Hugh Downs

Hugh Downs, who served as sidekick to Jack Paar during his five years as host of "The Tonight Show," said he considers Paar his special television hero. Downs, co-host of the ABC's "20/20," says in Sunday's Parade magazine that he also admires Barbara Walters and Jane Pauley. Of Paar, Downs said: "I owe him a debt. He was always upfront, always showing his emotions. And never devious.' He paused, then added, 'A bit strange, perhaps."

NEW YORK -- They'll have today, at least. In the wacky world of the New York Yankees, where crisis is the house specialty, the day began with the team on the verge of elimination and the owner threatening to fire the manager. Then the game began, and the Hall of Fame starting pitcher limped off the field. But, thanks to a kid from Orange County and a leadoff batter that impersonated one of the big guys, Joe Torre and his Yankees will play again today.

Happy Anniversary 'Today': Gene Shalit, Bryant Gumbel, Faith Daniels, Barbara Walters, Hugh Downs, Jane Pauley, Willard Scott and Tom Brokaw toasted the "Today" show during the taping of "Today at 40," the anniversary celebration of the morning show that airs tonight at 10 on NBC. The "Today" gang past and present will recount their favorite moments and highlights.

Hugh Downs simply drew the line at Marv Albert. In an exceedingly rare public protest by a top television personality, the veteran "20/20" anchor refused to appear on the ABC program Friday, disassociating himself from the interview with the fallen sportscaster by co-anchor Barbara Walters. Downs had declared on "Larry King Live" last month that he would not interview Albert and, what's more, that "Barbara wouldn't do it."

Hugh Downs simply drew the line at Marv Albert. In an exceedingly rare public protest by a top television personality, the veteran "20/20" anchor refused to appear on the ABC program Friday, disassociating himself from the interview with the fallen sportscaster by co-anchor Barbara Walters. Downs had declared on "Larry King Live" last month that he would not interview Albert and, what's more, that "Barbara wouldn't do it."

NEW YORK -- They'll have today, at least. In the wacky world of the New York Yankees, where crisis is the house specialty, the day began with the team on the verge of elimination and the owner threatening to fire the manager. Then the game began, and the Hall of Fame starting pitcher limped off the field. But, thanks to a kid from Orange County and a leadoff batter that impersonated one of the big guys, Joe Torre and his Yankees will play again today.

Actress Cicely Tyson has been named to head the 35th annual Halloween "trick or treat" campaign on behalf of the U.N. Children's Fund (UNICEF).. The announcement was made at a U.N. news conference by television personality Hugh Downs, chairman of the board of the United States Committee for UNICEF.

ABC should be commended for its informative documentary about the "Poisoning of America" with Hugh Downs. Environmental preservation is a very important issue. We all need to be more aware of these problems and to take actions toward cleaning up our beautiful country. M. E. Lansky, Encino

Golly! With Hugh Downs, Gregory Peck, Lily Tomlin and Johnny Carson endorsing Mars exploration, nothing can stop us now ("The Red-Hot Planet" by Paul Ciotti, Sept. 15). If only Moe, Larry and Curly were alive to lend their support to space exploration . . . alas. DAVID KOLPACOFF El Cajon

Martin Goodman, 77, a producer and personal manager for such entertainers as Milton Berle, Orson Welles, Hugh Downs, Jonathan Winters and many others. He was an attorney for the William Morris Agency and Music Corp. of America before forming his own production agency in 1954. He produced two Broadway plays, "The Trial of Mary Dugan" and "Deadfall" before retiring to Palm Desert in 1972. He died there Sunday of undetermined causes.

Happy Anniversary 'Today': Gene Shalit, Bryant Gumbel, Faith Daniels, Barbara Walters, Hugh Downs, Jane Pauley, Willard Scott and Tom Brokaw toasted the "Today" show during the taping of "Today at 40," the anniversary celebration of the morning show that airs tonight at 10 on NBC. The "Today" gang past and present will recount their favorite moments and highlights.

Hugh Downs, who served as sidekick to Jack Paar during his five years as host of "The Tonight Show," said he considers Paar his special television hero. Downs, co-host of the ABC's "20/20," says in Sunday's Parade magazine that he also admires Barbara Walters and Jane Pauley. Of Paar, Downs said: "I owe him a debt. He was always upfront, always showing his emotions. And never devious.' He paused, then added, 'A bit strange, perhaps."

Baseball has one, of course; so do most other sports, rock 'n' roll and even the beer and trucking industries. Come Saturday, there will also be an American TV Game Show Hall of Fame. The first inductees will be veteran game show hosts Monty Hall of "Let's Make a Deal," Peter Marshall of "Hollywood Squares," Wink Martindale of "Tic Tac Dough" and Hugh Downs of "Concentration."

According to what are known as Q scores, which measure the familiarity and popularity of celebrities, Oprah Winfrey ranks first among TV hosts and announcers. Her familiarity score, at 90%, is ahead of those of Pat Sajak, David Letterman and Barbara Walters (who score in the 80s), as well as Dan Rather, Rosie O'Donnell and Hugh Downs (all in the 70s).