Career Timeline of Jimmy Fallon: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Jimmy Fallon, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Jimmy Fallon is an American comedian, television host, actor, singer, writer, and producer. He is primarily recognized for his extensive work in television, particularly his comedic performances and hosting roles.
1982: Referenced Eddie Murphy's 48 Hrs.
In 2004, Jimmy Fallon referenced Eddie Murphy's film 48 Hrs. (1982) when discussing why he signed on to his first lead role in Taxi.
1995: Dropped out of college
In 1995, Jimmy Fallon dropped out of The College of Saint Rose to move to Los Angeles and pursue comedy full-time.
1997: Appeared in The Scheme and Father's Day
In 1997, Jimmy Fallon appeared in the film The Scheme (originally entitled The Entrepreneurs). His line in the film Father's Day was cut, but he can be seen in the background.
1997: First SNL Audition
In 1997, after working with the Groundlings for two years, Jimmy Fallon auditioned for Saturday Night Live but was unsuccessful.
September 1998: Debut on Saturday Night Live
In September 1998, Jimmy Fallon debuted on Saturday Night Live as a featured player at the beginning of the show's twenty-fourth season and became a star by his fourth episode.
1998: Brief Appearance on Spin City
In 1998, Jimmy Fallon appeared briefly on the show Spin City in the second season as a man selling photographs.
1998: Joined Saturday Night Live
In 1998, Jimmy Fallon joined the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live as a cast member, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
2000: Minor Role in Almost Famous
In 2000, Jimmy Fallon played a minor role in the film Almost Famous.
December 2001: Favorite SNL Sketch
In December 2001, Jimmy Fallon considered a Saturday Night Live sketch, in which he imitates Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger in a mirror opposite Jagger, his favorite thing he had done up to that point.
2001: Co-hosted MTV Movie Awards
In 2001, Jimmy Fallon co-hosted the MTV Movie Awards.
2002: Co-hosted MTV Video Music Awards, Released The Bathroom Wall, and Named One of People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People
In 2002, Jimmy Fallon co-hosted the MTV Video Music Awards, recorded his debut comedy album, The Bathroom Wall, which was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album, and was named one of People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People.
2003: Shooting Taxi and SNL
In the fall of 2003, Jimmy Fallon split his time between shooting the film Taxi in Los Angeles and returning to New York City for Saturday Night Live.
May 2004: Signed off at the Conclusion of SNL's Twenty-Ninth Season
In May 2004, Jimmy Fallon signed off at the conclusion of Saturday Night Live's twenty-ninth season, marking his last.
2004: Began Film Career with Taxi
In 2004, Jimmy Fallon began to pursue a film career, taking his first lead role in Taxi.
2004: Left SNL and Starred in Taxi
In 2004, Jimmy Fallon left Saturday Night Live to star in films such as Taxi.
2004: Taxi Premiered
In the fall of 2004, Taxi premiered, becoming Jimmy Fallon's first failure with critics and audiences.
2005: Starred in Fever Pitch
In 2005, Jimmy Fallon starred in the film Fever Pitch.
February 2007: NBC Offered Fallon a Holding Deal
In February 2007, NBC offered Jimmy Fallon a holding deal so that he could not be lured elsewhere to take over NBC's Late Night franchise when then-host Conan O'Brien left for The Tonight Show.
May 2008: Announced as Successor to Conan O'Brien's Late Night
In May 2008, Jimmy Fallon was announced as the successor to Conan O'Brien's Late Night.
March 2009: Premiered Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
In March 2009, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon premiered to mixed reviews. The show's style solidified when it used Susan Boyle as a joke.
2009: Monty Python Documentary Appearance
In 2009, Fallon discussed the influence of Monty Python on his comedy when he appeared in the television documentary, Monty Python: Almost the Truth (Lawyers Cut).
2009: Hosted Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
In 2009, Jimmy Fallon returned to television as the host of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on NBC.
2010: Hosted 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards
In 2010, Jimmy Fallon hosted the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards.
2010: Found Footing in 2010 During The Tonight Show Debacle
In 2010, Jimmy Fallon's show Late Night with Jimmy Fallon found its footing during The Tonight Show debacle, embracing social media and the internet. Also in 2010, the show scored its first viral clip: Fallon and Timberlake performing a "History of Rap".
August 2013: Salary of $11 Million a Year
As of August 2013, Jimmy Fallon was earning a salary of $11 million a year for his work on Late Night.
February 17, 2014: Tonight Show Debut
On February 17, 2014, Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show debut on NBC's network engaged 11.3 million viewers.
2014: Became Host of The Tonight Show
In 2014, Jimmy Fallon left Late Night to become the sixth permanent host of The Tonight Show.
2020: Created Limited-Edition Pacifiers with WubbaNub
In 2020, Jimmy Fallon and pacifier company WubbaNub created limited-edition pacifiers based on the penguin and cow characters from his children's books.
November 29, 2021: That's My Jam Debut
On November 29, 2021, Jimmy Fallon's new NBC game show, That's My Jam, which features musical games similar to those on The Tonight Show, debuted.
2022: That's My Jam Renewed for Second Season
In 2022, That's My Jam was renewed for a second season.
August 30, 2023: Strike Force Five Podcast
On August 30, 2023, Fallon began co-hosting the comedy podcast Strike Force Five with Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel, and John Oliver to support their staff members during the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike.
September 2023: Rolling Stone Article on The Tonight Show Workplace Culture
In September 2023, Rolling Stone published an article titled "Chaos, Comedy, and 'Crying Rooms': Inside Jimmy Fallon's 'Tonight Show'" detailing allegations of a toxic workplace environment at The Tonight Show under Jimmy Fallon. The article, based on interviews with current and former employees, claimed Fallon mistreated his staff and was prone to erratic behavior. Following the article's publication, Fallon apologized to his staff.
2023: That's My Jam Renewed for Third Season
In 2023, That's My Jam was renewed for a third season.
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