History of Jay Leno in Timeline

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

1909: Antique Electric Car - 1909 Baker Motor Vehicle

Jay Leno's vehicle collection includes three antique electric cars, with the 1909 Baker Motor Vehicle being his wife Mavis's favorite car.

1963: Acquisition of 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.

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.

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.

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1994: Acquisition of 1994 McLaren F1

Jay Leno purchased a 1994 McLaren F1 sports car, the first McLaren to be imported to the US, for approximately $800 thousand in the late 1990s, and is worth at least $20 million today.

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.

2002: Death of Leno's Brother

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

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: Honorary Doctorate from Emerson College

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

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.

2015: Interview with The Jerusalem Post

In a 2015 interview with The Jerusalem Post, Jay Leno shared his views on Israel's democracy and its relations with other Middle Eastern countries.

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: Burns from Vehicle 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. He received a "new ear" as part of his treatment.

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 in Pennsylvania

On November 16, 2024, Jay Leno broke his right wrist and sustained bruises after tripping while walking to Dino's Sports Lounge in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.

2024: Extensive Vehicle Collection

As of late 2024, Jay Leno owns an extensive collection of vehicles, including at least 181 cars and 160 motorcycles. The value of the entire collection is at least $52 million.

2024: Conservatorship Granted Amid Mavis Leno's Dementia

In 2024, Jay Leno was granted conservatorship of the couple's joint estate by the Los Angeles Superior Court as Mavis Leno suffers from an advanced form of dementia, experiencing periods of disorientation and memory loss.