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, actor, television host, singer, writer, and producer, most notably recognized for his work in television. He gained prominence as a cast member on Saturday Night Live (1998-2004). Later, he hosted Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (2009-2014) before becoming the host of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, solidifying his place in late-night television.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1995: Moves to Los Angeles to Pursue Comedy

In 1995, Jimmy Fallon dropped out of college and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a full-time comedy career.

1997: Auditions for Saturday Night Live

In 1997, after working with the Groundlings, Jimmy Fallon auditioned for Saturday Night Live but was unsuccessful.

September 1998: Debuts on Saturday Night Live

In September 1998, Jimmy Fallon debuted on Saturday Night Live as a featured player in the show's twenty-fourth season.

1998: Joins Saturday Night Live

In 1998, Jimmy Fallon had his breakthrough, becoming a cast member on Saturday Night Live.

2001: Co-hosts MTV Movie Awards

In 2001, Jimmy Fallon co-hosted the MTV Movie Awards.

2002: Co-hosts MTV Video Music Awards and Releases Album

In 2002, Jimmy Fallon co-hosted the MTV Video Music Awards and released his debut comedy album, The Bathroom Wall.

2003: Splits Time Between Filming and SNL

In the fall of 2003, Jimmy Fallon divided his time between shooting the film Taxi in Los Angeles and returning to New York City for Saturday Night Live.

May 2004: Signs off from Saturday Night Live

In May 2004, Jimmy Fallon's sixth season at SNL concluded, and he signed off at the end of the show's twenty-ninth season.

2004: Leaves SNL for Film Roles

In 2004, Fallon departed from SNL to pursue roles in films like Taxi.

2004: Pursues Film Career with Taxi

In 2004, Jimmy Fallon began to pursue a film career, signing on for his first lead role in Taxi.

2004: Leaves Saturday Night Live

In 2004, Jimmy Fallon left Saturday Night Live after being a cast member since 1998.

2004: Taxi Premieres

In the fall of 2004, Taxi, starring Jimmy Fallon, premiered as a flop with critics and audiences.

2005: Stars in Fever Pitch

In 2005, Jimmy Fallon starred in the film Fever Pitch.

February 2007: Receives Holding Deal from NBC

In February 2007, NBC gave Jimmy Fallon a holding deal to prevent him from being lured away, with the intention of him taking over the Late Night franchise.

May 2008: Announced as Successor to Late Night

In May 2008, Jimmy Fallon was officially announced as the successor to Conan O'Brien's Late Night show.

March 2009: Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Premieres

In March 2009, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon premiered with mixed reviews, eventually finding its comedic style.

2009: Hosts Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

In 2009, Jimmy Fallon became the host of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

2009: Monty Python Documentary Appearance

In 2009, Jimmy Fallon spoke on the influence of Monty Python when he appeared in the television documentary, Monty Python: Almost the Truth (Lawyers Cut).

2010: Hosts the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards

In 2010, Jimmy Fallon hosted the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards.

2010: "History of Rap" Goes Viral

In 2010, Jimmy Fallon's Late Night show found its footing, scoring its first viral clip with Fallon and Timberlake performing a "History of Rap."

April 3, 2013: Announced as New Host of The Tonight Show

On April 3, 2013, NBC announced that Jimmy Fallon would succeed Jay Leno as the host of The Tonight Show.

August 2013: Earns $11 Million Salary

As of August 2013, Jimmy Fallon was earning a salary of $11 million a year for his work on Late Night.

February 17, 2014: The Tonight Show Debut

On February 17, 2014, Jimmy Fallon debuted as the host of The Tonight Show on NBC, engaging 11.3 million viewers.

2014: Becomes Host of The Tonight Show

In 2014, Jimmy Fallon became the anchor of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

2020: Creates Limited-Edition Pacifiers

In 2020, Jimmy Fallon partnered with WubbaNub to create limited-edition pacifiers based on characters from his children's books.

August 30, 2023: Strike Force Five Podcast Launch

On August 30, 2023, Jimmy Fallon joined Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel, and John Oliver to host the comedy podcast Strike Force Five to support staff members affected by the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike.