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 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

1909: 1909 Baker Motor Vehicle

Jay Leno's vehicle collection includes three antique electric cars. Among them is the 1909 Baker Motor Vehicle, which is his wife Mavis's favorite car.

1963: Chrysler Turbine Cars

Jay Leno's 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 of the Love Ride

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

1993: Death of Leno's Mother

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

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1994: McLaren F1 purchase

In the late 1990s, Jay Leno purchased a 1994 McLaren F1 sports car, the first McLaren imported to the US, for approximately $800,000. In 2024, the car is worth at least $20 million.

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.

2002: Death of Leno's Brother

In 2002, Jay 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, 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.

2014: Genesis Prize Award Ceremony

During the 2014 Genesis Prize award ceremony in Jerusalem, Jay Leno made jokes about then-President Barack Obama and then-Secretary of State John Kerry, accusing Obama of trying to damage the U.S.'s relationship with Israel.

2014: Honorary Degree 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, Jay Leno expressed his view of Israel as the purest democracy in the Middle East and commented on Israel's efficient defense capabilities.

August 2020: Criticism for supporting Ellen DeGeneres

In August 2020, Jay Leno faced criticism for publicly supporting Ellen DeGeneres amidst workplace investigation into toxic behavior and sexual misconduct allegations against producers of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show".

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2021: Honorary Doctorate from Academy of Art University

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

November 12, 2022: Suffered 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. As part of the treatment, he received a "new ear".

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 and Injuries

On November 16, 2024, Jay Leno broke his right wrist, tore a fingernail, and sustained bruises after tripping and falling outside Dino's Sports Lounge in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.

2024: 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 Due to Mavis Leno's Dementia

In 2024, it was disclosed that Mavis Leno was suffering from an advanced form of dementia, leading the Los Angeles Superior Court to grant Jay Leno conservatorship of their joint estate due to her disorientation and inability to recognize her husband or recall her date of birth.

2024: Comments on Trump and Biden

In a 2024 interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Jay Leno stated he is "not a fan" of former President Donald Trump but expressed liking President Joe Biden, noting the economy's positive performance.