Jack Harold Paar ( May 1 , 1918 -- January 27 , 2004 ) was an American author , radio and television comedian and talk show host , best known for his stint as host of `` The Tonight Show '' from 1957 to 1962 .
Jack Harold Paar ( May 1 , 1918 -- January 27 , 2004 ) was an American author , radio and television comedian and talk show host . He is best known as host of `` The Tonight Show '' from 1957 to 1962 .