Gabriel W. "Gabe" Kaplan is a comedian, actor, poker commentator,
and professional poker player. He is best remembered starring in the
ABC-TV sitcom “Welcome Back Kotter” (1975 to 1979.
Although he originally wanted to become a baseball star, he eventually
began working as a bellman and stand-up comedian.
From left: Jack Paar, Hugh Downs, and band leader Jose Melis
Jack Paar drew millions of viewers every week night while he was host
of the Tonight show (1957-1962. The late night talk show was later
renamed “The Jack Paar Show”. His original announcer was actor
Franklin Pangborn, but he was let go within weeks for not showing
enough enthusiasm. He was replaced by Hugh Downs who stayed
with the show to the final airing on March 30, 1962.
Paar left the show, citing he could no longer handle the strenuous
load of putting on a 105 minute show, five nights a week. A new
host was chosen to replace him, his name was Johnny Carson.
From the first show in 1957
Ross Simpson
Eric Patrick Clapton (“Slowhand”) is 68 today. He is ranked in
fourth place on Gibson’s Top 50 Guitarists of All Time list.
