Jay Leno#Vehicle collection

Leno was born April 28, 1950, in 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."Andover Biography-- Jay Leno." Memorial Hall Library Andover (MA). [http://answers.mhl.org/Andover_Biography_-_Jay_Leno] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160517075024/http://answers.mhl.org/Andover_Biography_-_Jay_Leno|date=May 17, 2016}}. He obtained a bachelor's degree in speech therapy from Emerson College in Boston, where he started a comedy club in 1973. His older brother, Patrick (May 12, 1940 – October 6, 2002),{{cite web|url=http://www.ancientfaces.com/person/patrick-leno/13503472|title=Patrick Leno|work=AncientFaces|year=1958|access-date=February 2, 2014|archive-date=February 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220180702/http://www.ancientfaces.com/person/patrick-leno/13503472|url-status=live}} was a Vietnam War veteran who became an attorney.

Leno made his first appearance on The Tonight Show on March 2, 1977, performing a comedy routine.{{YouTube|rxmXpzcl4MI|Jay Leno's First Appearance on the Tonight Show}} March 2, 1977. Retrieved June 28, 2013.[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 }} 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, he played more prominent roles in 1978 in American Hot Wax and Silver Bears. His other appearances from that period include guest spots on the television shows One Day at a Time, Alice and Laverne & Shirley. He had minor roles in the films Americathon (1979), and Polyester (1981). His only starring film role was the 1989 direct-to-video 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.

File:Jay Leno (1993) by Alan Light.jpg

Starting in 1986, Leno was a regular substitute host for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show. In 1992, he replaced Carson as host{{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|archive-date=April 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424201941/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NQMIAAAAIBAJ&pg=5008,192179|url-status=live}} 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 a book and 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.{{Cite news|date=December 26, 1988|title=Program Notes|work=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|archive-date=September 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927004109/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/88-OCR/BC-1988-12-26-OCR-Page-0045.pdf|url-status=live}} 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.{{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. |archive-date=August 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819210322/https://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/10/07/letterman.show.ratings/index.html |url-status=live }}

In 2004, Leno signed a contract extension with NBC to retain him as host of The Tonight Show until 2009.{{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|archive-date=June 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628200918/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2004-03-30-leno-contract-extended_x.htm|url-status=live}} Later in 2004, Conan O'Brien signed a contract with NBC to become the show's host in 2009, replacing Leno at that time.{{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|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220011340/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/27/business/media/conan-obrien-to-succeed-jay-leno-in-2009-nbc-announces.html|url-status=live}}

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.{{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|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220005838/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/|url-status=live}} 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 strikebreakers on August 11, 2009, Leno was not on it.{{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 | archive-date = August 13, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090813000305/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2009/08/guild-clears-jay-leno-of-violating-strike-rules.html | url-status = live }}{{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 | 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}}

On April 23, 2009, Leno checked himself in to a hospital with an undisclosed illness.{{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 | archive-date = February 27, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210227134926/http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/04/23/leno.hospitalized/index.html | url-status = live }} 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.{{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|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220054647/https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/jay-leno-released-hospital-article-1.361237|url-status=live}}{{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 }} The illness was not initially disclosed, but Leno later told People magazine that it was for exhaustion.{{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 | archive-date = February 28, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220228011123/https://people.com/celebrity/jay-leno-reveals-mystery-ailment-exhaustion/ | url-status = live }}

During the 2005 trial of Michael Jackson over allegations of 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.{{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}}

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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.{{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|archive-date=March 29, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080329042627/http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0503/08/sbt.01.html|url-status=live}} 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}}

{{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.{{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 }} He left The Tonight Show on Friday, May 29, 2009,{{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|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220011342/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/22/arts/television/22late.html|url-status=live}}{{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|archive-date=February 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201175915/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/30/arts/television/30leno.html|url-status=live}} 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.{{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 | archive-date=December 9, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081209062515/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/business/media/09leno.html | url-status=live }} It would follow a similar format to The Tonight Show, be recorded in the same studio, and retain many of Leno's most popular segments, while O'Brien continued to host The Tonight Show.{{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}}

