View source for Jay Leno

{{short description|American television host and comedian (born 1950)}}
{{redirect|Leno}}
{{pp|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox comedian
| name               = Jay Leno
| image              = Jay Leno 2019 crop.jpg
| caption            = Leno in June 2019
| birth_name         = James Douglas Muir Leno
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1950|4|28}}
| birth_place        = [[New Rochelle, New York]], U.S.
| medium             = Stand-up, television, film
| alma_mater         = [[Emerson College]]
| years_active       = 1976–present
| genre              = [[Observational comedy]], [[black comedy]], [[surreal humor]], [[insult comedy]], [[deadpan]], [[satire]]
| subject            = [[Culture of the United States|American culture]], [[Politics of the United States|American politics]], [[everyday life]], [[pop culture]], [[World news|current events]], [[human behavior]]
| spouse             = {{marriage|[[Mavis Leno|Mavis Nicholson]]|1980}}
| children           = 
| notable_work=''[[The Tonight Show with Jay Leno]]''<br>(host, 1992–2009, 2010–2014)<br>''[[The Jay Leno Show]]''<br>(host, 2009–2010)<br>''[[Jay Leno's Garage]]'' (host, 2014–2022)<br>''[[You Bet Your Life]]''<br>(host, 2021–present)
| signature          = Jay Leno Autograph.svg
| website            = 
}}

'''James Douglas Muir Leno''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|l|ɛ|n|oʊ}}; born April 28, 1950)<ref name="NYTBIO">{{cite news|url = https://movies.nytimes.com/person/1548610/Jay-Leno/biography|title = Jay Leno Biography|access-date = August 25, 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130531122729/https://movies.nytimes.com/person/1548610/Jay-Leno/biography|archive-date = May 31, 2013|department = Movies & TV Dept.|work = [[The New York Times]]|author = Sandra Brennan|date = 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> is an American television host, comedian, writer, actor, and automotive historian. After doing stand-up comedy for years, he became the host of [[NBC]]'s ''[[The Tonight Show with Jay Leno|The Tonight Show]]'' from 1992 until 2009 when [[Conan O'Brien]] took over as host. Beginning in September 2009, Leno started a primetime talk show, ''[[The Jay Leno Show]]'', which aired weeknights at 10:00{{nbsp}}p.m. [[Eastern Time|ET]], also on NBC. When O'Brien turned down NBC's offer to have Leno host a half hour monologue show before ''The Tonight Show'' to boost ratings amid reported [[2010 Tonight Show conflict|viewership diminishing]], Leno returned to hosting the show on March 1, 2010.<ref name="thewrap">{{cite web |url=https://www.thewrap.com/conan-nbc-officially-splitsville-updated-13241/ |title=Exclusive: Conan, NBC Officially Splitsville (Updated) |first=Josef |last=Adalian |date=January 21, 2010 |work=The Wrap |access-date=February 19, 2022 }}</ref> He hosted his last episode of his second tenure on February 6, 2014. That year, he was inducted into the [[Television Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deadline.com/2013/12/julia-louis-dreyfus-david-e-kelley-jay-leno-rupert-murdoch-ray-dolby-brandon-stoddard-named-to-tv-academys-hall-of-fame/|title=Julia Louis-Dreyfus, David E. Kelley, Jay Leno, Rupert Murdoch, Ray Dolby, Brandon Stoddard Named To TV Academy's Hall of Fame|work=Deadline|date=December 16, 2013|access-date=February 22, 2014}}</ref> From 2014 to 2022, he has hosted ''[[Jay Leno's Garage]],'' and since 2021, has hosted the revival of ''[[You Bet Your Life]]''.

Leno writes a regular column in ''Popular Mechanics'' showcasing his car collection and giving automotive advice. He also writes occasional "Motormouth" articles for ''[[The Sunday Times]]''.

==Early life==
Leno was born April 28, 1950, in [[New Rochelle, New York|New Rochelle]], New York. His homemaker mother, Catherine (née Muir; 1911–1993), was born in [[Greenock]], Scotland, and came to the United States at age 11. His father, Angelo (1910–1994), was an insurance salesman born in New York to immigrants from [[Flumeri]], [[Campania]], Italy. Leno grew up in [[Andover, Massachusetts]] and graduated from [[Andover High School (Massachusetts)|Andover High School]].<ref>"Andover Biography-- Jay Leno." Memorial Hall Library Andover (MA). [http://answers.mhl.org/Andover_Biography_-_Jay_Leno].</ref> He obtained a [[bachelor's degree]] in [[speech therapy]] from [[Emerson College]] in [[Boston]], where he started a comedy club in 1973.<ref name="carter20090912" /> His older brother, Patrick (May 12, 1940 – October 6, 2002),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ancientfaces.com/person/patrick-leno/13503472|title=Patrick Leno|work=AncientFaces}}</ref> was a [[Vietnam War]] veteran who became an attorney.

==Career==

===Early career===
Leno made his first appearance on ''The Tonight Show'' on March 2, 1977, performing a comedy routine.<ref>{{YouTube|rxmXpzcl4MI|Jay Leno's First Appearance on the Tonight Show}} March 2, 1977. Retrieved June 28, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/about/bio/cast/jay-leno/587494/ Jay Leno Bio] NBC. Retrieved June 28, 2013. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216110040/http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/about/bio/cast/jay-leno/587494/ |date=February 16, 2013 }}</ref> During the 1970s, he had minor roles in several television series and films, first in the 1976 episode "J.J. in Trouble" of ''[[Good Times]],'' and the same year in the pilot of ''[[Holmes & Yo-Yo]]''. After an uncredited appearance in the 1977 film ''[[Fun with Dick and Jane (1977 film)|Fun with Dick and Jane]]'', he played more prominent roles in 1978 in ''[[American Hot Wax]]'' and ''[[Silver Bears]]''. His other film and television appearances from that period include ''Almost Heaven'' (1978), "Going Nowhere" (1979) on ''[[One Day at a Time (1975 TV series)|One Day at a Time]]'', ''[[Americathon]]'' (1979), ''[[Polyester (film)|Polyester]]'' (1981), "The Wild One" (1981) on ''[[Alice (American TV series)|Alice]]'', and both "Feminine Mistake" (1979) and "Do the Carmine" (1983) on ''[[Laverne & Shirley]]''. His only starring film role was the 1989 direct-to-video ''[[Collision Course (1989 film)|Collision Course]]'', with [[Pat Morita]]. He also appeared numerous times on ''[[Late Night with David Letterman]]''.

He also appeared on three weeks of the short-lived [[NBC]] [[game show]] ''[[Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour]]'' in 1983 and 1984.

