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 for two separate tenures (1992-2009 and 2010-2014). His career began with stand-up comedy, leading to his long run on late-night television. In 2009, he briefly hosted The Jay Leno Show in primetime. A controversial conflict with Conan O'Brien led to Leno's return to The Tonight Show in 2010. He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2014. Post-Tonight Show, Leno hosted Jay Leno's Garage (2014-2022) and the revival of You Bet Your Life (2021-2023).

Sections (5)

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

1985: Grand Marshal of the Love Ride

Since 1985, Jay Leno has served as 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 and to educate the public about the plight of women under Taliban rule.

2001: Love Ride Benefiting 9/11 Recovery

In 2001, the Love Ride, with Jay Leno as Grand Marshal, contributed to the September 11 attacks recovery efforts.

2005: Reported Earnings

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

2009: Donation to Salem State College

In 2009, Jay Leno donated $100,000 to a scholarship fund at Salem State College (now Salem State University) in honor of Lennie Sogoloff, who gave Leno his start at his jazz club, Lennie's-on-the-Turnpike.

January 28, 2010: Appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show

On January 28, 2010, Jay Leno appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" to address the criticism he was receiving. He stated that NBC assured him Conan O'Brien was on board with the proposed arrangement and that the decisions were purely business-related made by NBC.

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2011: Leno's Garage Used for L.A. Noire

In 2011, Jay Leno opened his garage to Team Bondi, the developers of the video game "L.A. Noire", to help them accurately create images of cars from the 1940s for the game.

August 2012: Auctioned Fiat 500 for Charity

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

2012: Jimmy Kimmel discusses Jay Leno

In 2012, Jimmy Kimmel spoke about his experience with Jay Leno. Kimmel felt that Conan O'Brien wasn't given a fair opportunity and shared that Leno had previously shown interest in moving to ABC, potentially taking Kimmel's time slot. However, these conversations ceased after Leno stayed with NBC, leading Kimmel to believe Leno's friendliness had been insincere and a bargaining tactic.