Television: Paar's Last Tape

For five years Jack Paar stood TV's most remorseless watch for NBC, the nightly Tonight show. Then by choice he tapered off the last three seasons with a mere weekly caper. Last week, at 48, Paar went off the air altogether to boss a TV and FM station he bought control of (putting up $1,350,000 in cash) in Poland Spring, Me.

The network, believing that he was one of the industry's formative performers, tried to blow his valedictory* into a gala, but Jack felt otherwise. "I want to get out the easiest way possible," he decreed. "They say I'm emotional, and...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!