Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jay Leno

Discover the career path of Jay Leno, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jay Leno is an American comedian, writer, and television host, best known for hosting NBC's The Tonight Show for two long tenures (1992-2009 and 2010-2014). After years performing stand-up, he took over The Tonight Show, eventually leading to a brief transition where Conan O'Brien hosted. A conflict arose when NBC proposed Leno host a show before The Tonight Show, leading to Leno's return. Beyond The Tonight Show, Leno has hosted Jay Leno's Garage and the revival of You Bet Your Life. He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2014.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1973: Started Comedy Club

In 1973, Jay Leno started a comedy club while attending Emerson College in Boston.

1976: Minor roles in television series and films

In 1976, Jay Leno had minor roles in several television series and films, first in "J.J. in Trouble" of Good Times, and the same year in the pilot of Holmes & Yo-Yo.

March 2, 1977: First Tonight Show Appearance

On March 2, 1977, Jay Leno made his first appearance on The Tonight Show, performing a comedy routine.

1978: More Prominent Film Roles

In 1978, Jay Leno played more prominent roles in the films American Hot Wax and Silver Bears.

1979: Film and Television Appearances

In 1979, Jay Leno appeared in "Going Nowhere" on One Day at a Time and in the film Americathon.

1981: Film and Television Appearances

In 1981, Jay Leno appeared in Polyester and "The Wild One" on Alice.

1982: David Letterman Hosted Late Night

Since 1982, David Letterman had been hosting Late Night with David Letterman which aired after The Tonight Show.

1983: Laverne & Shirley Appearance

In 1983, Jay Leno appeared in "Do the Carmine" on Laverne & Shirley.

1983: Appeared on Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour

In 1983, Jay Leno appeared on three weeks of the short-lived NBC game show Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour.

1984: Appeared on Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour

In 1984, Jay Leno appeared on three weeks of the short-lived NBC game show Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour.

1986: Regular Substitute Host

Starting in 1986, Jay Leno was a regular substitute host for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show.

1988: Contract Extension with NBC

In 1988, Jay Leno received a contract extension with NBC itself.

1989: Starring Film Role

In 1989, Jay Leno had his only starring film role in the direct-to-video Collision Course, with Pat Morita.

1992: Became Host of The Tonight Show

In 1992, Jay Leno became the host of NBC's The Tonight Show, succeeding Johnny Carson.

1992: Replaced Carson as Host

In 1992, Jay Leno replaced Johnny Carson as host of The Tonight Show amid controversy.

July 1995: Higher Ratings Than Letterman

In July 1995, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, featuring an interview with Hugh Grant, rated higher than Letterman for the first time.

2001: Voice Acting on The Fairly OddParents

From 2001 to 2016, Jay Leno did voice acting as The Crimson Chin on The Fairly OddParents.

2001: Donation to Feminist Majority Foundation

In 2001, Jay Leno and his wife Mavis donated $100,000 to the Feminist Majority Foundation's campaign to stop gender apartheid in Afghanistan.

2001: Love Ride Benefitting 9/11 Recovery

Since 1985, Jay Leno has been the Grand Marshal for the Love Ride. In 2001, the event also benefitted the September 11 attacks recovery.

2004: Comments About Succession

In 2004, Jay Leno made comments in a Tonight Show clip about allowing Conan O'Brien to take over without incident.

2004: Contract Extension with NBC

In 2004, Jay Leno signed a contract extension with NBC to remain as host of The Tonight Show until 2009.

2005: Reported Earnings

In 2005, it was reported that Jay Leno earned $32 million.

December 8, 2008: Announced New Show at 10 p.m.

On December 8, 2008, it was reported that Jay Leno would remain on NBC and move to a new hour-long show at 10 p.m. Eastern Time five nights a week.

May 29, 2009: Left The Tonight Show

On Friday, May 29, 2009, Jay Leno left The Tonight Show.

June 1, 2009: Conan O'Brien took over The Tonight Show

On June 1, 2009, Conan O'Brien took over as host of The Tonight Show.

September 14, 2009: The Jay Leno Show Debuted

On September 14, 2009, The Jay Leno Show debuted on NBC, featuring Jerry Seinfeld, Oprah Winfrey, and Kanye West as first guests.

September 2009: Started The Jay Leno Show

In September 2009, Jay Leno began hosting a primetime talk show, The Jay Leno Show, on NBC.

2009: Donation to Salem State College

In 2009, Jay Leno donated $100,000 to a scholarship fund at Salem State College in honor of Lennie Sogoloff.

2009: O'Brien to Host Tonight Show

Later in 2004, Conan O'Brien signed a contract with NBC to become the host of The Tonight Show in 2009, replacing Jay Leno.

January 7, 2010: Move to 11:35 p.m. Time Slot Announced

On January 7, 2010, it was reported that beginning March 1, 2010, Jay Leno would move from his 10 p.m. weeknight time slot to 11:35 p.m.

January 22, 2010: O'Brien's Final Episode

On January 22, 2010, Conan O'Brien's final episode of The Tonight Show aired after a deal was struck for him to leave.

March 1, 2010: Returned to The Tonight Show

On March 1, 2010, Jay Leno returned to hosting The Tonight Show amidst the 2010 Tonight Show conflict.

2010: Late Show Commercial

In 2010, Jay Leno appeared with David Letterman and Oprah Winfrey in a Late Show commercial airing during Super Bowl XLIV.

2011: Collaboration with Team Bondi for L.A. Noire

In 2011, Jay Leno opened his garage to Team Bondi, the developers of the video game L.A. Noire, allowing them to accurately recreate cars from the late 1940s.