History of Jay Leno in Timeline

Jay Leno is an American comedian, writer, and television host, best known for hosting NBC's The Tonight Show for two long stints: from 1992 to 2009, and again from 2010 to 2014 after the brief Conan O'Brien era. He also hosted The Jay Leno Show in primetime and later hosted Jay Leno's Garage from 2014 to 2022, followed by a revival of You Bet Your Life. He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2014, solidifying his impact on the entertainment industry.

Sections (5)

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

1909: Collection Includes 1909 Baker Motor Vehicle

Jay Leno's vehicle collection includes a 1909 Baker Motor Vehicle, his wife Mavis's favorite car.

1963: Collection Includes 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car

Jay Leno's vehicle collection includes one of nine remaining 1963 Chrysler Turbine Cars.

1980: Marriage to Mavis Leno

In 1980, Jay Leno married Mavis Leno.

1985: Grand Marshal for the Love Ride

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

1993: Death of Leno's Mother

In 1993, during his first season as host of The Tonight Show, Jay Leno's mother passed away at the age of 82.

1994: Purchase of McLaren F1

Jay Leno purchased a 1994 McLaren F1 sports car for approximately $800 thousand in the late 1990s.

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.

2001: Love Ride Benefiting 9/11 Recovery

In 2001, the Love Ride, where Jay Leno is the Grand Marshal, raised money for the September 11 attacks recovery.

2002: Death of Leno's Brother

In 2002, Leno's older brother, Patrick, a Vietnam veteran and Yale Law School graduate, died of cancer at the age of 62.

2005: Reported Earnings in 2005

In 2005, it was reported that Jay Leno 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 in an attempt to repair damage to his public image.

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2011: Garage Used for L.A. Noire Development

In 2011, Jay Leno opened his garage to Team Bondi, the company that developed the 2011 video game L.A. Noire, to help create accurate images of cars from the late 1940s.

August 2012: Auction of Fiat 500 for Charity

In August 2012, Jay Leno auctioned his Fiat 500 for $385,000, with all proceeds going to a charity that helps wounded war veterans recover by providing them with temporary housing.

2014: Hosting the Genesis Prize award ceremony

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

2014: Honorary Doctorate from Emerson College

In 2014, Jay Leno received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Emerson College, where he also delivered the commencement speech.

2015: Interview with The Jerusalem Post

In a 2015 interview with The Jerusalem Post, Leno shared his views on Israel, describing it as the purest democracy in the Middle East.

2021: Honorary Doctorate from Academy of Art University

In 2021, Jay Leno received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Academy of Art University.

November 12, 2022: Leno Suffers Burns in Garage Fire

On November 12, 2022, Jay Leno suffered "serious burns" to his face and hands when a vehicle at his Los Angeles garage burst into flames.

November 2022: Sponsorship of Scholarships at McPherson College

As of November 2022, Jay Leno sponsored two scholarships at McPherson College.

January 17, 2023: Motorcycle Accident

On January 17, 2023, Jay Leno sustained multiple broken bones after falling off a motorcycle.

November 16, 2024: Accidental Fall

On November 16, 2024, Jay Leno broke his right wrist and sustained bruises after tripping and falling outside a Hampton Inn in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.

2024: Leno's Extensive Vehicle Collection in Late 2024

As of late 2024, Jay Leno owns an extensive collection of vehicles, including at least 181 cars and 160 motorcycles.

2024: Mavis Leno's Dementia Diagnosis and Conservatorship

In 2024, it was disclosed that Mavis Leno was suffering from an advanced form of dementia and Jay Leno was granted conservatorship of the couple's joint estate by the Los Angeles Superior Court as she experiences periods of disorientation.

2024: Interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored

In a 2024 interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Jay Leno expressed his views on former President Donald Trump, stating he is "not a fan," and shared positive sentiments toward President Joe Biden.

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