===''The Tonight Show''===
[[File:Jay Leno (1993) by Alan Light.jpg|thumb|upright|right|200px|Leno in 1993, in the year after becoming host of ''The Tonight Show'']]
Starting in 1986, Leno was a regular substitute host for [[Johnny Carson]] on ''[[The Tonight Show]]''. In 1992, he replaced Carson as host<ref>{{cite news|title=Carson cuts appearances|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NQMIAAAAIBAJ&pg=5008,192179|agency=Associated Press|work=Rome News-Tribune|location=Rome, Ga.|page=14|date=June 2, 1987|access-date=October 26, 2008}}</ref> amid controversy with [[David Letterman]], who had been hosting ''Late Night with David Letterman'' since 1982 (which aired after ''The Tonight Show''), and whom many—including Carson himself—expected to be Carson's successor. The story of this turbulent transition became the basis of [[The Late Shift (book)|a book]] and [[The Late Shift (film)|a movie]]. Leno continued to perform as a stand-up comedian throughout his ''Tonight Show'' tenure. In 1988, he received a contract extension with NBC itself.<ref>{{Cite news|date=December 26, 1988|title=Program Notes|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/88-OCR/BC-1988-12-26-OCR-Page-0045.pdf|access-date=September 23, 2021}}</ref> The July 1995 episode of ''The Tonight Show'' which featured an interview with [[Hugh Grant]] (who had been arrested for receiving oral sex in a public place from a prostitute) saw Leno rate higher than Letterman for the first time.<ref>{{cite news |title=Viewers still in Letterman's corner |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/10/07/letterman.show.ratings/index.html |access-date=September 1, 2022 |work=CNN|quote="Is this David Letterman's Hugh Grant moment?" In 1995, Jay Leno pulled ahead of Letterman in ratings thanks to his much-watched "What were you thinking?" interview with a contrite Hugh Grant.}}</ref>

In 2004, Leno signed a contract extension with [[NBC]] to retain him as host of ''The Tonight Show'' until 2009.<ref>{{cite news|title=NBC signs Jay Leno to contract extension|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2004-03-30-leno-contract-extended_x.htm |agency=Associated Press|work=USA Today|date=March 31, 2004|access-date=February 19, 2022}}</ref> Later in 2004, [[Conan O'Brien]] signed a contract with NBC to become the show's host in 2009, replacing Leno at that time.<ref>{{cite news|first=Bill|last=Carter|title=Conan O'Brien to Succeed Jay Leno in 2009, NBC Announces|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/27/business/media/conan-obrien-to-succeed-jay-leno-in-2009-nbc-announces.html |work=The New York Times|date=September 27, 2004|access-date=February 19, 2022}}</ref>

During the [[2007–08 Writers Guild of America strike]], Leno was accused of violating WGA guidelines by writing his own monologue for ''The Tonight Show''. NBC and Leno claimed there were private meetings with the WGA where a secret agreement was reached allowing this, the WGA denied such meetings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2008/01/lenowga-whats-the-real-story-nbc-claims-jay-asked-for-received-wga-permission-to-write-monologue-at-monday-meeting-with-verrone-et-al-4629/|title=LENO/WGA: WHAT'S THE REAL STORY? NBC Claims Jay Asked For & Received WGA Permission To Write Monologue At Secret Monday Meeting With Verrone|publisher=Deadline|date=January 3, 2008|access-date=February 19, 2022|first=Nikki|last=Finke}}</ref> Leno answered questions in front of the [[Writers Guild of America, West]] trial committee in February 2009 and June 2009, and when the WGAW published its list of [[strikebreaker]]s on August 11, 2009, Leno was not on it.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2009/08/guild-clears-jay-leno-of-violating-strike-rules.html | title = WGA: No chin music for Jay Leno | work = Company Town | first = Richard | last = Verrier | publisher = [[Los Angeles Times]] | date = August 11, 2009 | access-date = August 14, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = https://variety.com/2009/scene/markets-festivals/jay-leno-cleared-of-strike-violations-1118007189/ | title = Jay Leno cleared of strike violations; WGA West issues penalties in three cases | first = Cynthia | last = Littleton | date = August 11, 2009 | work = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | location = New York City | access-date = February 19, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090814183958/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118007189.html?categoryid=2821&cs=1 | archive-date = August 14, 2009}}</ref>

On April 23, 2009, Leno checked himself into a hospital with an undisclosed illness.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/04/23/leno.hospitalized/index.html | title = Jay Leno hospitalized; 'Tonight Show' tapings canceled | first = Jack | last = Hannah | work = [[CNN.com]] | date = April 23, 2009 | publisher = [[CNN]] | access-date = August 14, 2009 }}</ref> He was released the following day and returned to work on Monday, April 27. The two subsequently canceled ''Tonight Show'' episodes for April 23 and 24 were his first in 17 years as host.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/jay-leno-released-hospital-article-1.361237|title=Jay Leno released from the hospital|work=New York Daily News|access-date=February 19, 2022 | first=Nancy | last=Dillon | date=April 24, 2009}}</ref><ref name="cacom-reuters">{{cite news|url=http://www.canada.com/News/Leno+misses+first+show+years/1530668/story.html |title=Jay Leno misses first show in 17 years |agency=[[Reuters]] |date=April 24, 2009 |work=[[Canada.com]] |publisher=[[Canwest Publishing Inc.]] |location=[[Winnipeg]], Manitoba |access-date=August 14, 2009 }}{{dead link|date=September 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The illness was not initially disclosed, but Leno later told [[People (magazine)|''People'' magazine]] that it was for exhaustion.<ref name="cacom-reuters" /><ref>{{cite news| url= https://people.com/celebrity/jay-leno-reveals-mystery-ailment-exhaustion/| title =Jay Leno Reveals Mystery Ailment: Exhaustion | date = May 1, 2009 |website=People | first = Pamela | last=Warrick | access-date = February 19, 2022}}</ref>

====Michael Jackson trial====
During the [[Trial of Michael Jackson|2005 trial of Michael Jackson]] over allegations of [[Child sexual abuse|child molestation]], Leno was one of a few celebrities who appeared as defense witnesses. In his testimony regarding a phone conversation with the accuser, Leno testified that he was not asked for any money and there did not appear to be any coaching—but the calls seemed unusual and scripted.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=May 11, 2008|url=http://www.courttv.com/trials/jackson/052405_ctv.html|title=Comedians Jay Leno and Chris Tucker testify for Michael Jackson|publisher=[[Court TV]]|date=May 24, 2005|author=Sweetingham, Lisa |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080315195750/http://www.courttv.com/trials/jackson/052405_ctv.html |archive-date= March 15, 2008}}</ref>

[[File:JayLeno.jpg|thumb|left|Leno in 2006]]
As a result, Leno was initially not allowed to tell jokes about Jackson or the case, which had been a fixture of ''The Tonight Show''{{'}}s opening monologue in particular. But he and his show's writers used a legal loophole by having Leno briefly step aside while stand-in comedians took the stage and told jokes about the trial. These stand-ins included [[Roseanne Barr]], [[Drew Carey]], [[Brad Garrett]], and [[Dennis Miller]].<ref>{{cite episode|access-date=May 11, 2008|url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0503/08/sbt.01.html|title=Nemcova Speaks Out on Surviving Tsunami; Michael Jackson`s Trial Continues; Interview With Kevin Costner |series=[[Showbiz Tonight]]|work=CNN|airdate=March 8, 2005|first=Karyn|last=Bryant}}</ref> The gag order was challenged, and the court ruled that Leno could continue telling jokes about the trial as long as he did not discuss his testimony. Leno celebrated by devoting an entire monologue to Michael Jackson jokes.{{when|date=January 2023}}

===Succession by Conan O'Brien; ''The Jay Leno Show''===
{{Main|The Jay Leno Show}}
Because Leno's show continued to lead all late-night programming in the [[Nielsen ratings]], the pending expiration of his contract led to speculation about whether he would become a late-night host for another network when his commitment to NBC expired.<ref>{{cite news|first=Frazier |last=Moore |title=NBC's Jay Leno-Conan O'Brien swap prompts rumors |url=https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/2.828/nbc-s-jay-leno-conan-o-brien-swap-prompts-rumors-1.881678 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216165209/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/fanfare/nbc-s-jay-leno-conan-o-brien-swap-prompts-rumors-1.881678 |archive-date=December 16, 2013 |agency=Associated Press |work=Newsday |date=May 14, 2008 |access-date=February 19, 2022 }}</ref> He left ''The Tonight Show'' on Friday, May 29, 2009,<ref>{{cite news|first=Bill|last=Carter|title=Date Is Set for Leno's 'Tonight' Finale|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/22/arts/television/22late.html|work=The New York Times|date=July 22, 2008|access-date=February 19, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/30/arts/television/30leno.html|title=Jay Leno Takes Final Bow on 'Tonight Show' |date=May 30, 2009|work=The New York Times|access-date=May 30, 2009 | first=Bill | last=Carter}}</ref> and Conan O'Brien took over on June 1, 2009.