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.{{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|access-date=August 8, 2009|archive-date=August 8, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090808051532/http://www.tvshark.com/read/?art=arc3888|url-status=live}}

{{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 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.{{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| access-date= January 24, 2010| archive-date= January 10, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100110022426/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/01/future-for-nbcs-the-jay-leno-show-is-up-in-the-air.html| url-status= live}}{{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| archive-date= July 12, 2018| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180712222447/http://www.accessonline.com/articles/jay-leno-heading-back-to-late-night-conan-obrien-weighing-options-80698/| url-status= live}} 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 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 a.m. without penalty (a clause included primarily to accommodate sports preemptions).{{cite news| author-link= Nikki Finke| last= Finke| first= Nikki| date= January 7, 2010| work= Deadline| url= https://deadline.com/2010/01/nbc-indicates-changes-coming-to-ja-leno-show-due-to-affiliate-issues-21545/| 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| archive-date= February 10, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100210110333/http://www.deadline.com/hollywood/nbc-indicates-changes-coming-to-jay-leno-show-due-to-affiliate-issues/| url-status= live}}

On January 10, NBC confirmed that it would move Leno out of primetime as of February 12 and move him to late-night as soon as possible.{{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 }}{{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 | access-date= January 24, 2010 | archive-date= July 10, 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100710074608/http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/07/update-nbc-plans-leno-at-1130-conan-at-12/ | url-status= live }} 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 a.m. time slot, or the option to leave the network.{{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| access-date= June 7, 2024| archive-date= February 4, 2020| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200204153055/https://www.tmz.com/2010/01/08/conan-obrien-jay-leno-nbc-tonight-show/| url-status= live}} On January 12, O'Brien issued a press release that he would not continue with Tonight if it moved to a 12:05 a.m. time slot,{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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| 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 }}{{cite news| agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/conan-o-brien-nbc-reach-deal-1.913608 |title=Conan O'Brien, NBC reach deal |date= January 21, 2010 |publisher=cbc.ca |access-date=January 16, 2013 |url-status=live |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 }} Leno returned as host of The Tonight Show following the 2010 Winter Olympics on March 1, 2010.

On July 1, 2010, 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 ABC's Nightline (3.7 million) and Late Show with David Letterman (3.3 million).{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2010/scene/markets-festivals/kimmel-nightline-show-demo-increase-1118021316/|title='Kimmel,' 'Nightline' show demo increase|work=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}}{{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}}

On April 3, 2013, NBC announced that Leno would leave The Tonight Show in spring 2014, with Jimmy Fallon as his designated successor.{{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|archive-date=April 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403182922/http://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|url-status=live}}

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.

File:Jay Leno (49626670763).jpg

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{{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|archive-date=August 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802095207/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jay-leno-birthday_n_7153638|url-status=live}} and at charity events and USO tours.{{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|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220014653/https://people.com/tv/jay-leno-i-miss-the-tonight-show-but-jimmy-fallon-is-terrific/|url-status=live}} He has also appeared on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon{{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|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220061823/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jay-leno-mocks-jimmy-fallon-747617/|url-status=live}} and Late Night with Seth Meyers,{{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|archive-date=May 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524115346/http://www.thewrap.com/jay-leno-racism-college-kids-so-politically-correct-seth-meyers/|url-status=live}}{{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|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220014658/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/taraji-p-henson-jay-leno-796978/|url-status=live}} and was a guest on the finale of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. He appeared in a cameo role drilling and tormenting James Corden in a facetious boot camp for talk-show hosts on the premiere of The Late Late Show with James Corden.{{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|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220014657/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/late-late-show-james-corden-783868/|url-status=live}} He declined an invitation to appear on Late Show with David Letterman despite speculation he would appear on the show's finale in 2015,{{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|archive-date=May 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524011529/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-david-letterman-vs-jay-leno-who-got-more-finale-love-and-why-20150520-story.html|url-status=live}} although he had appeared with Letterman along with Winfrey in a Late Show commercial airing during Super Bowl XLIV in 2010.{{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|archive-date=March 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328122535/https://archive.nytimes.com/mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/07/how-the-letterman-oprah-leno-super-bowl-ad-came-together/|url-status=live}}

