Jan. 8, 1965 - Jack Paar said today he would not renew his television contract with NBC when it expires in June. He said he would move to Poland Spring, Me., where he owns a television station, but he had no plans beyond that.
“I’m through with NBC in June, but I’m not mad at anyone,” the entertainer said. “There is no problem. I’m just not interested anymore. I’ve had it for now.”
When asked if he might return to television after a leave of absence, Paar replied: “That’s possible. I’m only 46. I’m an emotional person.”
On Dec. 5, 1963, Paar announced his “irrevocable decision” to leave NBC last June. Three months later, he announced he would continue for another year and said he was sorry he had ever learned to spell irrevocable.
“I meant it then when I said I’d quit,” Paar said, “but later my lawyers advised me not to because NBC had an option on my services for the 1964-65 season. I had to change the earlier decision for legal reasons. I’ve done emotional things, and I’ve done foolish things, but I’ve never done hypocritical things.”
This is the third season for Paar’s weekly show, which is televised Fridays from 10 to 11 p.m. It was reported that NBC was considering the “Dean Martin Show” as a replacement next fall. Paar was the host of the “Tonight” show for five years before he started his current series.
Paar, who lives in Bronxville, N.Y., said he had bought 14½ acres of land in the Maine woods and as building a house there. He expects to be active in program operations of the two stations in which he owns 81% of the stock — WMTW-TV in Poland Spring and radio station WMTW-FM in Mount Washington, N.H. The television station broadcasts on Channel 8 and is affiliated with ABC.
“Beyond this, I have no plans,” Paar declared. “I have no idea of when or where I will come back to television, but if I did return, I would like to feel I would not have to crawl back.”
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