On December 8, 2008, it was reported that Leno would remain on NBC and move to a new hour-long show at 10 p.m. Eastern Time (9 p.m. Central Time) five nights a week.<ref>{{cite news|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/business/media/09leno.html|title = Where Is Leno Going? To Prime Time, on NBC | work=The New York Times | first=Bill | last=Carter | date=December 9, 2008 | access-date=May 6, 2010}}</ref> It would follow a similar format to ''The Tonight Show'', be filmed in the same studio, and retain many of Leno's most popular segments, while O'Brien continued to host ''The'' ''Tonight Show''.<ref name=CNNLeno>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/TV/07/21/tv.nbc.tonight.ap/index.html|title=Leno's last 'Tonight' announced|access-date=July 21, 2008|agency=Associated Press|date=July 21, 2008|work=CNN|quote=Leno's last show was Friday, May 29, and O'Brien started the following Monday, June 1, NBC executives told a Television Critics Association meeting Monday. |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080724101827/http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/TV/07/21/tv.nbc.tonight.ap/index.html |archive-date = July 24, 2008}}</ref>

Leno's new show, ''The Jay Leno Show'', debuted on September 14, 2009. It was announced at the [[Television Critics Association]] summer press tour that it would feature one or two celebrities, occasional musical guests, and keep the popular "Headlines" segments, which would be near the end of the show. First guests included [[Jerry Seinfeld]], [[Oprah Winfrey]] (via satellite), and a short sit-down with [[Kanye West]] discussing his controversy at the [[2009 MTV Video Music Awards]], which had occurred the night before.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvshark.com/read/?art=arc3888|title=Pop Minute - Jay Leno Reveals What To Expect From His New Primetime Show|work=tvshark.com}}</ref>

===Timeslot conflict and return to ''The Tonight Show''===
{{main|2010 Tonight Show conflict}}
In their new roles, neither O'Brien nor Leno succeeded in delivering the viewing audiences the network anticipated. On January 7, 2010, multiple media outlets reported that beginning March 1, 2010, Leno would move from his 10 p.m. weeknight time slot to 11:35&nbsp;p.m., due to a combination of pressure from local affiliates, whose newscasts were suffering, and both Leno's and O'Brien's poor ratings.<ref>{{cite news| url= http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/01/future-for-nbcs-the-jay-leno-show-is-up-in-the-air.html |title= Future For NBC's Tonight Show Up In The Air| work= [[Los Angeles Times]] blog| date= January 2010}}</ref><ref name= access>{{cite news| url= https://www.accessonline.com/articles/jay-leno-heading-back-to-late-night-conan-obrien-weighing-options-80698 | website= Access Hollywood| title= Jay Leno Heading Back To Late Night, Conan O'Brien Weighing Options| date= January 8, 2010| access-date= January 9, 2017}}</ref> Leno's show would be shortened from an hour to 30 minutes. All NBC late night programming would also be preempted by the [[2010 Winter Olympics]] between February 15 and 26, moving ''The Tonight Show'' to 12:05&nbsp;a.m., the first post-midnight timeslot in its history. O'Brien's contract stipulated that NBC could move the show ahead to 12:05&nbsp;a.m. without penalty (a clause included primarily to accommodate sports preemptions).<ref>{{cite news| author-link= Nikki Finke| last= Finke| first= Nikki| date= January 7, 2010| work= Deadline|url=https://www.deadline.com/hollywood/nbc-indicates-changes-coming-to-jay-leno-show-due-to-affiliate-issues/ |title= NBC ON THE HOT SEAT: Will It Be Jay AND Conan In Late Night? What's The Reason For Leno's Anti-NBC Monologue Tonight?| access-date= January 9, 2010}}</ref>

On January 10, NBC confirmed that they would move Leno out of primetime as of February 12 and move him to late-night as soon as possible.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hibberd |first1=James |title=NBC confirms Jay Leno out of primetime, network going 'back to basics' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/nbc-confirms-jay-leno-primetime-52881/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=February 19, 2022 |date=November 30, 2010|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100112215828/http://www.thrfeed.com/2010/01/nbc-press-tour-executive-session-live-blog.html |archive-date=January 12, 2010  }}</ref><ref name= nyt1130>{{cite news| url= http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/07/update-nbc-plans-leno-at-1130-conan-at-12/ | title= Update: NBC Plans Leno at 11:30, Conan at 12| work= [[The New York Times]] |date= January 7, 2010}}</ref> [[TMZ.com|TMZ]] reported that O'Brien was given no advance notice of this change, and that NBC offered him two choices: an hour-long 12:05{{nbsp}}a.m. time slot, or the option to leave the network.<ref name="tmz choice">{{cite news| url= https://www.tmz.com/2010/01/08/conan-obrien-jay-leno-nbc-tonight-show/ |title= NBC to Conan O'Brien – The Choice Is Yours| work= [[TMZ.com]]| date= January 8, 2010}}</ref> On January 12, O'Brien issued a press release that he would not continue with ''Tonight'' if it moved to a 12:05&nbsp;a.m. time slot,<ref name= msnbc11210>{{cite news| url= https://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/12/conan-obrien-says-he-wont-do-tonight-show-following-leno/| title= Conan Won't Do 'The Tonight Show' Following Leno| website=The New York Times| date= January 12, 2010| access-date= February 19, 2022| archive-date= October 9, 2016| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161009100451/http://www.today.com/id/34827830}}</ref> saying, "I believe that delaying ''The Tonight Show'' into the next day to accommodate another comedy program will seriously damage what I consider to be the greatest franchise in the history of broadcasting. ''The Tonight Show'' at 12:05 simply isn't ''The Tonight Show.''"

On January 21, it was announced that NBC had struck a deal with O'Brien: He would leave ''The Tonight Show,'' receive a $33 million payout, and his staff of almost 200 would receive $12 million in the departure. His final episode aired on Friday, January 22, 2010.<ref>{{cite web| first= Robert| last= Seidman| url= http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/01/21/nbc-announces-that-jay-leno-will-return-to-host-the-tonight-show-beginning-march-1/39671| title= NBC Announces That Jay Leno Will Return To Host 'The Tonight Show' Beginning March 1| website= TVBytheNumbers| date= January 21, 2010| access-date= January 24, 2010| archive-date= January 26, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100126093202/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/01/21/nbc-announces-that-jay-leno-will-return-to-host-the-tonight-show-beginning-march-1/39671| url-status= dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url= https://www.bloomberg.com/businessweek/news/2010-01-21/conan-o-brien-signs-accord-to-exit-tonight-show-nbc-says.html |title= NBC Universal Confirms Conan O'Brien Exit Deal Signed| publisher= [[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]]| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100123091934/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-01-21/conan-o-brien-signs-accord-to-exit-tonight-show-nbc-says.html |archive-date=January 23, 2010| url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2010/01/21/conan-deal-nbc.html |title=Conan O'Brien, NBC reach deal |date= January 21, 2010 |publisher=cbc.ca |access-date=January 16, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100125034959/http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2010/01/21/conan-deal-nbc.html |archive-date=January 25, 2010 }}</ref> Leno returned as host of ''The Tonight Show'' following the [[2010 Winter Olympics]] on March 1, 2010.