Leno hosted a one-hour Jay Leno's Garage special on CNBC in 2014,{{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|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220014654/https://www.cnbc.com/2014/10/15/late-night-legend-jay-leno-drives-to-cnbc-primetime.html|url-status=live}} and the show returned as a primetime series on the cable channel from 2015 until 2022.{{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|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220014654/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/official-jay-leno-hosting-primetime-740970/|url-status=live}} The series was canceled in January 2023 after seven seasons due to a decision by the channel to re-emphasize business-oriented programming.{{cite web |last1=Weprin |first1=Alex |title=Jay Leno's 30-Year Run at NBCUniversal Poised to End as CNBC Cancels His 'Garage' Car Series |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jay-leno-nbc-career-cnbc-cancels-jay-leno-garage-1235311065/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=January 26, 2023 |date=January 26, 2023 |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127030857/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jay-leno-nbc-career-cnbc-cancels-jay-leno-garage-1235311065/ |url-status=live }}

Leno also had a recurring role in the Tim Allen comedy series Last Man Standing since season 5, playing a mechanic, Joe Leonard, in a store operated by Allen's character, Mike Baxter.{{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 |date=October 12, 2018 |access-date=November 11, 2018 |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111043654/https://www.tvinsider.com/722961/last-man-standing-jay-leno-2018-video/ |url-status=live }}

Leno hosted the third revival of the game show You Bet Your Life for two seasons, from 2021 until 2023.{{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 |archive-date=February 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220014654/https://deadline.com/2021/12/fox-renews-jay-leno-you-bet-your-life-other-shows-syndication-1234891823/ |url-status=live }} The show was renewed for a third season but was cancelled in August 2023 after Leno refused to cross the picket line during the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike, after Fox First Run offered stations two other syndicated game shows to fill You Bet Your Life's timeslot during the strike, instead of reruns.{{Cite web |last=Cordero |first=Rosy |date=May 15, 2023 |title=Jay Leno "Stands In Solidarity" With WGA As You Bet Your Life Halts Production |url=https://deadline.com/2023/05/writers-strike-jay-leno-you-bet-your-life-halts-productions-fox-1235367014/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515214840/https://deadline.com/2023/05/writers-strike-jay-leno-you-bet-your-life-halts-productions-fox-1235367014/ |archive-date=May 15, 2023 |access-date=May 15, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}{{Cite web|url=https://tvnewscheck.com/programming/article/with-major-studios-cooling-on-syndication-stations-seek-program-alternatives/|title=With Major Studios Cooling On Syndication, Stations Seek Program Alternatives|first=Mark|last=Miller|date=August 23, 2023|website=TV News Check|access-date=June 7, 2024|archive-date=October 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027011851/https://tvnewscheck.com/programming/article/with-major-studios-cooling-on-syndication-stations-seek-program-alternatives/|url-status=live}}

Leno also does voice acting, such as The Crimson Chin on The Fairly OddParents from 2001 to 2016{{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 |archive-date=February 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220014653/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/The-Fairly-OddParents/Charles-Indigo-The-Crimson-Chin/ |url-status=live }} and Billy Beagle of Mickey and the Roadster Racers.{{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|archive-date=January 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118045519/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Mickey-and-the-Roadster-Racers/Billy-Beagle/|url-status=live}}

In 2019, Leno was a guest judge on season 14 of America's Got Talent where he pressed the Golden Buzzer for opera singer Emanne Beasha.{{cite web|url=https://www.tvinsider.com/797386/americas-got-talent-season-14-judge-cuts-golden-buzzers/|title='America's Got Talent' Judge Cuts: Watch the Guest Judges' Golden Buzzers|first=Meredith|last=Jacobs|website=www.tvinsider.com|date=August 7, 2019|access-date=June 7, 2024|archive-date=February 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221144507/https://www.tvinsider.com/797386/americas-got-talent-season-14-judge-cuts-golden-buzzers/|url-status=live}}

