Jay Leno is a renowned American television host, comedian, and writer best known for his long-standing role as host of NBC's The Tonight Show. He initially hosted from 1992 to 2009, then briefly returned in 2010 after a well-publicized late-night programming shakeup. Leno's second tenure on The Tonight Show concluded in 2014, marking the end of an era for the iconic late-night program. Beyond The Tonight Show, Leno's career includes stand-up comedy, a primetime talk show (The Jay Leno Show), a car-focused series (Jay Leno's Garage), and a revival of the game show You Bet Your Life.
1909: Leno's Wife Favors Antique Electric Car
Within Jay Leno's collection of antique electric cars, the 1909 Baker Motor Vehicle holds a special place as his wife Mavis's favorite, highlighting a shared passion for automotive history.
1910: Birth of Angelo Leno
Angelo Leno, Jay Leno's father, was born in New York in 1910 to immigrants from Flumeri, Campania, Italy. He worked as an insurance salesman.
1911: Birth of Catherine Leno
Catherine Leno, Jay Leno's mother, was born in 1911 in Greenock, Scotland. She later immigrated to the United States at the age of 11.
April 28, 1950: Birth of Jay Leno
Jay Leno was born on April 28, 1950, in New Rochelle, New York.
1963: Leno Owns Rare Chrysler Turbine Car
Among his vast car collection, Jay Leno possesses one of only nine remaining 1963 Chrysler Turbine Cars, a testament to his fascination with automotive history and innovation.
1973: Leno Starts a Comedy Club
While studying at Emerson College in Boston, Jay Leno started a comedy club in 1973.
1976: Early Television Roles for Leno
Jay Leno landed minor roles in television series in 1976, including an episode of "Good Times" and the pilot of "Holmes & Yo-Yo."
March 2, 1977: Leno's First Appearance on "The Tonight Show"
On March 2, 1977, Jay Leno made his first appearance on "The Tonight Show," performing a comedy routine.
1978: Leno's Early Film Roles
Following a minor role in the 1977 film "Fun with Dick and Jane," Jay Leno had more prominent roles in the films "American Hot Wax" and "Silver Bears" in 1978.
1979: Leno's Continued Television and Film Appearances
In 1979, Leno continued to make appearances in various television shows and films, including "One Day at a Time," "Americathon," and "Laverne & Shirley."
1981: Leno's Appearances in "Polyester" and "Alice"
During 1981, Jay Leno appeared in the film "Polyester" and an episode of the television series "Alice."
1982: Letterman Begins Hosting "Late Night with David Letterman"
David Letterman started hosting "Late Night with David Letterman" in 1982, which aired after "The Tonight Show." This event would later play a role in the controversy surrounding the show's succession after Carson's departure.
1983: Leno on "Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour"
Jay Leno appeared on the short-lived NBC game show "Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour" for three weeks in 1983 and 1984.
1983: Leno's Appearance on "Laverne & Shirley"
Jay Leno appeared in an episode of the television series "Laverne & Shirley" titled "Do the Carmine" in 1983.
1984: Leno on "Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour" (continued)
Jay Leno's appearances on the NBC game show "Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour" continued into 1984.
1984: Love Ride Founded
The Love Ride, a motorcycle charity event, was founded in 1984. Since its inception, the event has raised close to $14 million for various charities, including those supporting muscular dystrophy research, Autism Speaks, and the September 11 attacks recovery.
1985: Leno's Long-Standing Support for Love Ride
Since 1985, Jay Leno has been a dedicated supporter of the Love Ride, serving as the Grand Marshal for the motorcycle charity event. The event has raised nearly $14 million since its inception in 1984.
1986: Leno Becomes Regular Substitute Host for Carson
Jay Leno began regularly substituting as host for Johnny Carson on "The Tonight Show" starting in 1986.
1988: Leno Signs Contract Extension with NBC
Jay Leno's growing presence on NBC was solidified in 1988 when he signed a contract extension with the network.
1989: Leno's Starring Role in "Collision Course"
In 1989, Jay Leno had his only starring film role in the direct-to-video release "Collision Course," which also featured actor Pat Morita.
