R.I.P. Hugh Downs, who once held the record for most hours on network television

His sidekick role on The Tonight Show led to gigs hosting Concentration and 20/20.

The Everett Collection

In 2004, Regin Philbin reached a milestone. The energetic daytime host officially set the record for the most hours on network television. The total count was 15,188 hours. The man he surpassed was Hugh Downs.

Downs began his broadcasting career on the radio, in his home state of Ohio before relocating Chicago. The Akron native made his debut on television in September 1945, in the infancy of the format. He quickly became a mainstay of the medium.

He was the announcer for Hawkins Falls, the first hit daytime soap opera in 1950. He also served as the announcer for Kukla, Fran and Ollie, the beloved children's puppet show that began production in Chicago's Merchandise Mart.

He was the announcer for Sid Caesar's Caesar's Hour and Jack Paar's The Tonight Show — where he was essentially the "Ed McMahon" of the late-night mainstay. That gig made him an onscreen personality.

The Tonight Show spotlight led to Downs landing a headlining job of his own, hosting the original version of Concentration, beginning in 1958, as seen at the top of this page. 

From there, Downs hosted NBC's Today Show from 1962-71. 

Most likely remember him from 20/20, the news magazine program that paired him with Barbara Walters from 1978 to 1999.

In 1984, Downs set that record for 15,188 hours — which would stand for two more decades. 

Downs died on July 1 in his Scottsdale, Arizona home, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 99. In nearby Tempe, the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University is named in his honor.

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9 Comments

327053 45 months ago
Grew up watching him in the 80s on 20/20. Great anchorman.
ELEANOR 45 months ago
I really do remember, very vaguely, watching Hugh Downs hosting Concentration.
ELEANOR 45 months ago
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ncadams27 45 months ago
I am tied with the record for the fewest hours on network tv.
Kathleen ncadams27 45 months ago
No sweetie, I am. I don't get this channel
I like to read the stories on different tv shows and do the quizzes
ELEANOR ncadams27 45 months ago
I currently watch very few hours on Network TV. Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy are about it.
ETristanBooth 45 months ago
I used to watch Hugh Downs on 20/20, and now, many years later, I teach for the Hugh Downs School. Over the years he attended quite a few faculty events and even some graduate classes. He never wanted to stop learning new things. Some artifacts from his career are on display in the school.
UTZAAKE 45 months ago
Hugh Downs was actually with Barbara Walters twice, first with NBC's Today, then ABC's 20/20. His pleasant style made him versatile. He was succeeded at Today by Frank McGee, and was there a huge difference or what. Downs eased viewers into the workday. Though he was an outstanding journalist, McGee was a poor fit, his seriousness left those same viewers edgy to start the day. Disappointed that Downs missed Superhero status by one year.
Veronica UTZAAKE 39 months ago
Yes. "20/20" was a reunion for Downs and Barbara Walters.
Pacificsun 45 months ago
I'm pretty sure it's Regis Philbin.
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