Why Jack Paar Suddenly Walked off ‘The Tonight Show’ in 1960
NBC’s The Tonight Show has been hosted by some big names over the years, including Johnny Carson, Steve Allen, Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Fallon and Jack Paar. In 1960, Paar was the host, and during the taping of the Feb. 11 show, he suddenly walked off the set, leaving fans confused.
He later confirmed that a censorship issue by the network had caused him to get upset and walk off. NBC had cut a joke about a “water closet” from the previous night’s show. Viewers heard his outburst about NBC and its censorship when they tuned in, and some thought it was actually part of the show.
The Associated Press said, “The studio audience was stunned. Some spectators, thinking it was part of the program, broke into applause, others shouted protest against Paar’s departure.”
Everett Collection
Announcer Hugh Downs took over the episode and, according to reports, did a great job. At the time, Downs also defended Paar. “He did not do this for effect,” he shared. “I would like to think that it’s not final, that he will be back.” Paar ended up taking a month off, citing that he needed to rest, and negotiated with NBC about his return. Eventually, he did return on March 7, 1960, and stayed until his contract expired in 1962.
During his return episode, he apologized to viewers about his outburs. “When I walked off, I said there must be a better way of making a living,” he shared. “Well, I’ve looked, and there isn’t. Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like Radio City. Leaving the show was a childish and perhaps emotional thing. I have been guilty of such action in the past and will perhaps be again. I’m totally unable to hide what I feel. It is not an asset in show business. But I shall do the best I can to amuse and entertain you and let other people speak freely, as I have in the past.”
Did you watch this happen on television in 1960?
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