Jack Paar

Jack Paar was an American author, radio and television comedian and talk show host who passed away at the age of 85 due to natural causes. He is best known for his stint as host of "The Tonight Show." His format of variety skits, interviews, witty conversation and monologues created what is now standard in the genre. Born 1918 in Canton, Ohio, he first worked as a DJ after high school until he was drafted into the military in 1943. He was assigned to the U.S.O. during the war entertaining the troops. After the war, he worked again in radio and in 1947 he hosted NBC Radio's “Jack Paar Show.” He got his big break when Jack Benny asked that he be his summer replacement. Then in 1957 he began hosting "The Tonight Show" which was formally known as "The Jack Paar Show." The next year he guest starred in Polly Bergen's short-lived comedy/variety show, "The Polly Bergen Show." In 1973, he returned to television on a regular base in "Jack Paar Tonite," which broadcasted one week a month. Then in 1983, he published