On July 1, 2010, ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' reported that total viewership for Leno's ''Tonight Show'' had dropped from 5 million to 4 million for the second quarter of 2010, compared to the same period in 2009. Although it represented the show's lowest second-quarter ratings since 1992, ''Tonight'' was still the most-watched late night program, ahead of [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]'s ''[[Nightline]]'' (3.7 million) and ''[[Late Show with David Letterman]]'' (3.3 million).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2010/scene/markets-festivals/kimmel-nightline-show-demo-increase-1118021316/|title='Kimmel,' 'Nightline' show demo increase|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=July 1, 2010|first=Stuart|last=Levine|access-date=February 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100711063336/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118021316.html?categoryid=14&cs=1|archive-date=July 11, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=The Daily Beast|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/jay-lenos-sinking-tonight-show-ratings-will-conan-obrien-get-the-last-laugh|access-date=February 19, 2022|title=Jay Leno's Sinking Tonight Show Ratings: Will Conan O'Brien Get the Last Laugh?
|date=October 24, 2010|first=Gina|last=Piccalo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101028080528/http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-10-24/jay-lenos-sinking-tonight-show-ratings-will-conan-obrien-get-the-last-laugh|archive-date=October 28, 2010}}</ref>

===Announcement of successor===
On April 3, 2013, NBC announced that Leno would leave ''The Tonight Show'' in spring 2014, with [[Jimmy Fallon]] as his designated successor.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/tv-column/post/its-official-jimmy-fallon-to-replace-jay-leno-on-the-tonight-show/2013/04/03/3ec85446-9c7e-11e2-9a79-eb5280c81c63_blog.html|title=It's official: Jimmy Fallon to replace Jay Leno on 'The Tonight Show'|first=Lisa|last=de Moraes|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=April 3, 2013|access-date=April 3, 2013}}</ref>

Leno's final show as the host of ''The Tonight Show'' was on February 6, 2014, with guests [[Billy Crystal]] (who was the first guest on the first version of Leno's show), musical guest [[Garth Brooks]], and surprise guests [[Jack Black]], [[Kim Kardashian]], [[Jim Parsons]], [[Sheryl Crow]], [[Chris Paul]], [[Carol Burnett]] and Oprah Winfrey.

===After ''The Tonight Show''===
[[File:Jay Leno (49626670763).jpg|thumb|left|Leno speaking in 2020]]
Leno has maintained an active schedule as a touring stand-up comedian, doing an average of 200 live performances a year in venues across the United States and Canada<ref name=huffap>{{cite news|title=5 Reasons We Love Jay Leno On The Comedian's 65th Birthday|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jay-leno-birthday_n_7153638|access-date=November 12, 2019|work=HuffPost|date=April 28, 2015}}</ref> and at charity events and [[USO]] tours.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jay Leno: I Miss The Tonight Show – But Jimmy Fallon Is 'Terrific'|url=https://people.com/tv/jay-leno-i-miss-the-tonight-show-but-jimmy-fallon-is-terrific/|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=People|date=November 30, 2014}}</ref><ref name=garageuso/> He has also appeared on the ''[[Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon]]''<ref name=hrencore>{{cite news|title=Jay Leno Mocks Jimmy Fallon During 'Tonight Show' Return|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jay-leno-mocks-jimmy-fallon-747617/|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=November 7, 2014}}</ref> and ''[[Late Night with Seth Meyers]],''<ref>{{cite news|title=Jay Leno Thinks College Students Have 'No Idea What Racism Is'|url=https://www.thewrap.com/jay-leno-racism-college-kids-so-politically-correct-seth-meyers/|access-date=May 21, 2015|work=The Wrap|date=March 20, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Taraji P. Henson, Jay Leno, Will Forte Angrily Swipe Desks|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/taraji-p-henson-jay-leno-796978/|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=May 19, 2015}}</ref> and was a guest on the finale of ''[[The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson]].''<ref name=hrencore/> He appeared in a cameo role drilling and tormenting [[James Corden]] in a facetious [[boot camp (correctional)|boot camp]] for talk-show hosts on the premiere of ''[[The Late Late Show with James Corden]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title=James Corden Gets Punched by Jay Leno in Star-Studded 'Late Late Show' Debut|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/late-late-show-james-corden-783868/|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=March 23, 2015}}</ref> He declined an invitation to appear on ''Late Show with David Letterman'' despite speculation he would appear on the show's finale in 2015,<ref>{{cite news|title=David Letterman vs. Jay Leno: Why did Dave get the finale love denied Jay?|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-david-letterman-vs-jay-leno-who-got-more-finale-love-and-why-20150520-story.html|access-date=May 21, 2015|work=Los Angeles Times|date=May 21, 2015}}</ref> although he had appeared with Letterman along with Winfrey in a ''Late Show'' commercial airing during [[Super Bowl XLIV]] in 2010.<ref>{{cite news|first=Bill|last=Carter|title=How the Letterman-Oprah-Leno Super Bowl Ad Came Together|url=https://archive.nytimes.com/mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/07/how-the-letterman-oprah-leno-super-bowl-ad-came-together/|work=The New York Times|date=February 7, 2010|access-date=April 1, 2023}}</ref>

Leno hosted a one-hour ''[[Jay Leno's Garage]]'' special on [[CNBC]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Late-Night Legend Jay Leno Drives to CNBC Primetime|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2014/10/15/late-night-legend-jay-leno-drives-to-cnbc-primetime.html|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=CNBC (News Release)|date=October 14, 2014}}</ref> and the show has aired as a primetime series on the cable channel since 2015.<ref name=garageuso>{{cite news|title=It's Official: Jay Leno Hosting Primetime CNBC Series|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/official-jay-leno-hosting-primetime-740970/|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=October 14, 2014}}</ref>

Leno also had a recurring role in the Tim Allen comedy series ''[[Last Man Standing (American TV series)|Last Man Standing]]'' since season 5, playing a mechanic, Joe Leonard, in a store operated by Allen's character, Mike Baxter.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sneak Peek at Jay Leno's Return as Joe on 'Last Man Standing .. |url=https://www.tvinsider.com/722961/last-man-standing-jay-leno-2018-video/ |website=TV Insider |publisher=TV Insider |access-date=November 11, 2018}}</ref>

Leno has hosted the third revival of the game show ''[[You Bet Your Life]]''  since its premiere in fall 2021. It has been renewed for a second season.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hayes |first1=Dade |title=Fox Renews Jay Leno-Hosted 'You Bet Your Life' And 3 Other Syndicated Shows Through 2022-23 Season |url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/fox-renews-jay-leno-you-bet-your-life-other-shows-syndication-1234891823/ |website=Deadline |access-date=February 19, 2022 |date=December 19, 2021}}</ref>

Leno also does voice acting, such as The Crimson Chin on ''[[The Fairly Odd Parents]]'' from 2001 to 2016<ref>{{cite web |title=Charles Indigo / The Crimson Chin |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/The-Fairly-OddParents/Charles-Indigo-The-Crimson-Chin/ |website=Behind The Voice Actors |access-date=February 19, 2022}}</ref> and Billy Beagle of ''[[Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures|Mickey and the Roadster Racers]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Billy Beagle|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Mickey-and-the-Roadster-Racers/Billy-Beagle/|access-date=January 18, 2022|website=Behind The Voice Actors}}</ref>