1992: Leno Becomes Host of "The Tonight Show"
After years of stand-up comedy and guest hosting, Jay Leno became the host of NBC's "The Tonight Show" in 1992, succeeding Johnny Carson. This transition sparked controversy due to the expectation that David Letterman would be Carson's successor.
1993: Death of Catherine Leno
Jay Leno's mother, Catherine Leno, passed away in 1993.
1994: Death of Angelo Leno
Angelo Leno, Jay Leno's father, passed away in 1994.
July 1995: Leno Surpasses Letterman in Ratings
For the first time, Jay Leno's "The Tonight Show" surpassed David Letterman's show in ratings with the July 1995 episode featuring an interview with Hugh Grant, who had been recently arrested.
2001: Leno Voices "The Fairly OddParents" Character
From 2001 to 2016, Jay Leno provided the voice for The Crimson Chin on the animated series "The Fairly OddParents."
2001: Love Ride Supports 9/11 Recovery
In the wake of the September 11 attacks, the Love Ride motorcycle charity event directed a portion of its fundraising efforts towards supporting the recovery efforts. This reflects the event's commitment to responding to timely needs.
2001: Leno and Wife Support Feminist Majority Foundation
Jay Leno and his wife, Mavis Leno, made a $100,000 donation to the Feminist Majority Foundation in 2001. The donation supported the organization's campaign against gender apartheid in Afghanistan and aimed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by women under Taliban rule.
October 6, 2002: Death of Patrick Leno
Jay Leno's brother, Patrick Leno, passed away on October 6, 2002.
2004: Leno Pledges Smooth Transition for O'Brien on "The Tonight Show"
In 2004, a clip from "The Tonight Show" showed Jay Leno stating he would ensure a seamless handover of the show to Conan O'Brien. Leno expressed his desire to prevent O'Brien from moving to a rival network, emphasizing the importance of continuing "The Tonight Show" legacy.
2004: Leno and O'Brien Sign Contracts with NBC
In 2004, Jay Leno signed a contract extension with NBC, securing his position as host of "The Tonight Show" until 2009, when Conan O'Brien, who also signed a contract with NBC that same year, would take over as host.
2005: Leno Testifies in Michael Jackson Trial
During Michael Jackson's 2005 trial for child molestation allegations, Jay Leno appeared as a defense witness, testifying about a phone call with the accuser. Leno stated that he hadn't been asked for money and didn't perceive any coaching, but found the calls unusual and scripted.
2006: Howard Stern Doubts Leno's Willingness to Cede "The Tonight Show"
During a 2006 appearance on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," Howard Stern expressed his doubts about Jay Leno ever willingly giving up his role on "The Tonight Show."
2007: Writers Guild of America Strike and Leno Controversy
During the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike, Jay Leno faced accusations of violating WGA guidelines by writing his own monologue for "The Tonight Show." Leno and NBC claimed they had a private agreement with the WGA, which the WGA denied.
December 8, 2008: Leno to Remain on NBC with New Show
Despite speculation that Leno might move to another network, it was announced on December 8, 2008, that he would remain with NBC and host a new hour-long show at 10 p.m. Eastern Time, following a similar format to "The Tonight Show." This decision ultimately led to Conan O'Brien taking over "The Tonight Show" at the later time slot.
February 2009: Leno Testifies Before WGAW Trial Committee
As part of the investigation into his actions during the 2007-2008 Writers Guild of America strike, Jay Leno answered questions before the Writers Guild of America, West trial committee in February 2009 and again in June 2009.
April 23, 2009: Leno Hospitalized for Exhaustion
Jay Leno was briefly hospitalized on April 23, 2009, due to exhaustion. This resulted in the cancellation of two "Tonight Show" episodes, marking his first absences from the show in 17 years.
May 29, 2009: Leno's First Departure from "The Tonight Show"
After much speculation surrounding his contract and the future of late-night television, Jay Leno departed from "The Tonight Show" on May 29, 2009.
June 1, 2009: O'Brien Officially Becomes Host of "The Tonight Show"
Following Jay Leno's departure, Conan O'Brien officially took over as the host of "The Tonight Show" on June 1, 2009.