In 2023, Leno returned to NBC to appear as a celebrity guest judge on the two-episode season finale of Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge.{{cite news |title=Jay Leno's Love Affair with Cars Explained Ahead of Hot Wheels™: Ultimate Challenge |url=https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/hot-wheels-ultimate-challenge-jay-lenos-love-cars |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=NBC |date=May 22, 2023 |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106052438/https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/hot-wheels-ultimate-challenge-jay-lenos-love-cars |url-status=live }}

File:Jaylenocropped.jpg

File:Leno on Letterman.webm in 2023]]

Leno has faced criticism for his perceived role in the 2010 Tonight Show conflict.[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"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100723162841/https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2010/01/15/why-some-comics-arent-laughing-at-jay-leno-essay/ |date=July 23, 2010 }}. The Wall Street Journal{{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 }} Critics have cited a 2004 Tonight Show clip where Leno said he would allow O'Brien to take over without incident.{{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 |archive-date=February 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220014654/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/flashback-jay-leno-announ_b_425997 |url-status=live }} 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." 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!"[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.

Rosie O'Donnell was among O'Brien's most vehement supporters,{{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}}[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). calling Leno a "bully" and his actions "classless and kind of career-defining".[https://www.vulture.com/2010/01/rosie_odonnell_has_more_to_say.html "Rosie O'Donnell Has More to Say About Jay Leno"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526231810/https://www.vulture.com/2010/01/rosie_odonnell_has_more_to_say.html |date=May 26, 2022 }}. Vulture. January 20, 2010. Retrieved February 19, 2022 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."[https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-leno-backlash16-2010jan16,0,4645138.story?page=2 "Taking on America's 'nice guy{{'"}}] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119160024/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-leno-backlash16-2010jan16,0,4645138.story?page=2 |date=January 19, 2010 }}. Los Angeles Times. p. 2.

In 2009, Leno received 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.{{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|archive-date=March 3, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220303171249/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/kanye-west-vibe-shift-1314514/|url-status=live}}

Howard Stern has also been a critic of Leno before and following his Tonight Show timeslot-change announcement;[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ2fZH2XqNw "Rosie O'Donnell Slams Jay Leno (Part 1 of 2)"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228194322/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ2fZH2XqNw&gl=US&hl=en |date=December 28, 2018 }}; YouTube; January 14, 2010 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.{{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 }} During the conflict, Stern made many negative remarks about Leno as a guest on Late Show with David Letterman.{{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|archive-date=October 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008130417/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=7793427|url-status=live}}

Jimmy Kimmel discussed his appearance on Leno's show during an interview with Marc Maron for the latter's 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.[http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episodes/episode_249_-_jimmy_kimmel "Episode 249 – 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

John Oliver has also criticized Leno for his coverage of the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal on The Tonight Show in an episode on public shaming.{{Cite news |title=John Oliver on public shaming: 'One of America's favourite pastimes' |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/mar/18/john-oliver-monica-lewinsky-public-shaming}}

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 ... willfully has shut the switch off."{{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 |archive-date=May 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528044941/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/patton-oswalt-weighs-in-o_n_419015 |url-status=live }}

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.{{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|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807073740/https://www.etonline.com/jay-leno-shares-his-support-for-ellen-degeneres-amid-workplace-allegations-150857|url-status=live}}{{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|archive-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806033122/https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2020/08/05/celebrities-defend-ellen-degeneres/|url-status=live}}