==Public image==

===Criticism===
[[File:Jaylenocropped.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Leno on set of ''The Tonight Show'' in 2005]]
Leno has faced heated criticism and some negative publicity for his perceived role in the [[2010 Tonight Show conflict|2010 ''Tonight Show'' conflict]].<ref name="wsj11510">[https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2010/01/15/why-some-comics-arent-laughing-at-jay-leno-essay/ "Why Some Comics Aren’t Laughing at Jay Leno"]. ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]''</ref><ref name="kc11810">{{cite news|last=Barnhart |first=Aaron |url=http://www.kansascity.com/238/story/1691791.html |title=Jay Leno is Mr. Nice Guy no more – but was he ever? |date=January 18, 2010 |work=[[The Kansas City Star]] |access-date=January 16, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100121012846/http://www.kansascity.com/238/story/1691791.html |archive-date=January 21, 2010 }}</ref> Critics have cited a 2004 ''Tonight Show'' clip where Leno said he would allow O'Brien to take over without incident.<ref name="kc11810" /><ref name="dj11710">{{cite web |last1=Sklar |first1=Rachel |title=Flashback: Jay Leno Announces His Handover to Conan in 2004 |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/flashback-jay-leno-announ_b_425997 |website=HuffPost |access-date=February 19, 2022 |date=March 18, 2010}}</ref> At the time, Leno said he did not want O'Brien to leave for a competing network, adding, "I'll be 59 when [the switch occurs]. That's five years from now. There's really only one person who could have done this into his 60s, and that was [[Johnny Carson]]; I think it's fair to say I'm no Johnny Carson."<ref name="dj11710" /> Leno also described ''The Tonight Show'' as a [[dynasty]], saying, "You hold it and hand it off to the next person. And I don't want to see all the fighting." At the end of the segment, he said, "Conan, it's yours! See you in five years, buddy!"<ref>[http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/6d1caacad1/jay-s-2004-announcement 2004 Tonight Show Clip: Conan, It's yours!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124165651/http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/6d1caacad1/jay-s-2004-announcement |date=January 24, 2010 }} [[Funny or Die]].</ref>

[[Rosie O'Donnell]] was among O'Brien's most vocal and vehement supporters,<ref name="RosieSupport">{{cite web|url=http://blog.zap2it.com/thedishrag/2010/01/rosie-odonnell-is-on-team-conan.html|title=Rosie O'Donnell is on Team Conan|publisher=[[Zap2it]]|date=January 14, 2010|author=Porter, Rick|access-date=January 15, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100118084613/http://blog.zap2it.com/thedishrag/2010/01/rosie-odonnell-is-on-team-conan.html|archive-date=January 18, 2010}}</ref><ref>[https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/rosie-o-donnell-jimmy-kimmel-slam-jay-leno-tonight-show-battle-article-1.460304 "Rosie O'Donnell, Jimmy Kimmel slam Jay Leno over ''Tonight Show'' battle"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117231054/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2010/01/14/2010-01-14_rosie_odonnell_to_jay_leno_step_aside_and_let_conan_obrien_have_tonight_show.html |date=January 17, 2010 }}. ''[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]'' (New York).</ref> calling Leno a "bully" and his actions "classless and kind of career-defining".<ref name="nyrosie">[https://www.vulture.com/2010/01/rosie_odonnell_has_more_to_say.html "Rosie O'Donnell Has More to Say About Jay Leno"]. ''Vulture''. January 20, 2010. Retrieved February 19, 2022</ref> Bill Zehme, the co-author of Leno's autobiography ''Leading with My Chin'', told the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', "The thing Leno should do is walk, period. He's got everything to lose in terms of public popularity by going back. People will look at him differently. He'll be viewed as the bad guy."<ref name="latimes11510-2">[https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-leno-backlash16-2010jan16,0,4645138.story?page=2 "Taking on America's 'nice guy{{'"}}]. ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''. p. 2.</ref>

In 2009, Leno received minor criticism for asking rapper [[Kanye West]] how his recently deceased mother, [[Donda West]], would have felt about the incident at the 2009 VMAs, causing West to begin crying live on air.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/kanye-west-vibe-shift-1314514/|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|first=Jeff|last=Ihaza|date=March 3, 2022|access-date=November 16, 2022|title=The Vibe Is Shifting Away From Kanye West}}</ref>

[[Howard Stern]] has also been a harsh critic of Leno before and following his ''Tonight Show'' timeslot-change announcement;<ref name="stern">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ2fZH2XqNw "Rosie O'Donnell Slams Jay Leno (Part 1 of 2)"]; [[YouTube]]; January 14, 2010</ref> Stern appeared on ''Late Night with Conan O'Brien'' in 2006 and said he felt it was unlikely that Leno would ever willingly give up ''The Tonight Show''.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://talkshownews.interbridge.com/2010/01/howard-stern-to-conan-in-2006-i-dont.html |title= Howard Stern to Conan in 2006: 'I don't see this guy leaving' |series= Talk Show News |website= Interbridge |display-authors= 0 |first= Sue |last= Trowbridge |date= January 15, 2010 |archive-date= February 21, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100221232040/http://talkshownews.interbridge.com/2010/01/howard-stern-to-conan-in-2006-i-dont.html }}</ref> During the conflict, Stern made many negative remarks about Leno as a guest on ''Late Show with David Letterman''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=FISHER|first1=LUCHINA|title=Howard Stern Gets in Another Dig at Leno|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=7793427|website=ABC News|access-date=June 30, 2017}}</ref>

[[Jimmy Kimmel]] was another prominent figure that was critical of Leno. Kimmel discussed his appearance on Leno's show during an interview with [[Marc Maron]] for the latter's [[WTF with Marc Maron|podcast]] in 2012.  Kimmel stated that he felt O'Brien was not given a proper chance, but that he was also motivated by his own history with Leno.  According to Kimmel, Leno had some years prior been in serious discussions with ABC about the possibility of jumping ship from NBC.  During this period, Leno initiated a friendship with Kimmel, wanting to ensure that they would be on good terms if the move was made.  (Under that scenario, Leno would have taken Kimmel's time slot and become his lead-in.)  However, after Leno made the arrangement to remain at NBC, "those conversations were gone," according to Kimmel.  Realizing that Leno's relationship with him had been artificial, Kimmel felt "worked over," reasoning that Leno was using the ABC discussions as a bargaining tactic to try to get his old job back.<ref>[http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episodes/episode_249_-_jimmy_kimmel  "Episode 249&nbsp;– Jimmy Kimmel"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227130936/http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episodes/episode_249_-_jimmy_kimmel |date=December 27, 2016 }}. ''[[WTF with Marc Maron]]''; January 30, 2012</ref>

Leno has also been criticized for the perceived change in the content of his monologues from his previous stand-up material. Actor and comedian [[Patton Oswalt]] was among the celebrities who openly voiced disappointment with Leno, saying, "Comedians who don't like Jay Leno now, and I'm one of them, we're not like, 'Jay Leno sucks'; it's that we're so hurt and disappointed that one of the best comedians of our generation&nbsp;... willfully has shut the switch off."<ref name="huffpost">{{cite web |title=Patton Oswalt: Jay Leno Is Like Nixon, I Hate Him (AUDIO) |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/patton-oswalt-weighs-in-o_n_419015|website=HuffPost |access-date=November 12, 2019 |date=March 18, 2010}}</ref>

