Jay Leno follows in the footsteps of legendary NBC late-night hosts Steve Allen, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson by hosting the Emmy Award-winning and top-rated The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Jay Leno’s everyman style and personality have helped him earn millions of fans worldwide, but primarily in the regions where people can relate to his personable style and work ethic. He has been touted as one of the nicest people in show business and the hardest-working a winning tandem for the man who says “Anyone can have a life – careers are hard to come by!”
“The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” has experienced numerous highlights during its reign, which began in 1992, including winning two Emmy Awards – the first in 1995 for Outstanding Comedy, Variety or Music Series, and the second in 1996 for Outstanding Technical Direction. In 1999 and 2000, “The Tonight Show” took home the trophy for Favorite Late Night Show in the annual TV Guide Awards determined by voting viewers. Leno’s personal highlights include receiving a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and being the first person to drive the pace car of all major NASCAR events.
Prior to becoming host of “Tonight,” Jay Leno had been the exclusive guest host on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” since September 1987. He first appeared as a guest on the show March 2, 1977, and made numerous additional appearances on “Tonight” as well as NBC’s former program “Late Night with David Letterman.”
One of the country’s premier comedians, Jay Leno has appeared in hundreds of comedy shows around the United States for the past 20 years. In 2001, he traveled to Bosnia, where he performed for military troops associated with the war in Afghanistan. Leno also traveled to Aviano, Italy in 1995 to entertain military troops associated with the peacekeeping efforts in Bosnia. He remains passionate about performing in front of live audiences and appears regularly in Las Vegas, on college campuses around the United States and in other venues.
Leno’s book, “Leading with My Chin”, hit the bookstores in 1998. He also has published four versions of “Headlines,” the compilation of books and desk calendars featuring his favorite funny newspaper headlines, and “Police Blotter,” a book with more humorous newspaper clips involving police stories (book proceeds go to various charities).
Jay Leno was born in New Rochelle, New York, and raised in Andover, Massachusetts. He and his wife, Mavis, live in Los Angeles. In his spare time, he enjoys working on his collection of classic cars and motorcycles.