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".[https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-leno-backlash16-2010jan16,0,4645138.story "Taking on America's 'nice guy{{'"}}] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119160017/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-leno-backlash16-2010jan16,0,4645138.story |date=January 19, 2010 }}. Los Angeles Times. 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." Fellow comedians Paul Reiser, Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Norton (a frequent contributor to The Tonight Show) also voiced support for Leno.{{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|archive-date=November 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115204927/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/a-teachable-leno-moment_b_418197|url-status=live}}{{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 |archive-date=February 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220014654/https://www.thewrap.com/seinfeld-jay-conan-debacle-i-cant-blame-nbc-12758/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/videos/comedian-defends-lenos-return/ | title=Comedian Defends Leno's Return | work=CBS News | access-date=June 7, 2024 | archive-date=June 2, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602223856/http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/comedian-defends-lenos-return/ | url-status=live }}

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.{{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 |archive-date=February 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220014654/https://www.eonline.com/news/162674/jay_tries_make_nice_conan_rallies_troops |url-status=live }} He also said that the situation was "all business", and that all of the decisions were made by NBC. 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.{{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|archive-date=March 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130303181520/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/jay-leno-tells-oprah-winfrey-conan-obriens-tonight/story?id=9687814|url-status=live}}

Leno's comedic influences include Johnny Carson, Robert Klein, Alan King, David Brenner, Mort Sahl, George Carlin,{{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 }} Don Rickles,{{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|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220014653/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/jay-leno-longtime-tonight-show-431252/|url-status=live}} Bob Newhart,{{cite web|url=http://flavorwire.com/168686/required-listening-10-influential-comedy-albums|title=Required Listening: 10 Influential Comedy Albums|date=April 8, 2011|access-date=January 16, 2018|archive-date=December 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215123005/http://flavorwire.com/168686/required-listening-10-influential-comedy-albums|url-status=live}} and Rodney Dangerfield.{{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}}

Dennis Miller and Jerry Seinfeld have credited Leno as their inspiration.{{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."}}

File:President Ronald Reagan shaking hands with Jay Leno.jpg Ronald Reagan in April 1987]]

Leno has been married to Mavis Leno since 1980.{{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}} In 1993, during his first season as host of The Tonight Show, Leno's mother died at the age of 82; and the next year, his father died at 84.{{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|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220014653/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-08-29-ca-32548-story.html|url-status=live}} Leno's older brother, Patrick, a Vietnam veteran and graduate of Yale Law School, died of cancer in 2002 at the age of 62.{{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|archive-date= July 3, 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160703052310/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/12/arts/television/12leno.html|url-status= live}} In 2024, it was disclosed that Mavis Leno was suffering from an advanced form of dementia when the Los Angeles Superior Court granted Jay Leno conservatorship of the couple's joint estate as she experiences periods of disorientation and at times does not know who her husband is or her own date of birth.{{cite news |title=Jay Leno Granted Conservatorship of Joint Estate With Wife Mavis Amid Her Dementia Battle |url=https://www.etonline.com/jay-leno-granted-conservatorship-of-joint-estate-with-wife-mavis-amid-her-dementia-battle-223120 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=Entertainment Tonight |date=April 9, 2024 |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501040637/https://www.etonline.com/jay-leno-granted-conservatorship-of-joint-estate-with-wife-mavis-amid-her-dementia-battle-223120 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Doctor Says Jay Leno's Wife Mavis 'Sometimes Does Not Know Her Husband' Amid Dementia Conservatorship Filing |url=https://www.etonline.com/doctor-says-jay-lenos-wife-mavis-sometimes-does-not-know-her-husband-amid-dementia-conservatorship |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=Entertainment Tonight |date=April 1, 2024 |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501040628/https://www.etonline.com/doctor-says-jay-lenos-wife-mavis-sometimes-does-not-know-her-husband-amid-dementia-conservatorship |url-status=live }}

Leno is known for his prominent jaw, which has been described as mandibular prognathism.{{cite journal|doi = 10.1111/j.1399-0004.1998.tb03729.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 | issn=0009-9163 }} 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 dyslexic.Carter, Bill. "[https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/12/arts/television/12leno.html Pushed From Late Night, Leno Is Set for Prime Time] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703052310/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/12/arts/television/12leno.html |date=July 3, 2016 }}" The New York Times, September 12, 2009. He claims to need only four or five hours of sleep each night.{{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| archive-date= May 4, 2017| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170504184458/http://www.go-star.com/antiquing/leno.htm| url-status= live}} He does not consume alcohol, smoke, or gamble.{{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 }} He spends much of his free time visiting car collections and working in his private garage.