In August 2020, Leno faced criticism for expressing support for [[Ellen DeGeneres]] despite a workplace investigation into toxic behavior and sexual misconduct and harassment claims against producers of ''[[The Ellen DeGeneres Show]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.etonline.com/jay-leno-shares-his-support-for-ellen-degeneres-amid-workplace-allegations-150857|title=Jay Leno Shares His Support for Ellen DeGeneres Amid Workplace Allegations|website=[[Entertainment Tonight]]|first=Liz|last=Calvario|date=August 5, 2020|access-date=August 6, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2020/08/05/celebrities-defend-ellen-degeneres/|title=Celebrities defending Ellen DeGeneres are facing a backlash of their own|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|first=Sonia|last=Rao|date=August 5, 2020|access-date=August 6, 2020}}</ref>

===Support for Leno===
[[NBC Sports]] chairman and former ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' producer [[Dick Ebersol]] spoke out against all who had criticized Leno, calling them "chicken-hearted and gutless".<ref name="latimes11510">[https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-leno-backlash16-2010jan16,0,4645138.story "Taking on America's 'nice guy{{'"}}]. ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''.</ref> Jeff Gaspin, then chairman of NBC Universal Television Entertainment, also defended Leno, saying, "This has definitely crossed the line. Jay Leno is the consummate professional and one of the hardest-working people in television. It's a shame that he's being pulled into this."<ref name="latimes11510-2" /> Fellow comedians [[Paul Reiser]], [[Jerry Seinfeld]] and [[Jim Norton (American comedian)|Jim Norton]] (a frequent contributor to ''The Tonight Show'') also voiced support for Leno.<ref>{{cite web|last=Reiser|first=Paul|title=A Teachable Leno Moment |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/a-teachable-leno-moment_b_418197 |website=HuffPost |access-date=November 12, 2019|date=March 18, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Adalian |first1=Josef |title=Seinfeld on Jay-Conan Debacle: 'I Can't Blame NBC' |url=https://www.thewrap.com/seinfeld-jay-conan-debacle-i-cant-blame-nbc-12758/ |website=TheWrap |access-date=February 19, 2022 |date=January 10, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.cbsnews.com/videos/comedian-defends-lenos-return/ | title=Comedian Defends Leno's Return | work=CBS News}}</ref>

Responding to the mounting criticism, Leno said NBC had assured him that O'Brien was willing to accept the proposed arrangement and that they would not let either host out of his contract.<ref name="e11810">{{cite web |last1=Fowler |first1=Brandi |title=Jay Tries to Make Nice, While Conan Rallies the Troops |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/162674/jay_tries_make_nice_conan_rallies_troops |website=E! Online |access-date=February 19, 2022 |date=January 19, 2010}}</ref> He also said that the situation was "all business", and that all of the decisions were made by NBC.<ref name="e11810" /> He appeared on the January 28, 2010 episode of ''[[The Oprah Winfrey Show]]'' in an attempt to repair some of the damage done to his public image.<ref>{{cite news|last=Marikar|first=Sheila|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/jay-leno-tells-oprah-winfrey-conan-obriens-tonight/story?id=9687814|title=Jay Leno Tells Oprah Winfrey Conan O'Brien's Exit Wasn't His Fault|date=January 28, 2009|work=ABC News|access-date=January 16, 2013}}</ref>

==Influences==
Leno's comedic influences include [[Johnny Carson]], [[Robert Klein]], [[Alan King]], [[David Brenner]], [[Mort Sahl]], [[George Carlin]],<ref>{{cite web |url= https://people.com/celebrity/carlin-remembered-he-helped-other-comics-with-drug-problems/ |title=Carlin Remembered: He Helped Other Comics with Drug Problems . |work=People |first1=Breuer|last1=Howard |author2-link=Stephen M. Silverman |first2=Stephen M.|last2=Silverman |date=June 24, 2008 |access-date=October 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012122818/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,20208460,00.html?xid=rss-fullcontentcnn |archive-date=October 12, 2012 }}</ref> [[Don Rickles]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/jay-leno-longtime-tonight-show-431252/|title=Longtime 'Tonight Show' Writer Offers 4 Reasons NBC Should Keep Jay Leno (Guest Column)|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=March 27, 2013 |access-date=February 19, 2022}}</ref> [[Bob Newhart]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://flavorwire.com/168686/required-listening-10-influential-comedy-albums|title=Required Listening: 10 Influential Comedy Albums|date=April 8, 2011}}</ref> and [[Rodney Dangerfield]].<ref>{{Citation|last=The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon|title=Jay Leno Made a Dying Rodney Dangerfield Laugh|date=April 7, 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0wNKXKsvQg| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211028/k0wNKXKsvQg| archive-date=October 28, 2021|access-date=February 9, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

[[Dennis Miller]] and [[Jerry Seinfeld]] have credited Leno as their inspiration.<ref>{{Cite episode|title=Jay Leno: Comedy Is A Concealed Weapon|series=Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee|last=Seinfeld|first=Jerry|season=3|number=3|minutes=5:59|quote="Ya know, Jay, when I met you in the 70's, and I used to come to your house every night (we'd always hang out), you formed my whole professional attitude as a young man, and I always tell people that I learned comedy from Jay."}}</ref>

==Personal life==
[[File:President Ronald Reagan shaking hands with Jay Leno.jpg|thumb|left|Leno shaking hands with [[President of the United States|President]] [[Ronald Reagan]] in April 1987]]
Leno has been married to [[Mavis Leno]] since 1980; they have no children.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.whoswhoinamerica.com/jay_leno/talk_show_host_comedian_writer/occ28/5463136|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090507103811/http://www.whoswhoinamerica.com/jay_leno/talk_show_host_comedian_writer/occ28/5463136|url-status=dead|archive-date = May 7, 2009|title = Jay Leno|work = Who's Who in America|publisher = Marquis}}</ref> In 1993, during his first season as host of ''[[The Tonight Show with Jay Leno|The Tonight Show]]'', Leno's mother died at the age of 82; and the next year, his father died at 84.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jay Leno's Eulogy Does His Dad Proud| url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-08-29-ca-32548-story.html|work=Los Angeles Times|date=August 29, 1994| access-date= February 19, 2022|first=Howard|last=Rosenberg}}</ref> Leno's older brother, Patrick, a [[Vietnam War|Vietnam]] veteran and graduate of [[Yale Law School]], died of cancer in 2002 at the age of 62.<ref>{{cite news |title= Pushed From Late Night, Leno Is Set for Prime Time|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/12/arts/television/12leno.html| work= The New York Times|date=September 11, 2009|access-date=February 8, 2014 |first= Bill| last= Carter}}</ref>

Leno is known for his prominent jaw, which has been described as [[Prognathism#Mandibular prognathism (progenism)|mandibular prognathism]].<ref>{{cite journal|doi = 10.1034/j.1399-0004.1998.5440404.x|last = Chudley|first = A.E.|title = Genetic landmarks through philately – The Habsburg jaw|journal = Clinical Genetics|volume = 54|issue = 4|pages = 283–284|date=October 1998|pmid = 9831338| s2cid=40657648 }}</ref> In the book ''Leading with My Chin'', he says he was aware of surgery that could reset his mandible, but that he did not wish to endure a prolonged healing period with his jaws wired shut.