June 2009: Leno Testifies Before WGAW Trial Committee (continued)
Jay Leno appeared before the Writers Guild of America, West trial committee again in June 2009 to answer questions related to his alleged violation of WGA guidelines during the 2007-2008 strike.
August 11, 2009: WGAW Publishes List of Strikebreakers, Excluding Leno
Following the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike, during which Jay Leno was accused of violating WGA guidelines, the WGAW published a list of strikebreakers on August 11, 2009, which did not include Leno.
September 14, 2009: Premiere of "The Jay Leno Show"
"The Jay Leno Show" premiered on September 14, 2009, featuring a mix of celebrity guests, musical acts, and popular segments from Leno's previous run on "The Tonight Show." Notable guests for the premiere included Jerry Seinfeld, Oprah Winfrey, and Kanye West.
September 2009: Debut of "The Jay Leno Show"
Following his departure from "The Tonight Show," Jay Leno started a new primetime talk show, "The Jay Leno Show," which premiered in September 2009 on NBC.
2009: O'Brien Replaces Leno as Host of "The Tonight Show"
As per their contracts with NBC, Conan O'Brien replaced Jay Leno as the host of "The Tonight Show" in 2009.
2009: Leno's Question Upsets Kanye West on Air
Jay Leno faced criticism in 2009 after asking rapper Kanye West, during a live interview, how his recently deceased mother, Donda West, would feel about the 2009 VMAs incident, causing West to become emotional on air.
2009: Leno Donates to Salem State College
In 2009, Jay Leno showed his appreciation for his early career by donating $100,000 to Salem State College. The donation funded a scholarship in honor of Lennie Sogoloff, the owner of Lennie's-on-the-Turnpike, the jazz club where Leno got his start.
January 7, 2010: NBC Announces Late Night Lineup Changes
On January 7, 2010, NBC announced significant changes to its late-night programming schedule due to a combination of pressure from affiliates and lower-than-expected ratings for both Conan O'Brien's and Jay Leno's respective shows. As part of the changes, Leno's show would move to the later time slot of 11:35 p.m. and be shortened to 30 minutes.
January 22, 2010: O'Brien's Final "Tonight Show" Episode
After a tumultuous period of network negotiations and public controversy, Conan O'Brien hosted his final episode of "The Tonight Show" on January 22, 2010, paving the way for Jay Leno's return to the show.
January 28, 2010: Leno Addresses Criticism on "The Oprah Winfrey Show"
In an attempt to address the backlash he received, Jay Leno appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" on January 28, 2010. He maintained that NBC had assured him of Conan O'Brien's agreement with the proposed arrangement and that the network wouldn't terminate either host's contract.
March 1, 2010: Leno Returns as Host of "The Tonight Show"
Amidst controversy and a decline in ratings for both his and Conan O'Brien's respective shows, Jay Leno returned as the host of "The Tonight Show" on March 1, 2010, following the 2010 Winter Olympics.
July 1, 2010: Variety Reports Drop in "The Tonight Show" Viewership
On July 1, 2010, Variety reported that viewership for "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" had declined to 4 million viewers in the second quarter of 2010, down from 5 million in the same period of 2009. Despite this being the lowest second-quarter ratings since 1992, the show remained the most popular late-night program.
2011: Leno's Car Collection Inspires Video Game
In 2011, Jay Leno's impressive car collection, particularly the vehicles from the late 1940s, played a pivotal role in the development of the video game L.A. Noire. Leno opened his garage to Team Bondi, the game's developers, allowing them to accurately recreate vehicles for the game set in that era.
August 2012: Leno Auctions Fiat for Charity
Demonstrating his philanthropic side, Jay Leno auctioned his Fiat 500 in August 2012. The sale generated a significant $385,000, all of which was donated to a charity dedicated to assisting wounded war veterans. The funds were used to provide temporary housing to aid their recovery.
2012: Kimmel Reveals Leno's Alleged Bargaining Tactics
In a 2012 podcast interview with Marc Maron, Jimmy Kimmel spoke about his experience appearing on Leno's show, alleging that Leno had used discussions with ABC about a potential move as a tactic to negotiate his return to his former position at NBC.
