Jack Parr

Jack Parr (born February 13, 1924, in Canton, Ohio; died January 27, 2005, in Greenwich, Connecticut) was an American television and radio personality, best known as the host of The Tonight Show from 1957 to 1962. He is widely credited with transforming the late-night talk show format into its modern iteration, emphasizing personality, improvisation, and intelligent conversation over scripted routines and musical performances.

Parr began his career in radio, working as a disc jockey and news reporter before transitioning to television in the early 1950s. He hosted several variety shows before taking over The Tonight Show from Steve Allen.

Parr's tenure on The Tonight Show was marked by both critical acclaim and controversy. He was known for his wit, his willingness to engage in topical and often provocative discussions, and his ability to draw compelling performances from his guests. His guests included a wide range of figures, from celebrities and politicians to intellectuals and ordinary people.

One of the most notable events of Parr's time on The Tonight Show was his on-air walkout in 1960. He left the show after NBC censored a joke he told about a "WC" (water closet, a euphemism for toilet). Parr returned to the show several weeks later after NBC apologized.

Following his departure from The Tonight Show, Parr hosted The Jack Paar Program from 1962 to 1965 and later appeared on various television specials and documentaries. He remained a significant figure in the history of television and a major influence on subsequent talk show hosts. He was known for his intellectual curiosity, his unpredictable on-air behavior, and his role in shaping the landscape of late-night television.