Leno is [[Dyslexia|dyslexic]].<ref name="carter20090912">Carter, Bill. "[https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/12/arts/television/12leno.html Pushed From Late Night, Leno Is Set for Prime Time]" ''The New York Times'', September 12, 2009.</ref> He claims to need only four or five hours of sleep each night.<ref>{{cite web| first= Mike| last= McLeod| url= http://www.go-star.com/antiquing/leno.htm| title= The Celebrity Collector: Jay Leno – The Tonight Show's $1 Billion Man Collects Cars and Motorcycles| website= go-star.com| publisher= Norton Printing and Publishing, Inc.| access-date= January 9, 2017}}</ref> He [[Teetotalism|does not consume alcohol]], [[smoking|smoke]], or [[Gambling|gamble]].<ref name= nvmag>{{cite web| work= Nevada Magazine | url= http://www.nevadamagazine.com/index.php/issues/read/classic_cars_and_comedy/ |url-status=dead| title= Classic cars and comedy: Jay Leno talks about Nevada moments and his passion for cars| first= Ann| last= Henderson| date= July–August 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110505192652/http://www.nevadamagazine.com/index.php/issues/read/classic_cars_and_comedy/ |archive-date= May 5, 2011 }}</ref> He spends much of his free time visiting car collections and working in his private garage.<ref name="nvmag" />

Leno has claimed that he has not spent any of the money he earned from ''The Tonight Show,'' but lives off of his money from his stand-up routines.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2008-07-16-leno-cover_N.htm|title=Jay Leno Gears up for Life After 'Tonight'|last=della Cava|first=Marco|date=July 17, 2008|work=USA Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080722031907/https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2008-07-16-leno-cover_N.htm|archive-date=July 22, 2008|access-date=April 25, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://parade.com/49910/jayleno/jay-leno-persistance-pays-off/ |title= Jay Leno|first= Jay |last= Leno|work= [[Parade (magazine)|Parade]] | date= September 6, 2009| access-date= January 9, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/the-12-most-frugal-celebrities-184410272.html|title=The 12 Most Frugal Celebrities |first= Kirsten| last=Acuna| website= finance.yahoo.com |publisher=[[Business Insider]]|date=March 8, 2013|access-date=April 3, 2013}}</ref> He reportedly earned $32 million in 2005.<ref name="forbes">{{cite news| url= https://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/53/207B.html |work= [[Forbes]]| title= The Top 100 Celebrities: Jay Leno: Talking head| date= 2006| access-date= January 9, 2017}}</ref> In 2014, he received an [[Honorary degree|Honorary]] [[Doctor of Humane Letters]] degree from [[Emerson College]], where he also delivered the [[commencement speech]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emerson.edu/videos/jay-leno-2014-emerson-college-commencement-address|title=Jay Leno - 2014 Emerson College Commencement Address|website=Emerson College|access-date=April 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428180923/http://www.emerson.edu/videos/jay-leno-2014-emerson-college-commencement-address|archive-date=April 28, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:Obama and Leno.jpg|thumb|Leno with [[President of the United States|President]] [[Barack Obama]] in March 2009]]

On November 12, 2022, Leno suffered "serious burns" to his face and hands when a vehicle at his Los Angeles garage burst into flames.<ref>{{cite news| url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63630772 |work= [[BBC News]]| title= Jay Leno: US comedian is recovering after being burned in fire| date= November 14, 2022| access-date= November 15, 2022}}</ref> As part of the treatment, he received a "new ear"<!-- Doesn't say if it's a prothesis -->.<ref>{{cite news|first=Alexandra|last=Del Rosario|title=Jay Leno has a 'new ear' after his latest motorcycle accident? You heard that right|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2023-03-30/jay-leno-motorcycle-accident-new-ear-face-burns|work=Los Angeles Times|date=March 30, 2023|access-date=March 31, 2023}}</ref> On January 17, 2023, he sustained multiple broken bones after falling off a motorcycle.<ref>{{cite news|url = https://apnews.com/article/television-jay-leno-los-angeles-8d522894e14efcc697b504eaf039cb42|title = Jay Leno breaks bones in motorcycle wreck months after fire|work = [[Associated Press]]|date = January 27, 2023|accessdate = January 27, 2023}}</ref>

===Charity===
In 2001, he 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. Mavis Leno is on the board of the Feminist Majority.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hollywood's Latest Cause: Can A Pack Of Celebrities Save Afghanistan's Women? |work= [[Newsweek]] |date=December 6, 1999 |url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/90455/output/print |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090410150936/http://www.newsweek.com/id/90455/output/print |archive-date=April 10, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = So Many Causes, So Little Time | first = Susan H.| last = Greenberg| work= Newsweek| date = February 20, 2000| url = http://www.newsweek.com/id/82834| access-date= January 9, 2017}}</ref>

In 2009, he donated $100,000 to a scholarship fund at [[Salem State University|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.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://archive.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/04/12/leno_says_thanks_with_100k_check/ |title=Leno says thanks with $100k check |newspaper=[[Boston Herald]] |date=April 12, 2009 |access-date=February 19, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110604121114/http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/04/12/leno_says_thanks_with_100k_check |archive-date=June 4, 2011 }}</ref>

In August 2012, Leno auctioned his [[Fiat 500]], which was sold for $385,000 with all the proceeds going to a charity that helps wounded war veterans recover by providing them with temporary housing.<ref name="Forbes">{{cite web |last1=Elliot |first1=Hannah |title=Celebrity Cars Push Records At Pebble, Jay Leno's Fiat Gets 10 Times Expected Price |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hannahelliott/2012/08/20/celebrity-cars-push-records-at-pebble-jay-lenos-fiat-gets-10-times-expected-price/ |website=Forbes |access-date=July 7, 2021}}</ref>

{{As of|2022|November}}, Leno sponsors 2 scholarships at [[McPherson College]].

===Love Ride===
Since 1985,<ref>{{cite news|last=Brissette|first=Pete|url=http://www.motorcycle.com/events/love-ride-25-and-california-bike-week-87502.html|title=Love Ride 25 and California Bike Week|date=October 29, 2008|publisher=motorcycle.com|access-date=January 16, 2013}}</ref> Leno has been the [[Grand Marshal]] for the [[Love Ride]], a motorcycle charity event which since its founding in 1984 has raised nearly $14 million for charities benefiting [[muscular dystrophy]] research, [[Autism Speaks]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Kisliuk|first=Bill|url=http://www.burbankleader.com/news/tn-gnp-ride-20100720,0,6905220.story|title=Love Ride motors on|date=July 20, 2010|publisher=burbankleader.com|access-date=January 16, 2013|archive-date=March 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130303154413/http://www.burbankleader.com/news/tn-gnp-ride-20100720,0,6905220.story|url-status=dead}}</ref> and in 2001, the [[September 11 attacks]] recovery.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1696&dat=20011114&id=IvkcAAAAIBAJ&pg=5006,1728238|title=Late night host Jay Leno takes point in annual charity Love Ride|date=November 14, 2001|newspaper=[[The Daily News (Kentucky)|The Daily News]]|access-date=January 13, 2013}}</ref>

===Vehicle collection===
[[File:Jay Leno (2078377696).jpg|thumb|left|Leno arriving at the ''[[45th Primetime Emmy Awards]]'' in his [[Hispano-Suiza]] Aero,<ref>[http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/clips/update-1915-hispano-suiza-aero-engine-car/1186522/ Update: 1915 Hispano-Suiza Aero Engine Car] (video), jaylenosgarage.com</ref> 1993]]
Leno owns approximately 286 vehicles (169 cars and 117 motorbikes).<ref>[http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/the-cars/ The Cars], jaylenosgarage.com</ref> He also has a website and a TV program called ''[[Jay Leno's Garage]]'', which contains video clips and photos of his car collection in detail, as well as other vehicles of interest to him.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.jaylenosgarage.com|title = Jay Leno's Garage|website = jaylenosgarage.com|access-date = January 29, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080123135425/http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/|archive-date = January 23, 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref> Leno's Garage Manager is Bernard Juchli.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://totalcarmagazine.com/features/2013/04/06/ja_leno_garage_pt1/|title = Which way to Jay Leno's Garage?|website = TotalCarMagazine.com|access-date = February 28, 2014|archive-date = October 26, 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171026163644/http://totalcarmagazine.com/features/2013/04/06/ja_leno_garage_pt1/|url-status = dead}}</ref> Among his collection are two [[Doble steam car]]s, a sedan and a roadster that were owned by [[Howard Hughes]], the fifth [[Duesenberg#Model X .281926.E2.80.931927.29|Duesenberg Model X]] known to survive, and one of nine remaining 1963 [[Chrysler Turbine Car]]s. The collection also includes three antique [[electric car]]s — the 1925 [[Baker Motor Vehicle]] is his wife Mavis' favorite car.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Leno|first1=Jay|title=The 100-Year-Old Electric Car|journal=Popular Mechanics|date=April 30, 2007|url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a1609/4215940/|access-date=May 27, 2018}}</ref>