April 3, 2013: NBC Announces Leno's Departure and Fallon's Succession
On April 3, 2013, NBC announced Jay Leno's departure from "The Tonight Show" in the spring of 2014, with Jimmy Fallon named as his successor.
February 6, 2014: Leno's Second Tenure on "The Tonight Show" Ends
Jay Leno hosted his final episode for his second tenure on "The Tonight Show" on February 6, 2014.
2014: Leno Jokes About Obama at Genesis Prize Ceremony
During the 2014 Genesis Prize award ceremony in Jerusalem, Jay Leno's humor took a political turn as he made jokes directed at then-President Barack Obama and then-Secretary of State John Kerry. Leno suggested that Obama was "trying to break" the U.S.'s relationship with Israel.
2014: Leno Receives Honorary Doctorate from Emerson College
Jay Leno was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Emerson College in 2014, where he also delivered the commencement address.
2015: Leno Shares Views on Israel in Interview
In a 2015 interview with The Jerusalem Post, Jay Leno shared his perspective on Israel, characterizing it as "the purest democracy" in the Middle East. He also commented on the nation's defense capabilities, suggesting they might be perceived as "bullying" by others.
2015: Leno Declines Invitation to Letterman's Finale
Jay Leno chose not to appear on the final episode of "The Late Show with David Letterman" in 2015 despite speculation, though he had participated with Letterman and Oprah Winfrey in a "Late Show" commercial aired during Super Bowl XLIV in 2010.
2019: Leno Judges "America's Got Talent"
Jay Leno appeared as a guest judge on the 14th season of "America's Got Talent" in 2019, where he used his Golden Buzzer to advance opera singer Emanne Beasha.
August 2020: Leno's Support for Ellen DeGeneres Draws Backlash
Jay Leno faced criticism in August 2020 for publicly supporting Ellen DeGeneres amidst a workplace investigation into allegations of toxic behavior, sexual misconduct, and harassment against producers of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."
2021: Leno Receives Honorary Doctorate from Academy of Art University
Jay Leno received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Academy of Art University in 2021.
2021: Leno Hosts Revival of "You Bet Your Life"
Jay Leno returned to television in 2021 to host the revival of the game show "You Bet Your Life."
November 12, 2022: Leno Suffers Burns in Garage Fire
Jay Leno sustained "serious burns" to his face and hands on November 12, 2022, when a vehicle at his Los Angeles garage caught fire. As part of his treatment, he underwent a procedure to reconstruct his ear.
November 2022: Leno Sponsors Scholarships at McPherson College
Continuing his support for education, as of November 2022, Jay Leno sponsors two scholarships at McPherson College, contributing to the educational pursuits of future generations.
2022: End of "Jay Leno's Garage"
Jay Leno's show, "Jay Leno's Garage," which he hosted from 2014, concluded in 2022.
January 2023: CNBC Cancels "Jay Leno's Garage"
After running from 2015 to 2022, "Jay Leno's Garage" was cancelled by CNBC in January 2023 after seven seasons. The cancellation was part of the channel's shift back to a business-focused programming strategy.
January 17, 2023: Leno Injured in Motorcycle Accident
On January 17, 2023, Jay Leno sustained several broken bones after being involved in a motorcycle accident.
August 2023: Leno's Refusal to Cross Picket Line Leads to "You Bet Your Life" Cancellation
Following its renewal for a third season, "You Bet Your Life," hosted by Jay Leno, was cancelled in August 2023. This decision came after Leno declined to cross the picket line during the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike, despite Fox First Run's offer to stations of alternative syndicated game shows to fill the timeslot.
2023: Leno Returns to NBC for "Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge"
In 2023, Jay Leno made a return to NBC, appearing as a celebrity guest judge on the two-part season finale of "Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge."
2023: End of Leno's Hosting of "You Bet Your Life" Revival
Jay Leno's time hosting the revival of "You Bet Your Life" came to an end in 2023.
2024: Leno Discusses US Presidents in Interview
During a 2024 interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Jay Leno expressed his political views, stating he is "not a fan" of former President Donald Trump. Conversely, he expressed a favorable opinion of President Joe Biden, stating, "I like him. I think he’s a good guy. And, you know, the economy’s doing pretty good!"