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 television host, comedian, and writer best known for hosting NBC's The Tonight Show from 1992 to 2009, and again from 2010 to 2014, after the 2010 Tonight Show conflict. Before becoming a prominent TV personality, Leno was a stand-up comedian. He also hosted The Jay Leno Show, a primetime talk show, and later 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

1984: Founding of the Love Ride

Since its founding in 1984, the Love Ride, a motorcycle charity event, has raised nearly $14 million for charities.

1985: Grand Marshal for the Love Ride

Since 1985, Jay Leno has been the Grand Marshal for the Love Ride, a motorcycle charity event.

2001: Donation to Feminist Majority Foundation

In 2001, Jay Leno and his wife donated $100,000 to the Feminist Majority Foundation's campaign to stop gender apartheid in Afghanistan, to educate the public regarding the plight of women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.

2001: Love Ride Supports 9/11 Recovery

In 2001, the Love Ride, a motorcycle charity event, supported the September 11 attacks recovery.

2005: Reported Earnings

In 2005, Jay Leno reportedly earned $32 million.

2009: Donation to Salem State College Scholarship Fund

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

January 28, 2010: Appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show

On January 28, 2010, Jay Leno appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show to attempt to repair damage to his public image following criticism related to his show and Conan O'Brien's departure from NBC.

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

In 2011, Jay Leno opened his garage to Team Bondi, the company that developed the video game L.A. Noire, set in Los Angeles in the late-1940s, allowing them to accurately create images of vehicles from that era.

August 2012: Auction of Fiat 500 for Charity

In August 2012, Jay Leno auctioned his Fiat 500 for $385,000, with the proceeds benefiting a charity that provides temporary housing for wounded war veterans.

2014: Hosting the Genesis Prize Award Ceremony

In 2014, while hosting the Genesis Prize award ceremony in Jerusalem, Jay Leno made jokes mocking then-President Barack Obama and then-Secretary of State John Kerry.