He has a regular column in ''[[Popular Mechanics]]'' which showcases his car collection and gives advice about various automotive topics, including restoration and unique models, such as his jet-powered motorcycle and solar-powered hybrid. Leno also writes occasional "Motormouth" articles for ''[[The Sunday Times]]'',<ref>{{cite news|access-date=May 11, 2008| url= http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/article1746609.ece|title= Jay Leno's million dollar garage |work= The Times|date=May 9, 2007 | location=London | first=Michael | last=Moran}}</ref> reviewing high-end sports cars and giving his humorous take on motoring matters.

Leno opened his garage to [[Team Bondi]], the company that developed the 2011 video game ''[[L.A. Noire]]'', which is set in Los Angeles in the late-1940s. Leno's collection contains almost one hundred cars from this period, and allowed the team to recreate their images as accurately as possible.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.giantbomb.com/la-noire/3030-21500/|title = L. A. Noire |work = Giantbomb}}</ref>

===Politics===
[[File:President Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan with Jay Leno.jpg|thumb|right|With President [[Ronald Reagan]] and their wives in 1987]]
Regarding presidential elections, Leno remained resolutely apolitical, never publicly endorsing either side and remaining on good terms with all the various presidents. The general public never knew for whom he voted. 

Hosting the 2014 [[Genesis Prize]] award ceremony in [[Jerusalem]], Leno made jokes mocking then-President Barack Obama and then-Secretary of State [[John Kerry]], accusing Obama of "trying to break" the U.S.'s relationship with [[Israel]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.haaretz.com/.premium-leno-takes-aim-at-obama-1.5249329|title=Jay Leno Takes Aim at Obama in Jerusalem Awards Ceremony|last=Sommer|first=Allison Kaplan|work=Haaretz|date=May 22, 2014|access-date=July 15, 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180716042208/https://www.haaretz.com/.premium-leno-takes-aim-at-obama-1.5249329|archive-date=July 16, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

In a 2015 interview with ''[[The Jerusalem Post]]'', Leno said, "I always considered [[Israel]] as not only the only democracy in the Middle East, I think it's the purest, because every Israeli voter seems to have his own political party."<ref name=jpost>{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/I-like-Jews-but-Italian-food-is-better-406505|title=I like Jews, but Italian food is better|work=The Jerusalem Post|date=June 18, 2015|access-date=July 15, 2018|last=Amouyal|first=Noa}}</ref> He also added about Israel's relations with other [[Middle East|Middle Eastern countries]]: "Israel is so efficient in defending itself and so good at it, that to the rest of the world it looks like bullying."<ref name=jpost />

==Filmography==
{{main|Jay Leno filmography}}

==Awards and nominations==
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Award
! Nominated work
! Result
|-
| 1989
| [[Writers Guild of America Awards 1989|Writers Guild of America Award for Variety – Musical, Award, Tribute, Special Event]]
| ''Family Comedy Hour''
| {{nom}}
|-
| 1990
| [[American Comedy Awards#1990 awards|American Comedy Award for Funniest Male Performer in a TV Special – Network, Cable or Syndication]]
| ''[[The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson]]''
| {{nom}}
|-
| 1993
| rowspan="5" | [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Series|Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Series]]
| rowspan="9" | ''[[The Tonight Show with Jay Leno]]''
| {{nom}}
|-
| 1994
| {{nom}}
|-
| 1995
| {{won}}
|-
| 1996
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1998
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program|Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1999
| [[TV Guide Award|TV Guide Award for Favorite Late Night Show]]
| {{won}}
|-
| Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Series
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="3" | 2000
| TV Guide Award for Favorite Late Night Show
| {{won}}
|-
| colspan="2" | [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]]
| {{won}}
|-
| Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Series
| rowspan="9" | ''The Tonight Show with Jay Leno''
| {{nom}}
|-
| 2001
| [[TV Guide Award|TV Guide Award for Variety Star of the Year]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| 2002
| rowspan="2" | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Series
| {{nom}}
|-
| 2003
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2005
| [[31st People's Choice Awards|People's Choice Award for Favorite Late Night Talk Show Host]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program|Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| 2006
| People's Choice Award for Favorite Late Night Talk Show Host
| {{won}}
|-
| 2007
| rowspan="2" | [[33rd People's Choice Awards|People's Choice Award for Favorite Talk Show Host]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2008
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="3" | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Short–Format Non-Fiction Program
| rowspan="3" | ''[[Jay Leno's Garage]]''
| {{nom}}
|-
| 2009
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2011
| {{won}}
|-
| colspan="2" | [[Hasty Pudding Man of the Year]]
| {{won}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2012
| [[38th People's Choice Awards|People's Choice Award for Favorite Late Night TV Host]]
| ''The Tonight Show with Jay Leno''
| {{nom}}
|-
| Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Short–Format Non-Fiction Program
| ''Jay Leno's Garage''
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2013
| colspan="2" | [[TCA Career Achievement Award]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Short–Format Non-Fiction Program
| ''Jay Leno's Garage''
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2014
| colspan="2" | [[TCA Career Achievement Award]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| colspan="2" | [[Mark Twain Prize for American Humor]]
| {{won}}
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{sisterlinks|d=Q218718|n=no|v=no|voy=no|wikt=no|s=no|m=no|mw=no|species=no|b=no}}
* [http://www.nbc.com/search?q=jay+leno ''Tonight Show with Jay Leno'' episodes]
* [http://www.nbc.com/jay-lenos-garage ''Jay Leno's Garage'' (NBC)]
* [http://totalcarmagazine.com/features/2013/07/15/an_interview_with_jay_leno/ An interview with Jay Leno] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203045544/http://totalcarmagazine.com/features/2013/07/15/an_interview_with_jay_leno |date=February 3, 2014 }}, ''Totalcar'' magazine
* [https://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/11/automobiles/collectibles/11SCHOOL.html ''The New York Times'' on Leno's affiliation with McPherson College]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070616180640/http://www.nbc.com/The_Tonight_Show_with_Jay_Leno/Toyota_Concert_Series/bands/index.shtml Live performance videos from the ''Tonight Show'']
* {{IMDb name|5143}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-media}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Johnny Carson]]}} 
{{s-ttl|title=Host of ''[[The Tonight Show]]''|years=May 25, 1992 – May 29, 2009}} 
{{s-aft|after= [[Conan O'Brien]]}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Conan O'Brien]]}} 
{{s-ttl|title=Host of ''[[The Tonight Show]]''|years=March 1, 2010 – February 6, 2014}} 
{{s-aft|after= [[Jimmy Fallon]]}}
{{s-end}}
{{Navboxes
|title = Links related to Jay Leno
|list = 
{{Hasty Pudding Man of the Year}}
{{Mark Twain Prize for American Humor}}
{{2014 Television Hall of Fame}}
{{2010 Tonight Show conflict}}
}}
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