuzz......

Gives you an idea where TV has gone in 40 years. Always controversial, but a really big heart, sentimental guy, he will be missed.

MSNBC News item

 

[Towncrier]

How sad.

 

[Poohbear123]

He lived a long life....

 

[FloridaCat]

Another great TV pioneer gone. Gave Regis his start and many others.
Thanks Dan

 

[Deb in IA]

The original late night talk show host.

Johnny Carson, David Letterman, Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien are all descendants of Jack Paar's legacy.

I remember watching a clip of his "walk-out" over the water closet joke. Always a man of class and integrity, and not afraid to stand up for what he believed.

 

[Micca]

Interesting Paar factoid: The Tonight Show aired a clip of The Beatles performing in England even before they appeared on The Ed Sullivan show. During the Beatles' first appearance on the Sullivan show, Ed came on stage and said something to the effect of "...that last number was dedicated to Randy Paar". Presumably, that is Jack's son.