Leno has claimed that he has not spent any of the money he earned from The Tonight Show, but lives off his money from his stand-up routines.{{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}}{{cite web |url= http://parade.com/49910/jayleno/jay-leno-persistance-pays-off/ |title= Jay Leno |first= Jay |last= Leno |work= Parade |date= September 6, 2009 |access-date= January 9, 2017 |archive-date= January 10, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170110020906/http://parade.com/49910/jayleno/jay-leno-persistance-pays-off/ |url-status= live }}{{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|archive-date=March 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328165720/http://finance.yahoo.com/news/the-12-most-frugal-celebrities-184410272.html|url-status=live}} He reportedly earned $32 million in 2005.{{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| archive-date= January 10, 2017| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170110201406/http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/53/207B.html| url-status= live}} In 2014, he received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Emerson College, where he also delivered the commencement speech.{{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}} He also received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Academy of Art University in 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://www.academyart.edu/about-us/news/academy-of-art-university-honors-jay-leno-with-doctorate-of-humane-letters/|title=Academy of Art University Honors Jay Leno with Doctorate of Humane Letters|date=20 October 2021|website=Academy of Art University|access-date=June 7, 2024|archive-date=February 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205130344/https://www.academyart.edu/about-us/news/academy-of-art-university-honors-jay-leno-with-doctorate-of-humane-letters/|url-status=live}}

File:Obama and Leno.jpg 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.{{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| archive-date= November 15, 2022| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221115001243/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63630772| url-status= live}} As part of the treatment, he received a "new ear".{{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|archive-date=March 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330232008/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2023-03-30/jay-leno-motorcycle-accident-new-ear-face-burns|url-status=live}} On January 17, 2023, he sustained multiple broken bones after falling off a motorcycle.{{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|archive-date = January 27, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230127154829/https://apnews.com/article/television-jay-len|url-status = live}} On November 16, 2024, Leno had broken his right wrist, including tearing the fingernail off his right index finger, and sustained several bruises on his left side acquiring a periorbital hematoma after he accidentally tripped while walking to go have dinner at Dino's Sports Lounge outside the Hampton Inn in Greensburg, Pennsylvania causing him to roll straight down a hill landing on the curb.{{cite news| url= https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2024/11/19/jay-leno-injured-fall-hill/76437358007/| work= USA Today| title= Jay Leno shrugs off injuries after falling down a 60-foot hill: 'Not that big a deal'| date= November 21, 2024| access-date= November 21, 2024| archive-date= November 21, 2024| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20241121005244/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2024/11/19/jay-leno-injured-fall-hill/76437358007/| url-status= bot: unknown}}

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.{{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 }}{{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| archive-date = June 2, 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090602094325/http://www.newsweek.com/id/82834| url-status = live}}

In 2009, he 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.{{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 }}

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.{{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 |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711035549/https://www.forbes.com/sites/hannahelliott/2012/08/20/celebrity-cars-push-records-at-pebble-jay-lenos-fiat-gets-10-times-expected-price/ |url-status=live }}

{{As of|2022|November}}, Leno sponsored two scholarships at McPherson College.

Since 1985,{{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|archive-date=March 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130303054616/http://www.motorcycle.com/events/love-ride-25-and-california-bike-week-87502.html|url-status=live}} 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,{{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}} and in 2001, the September 11 attacks recovery.{{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|access-date=January 13, 2013|archive-date=July 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706003602/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1696&dat=20011114&id=IvkcAAAAIBAJ&pg=5006%2C1728238|url-status=live}}

File:Jay Leno (2078377696).jpg in his Hispano-Suiza Aero,[http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/clips/update-1915-hispano-suiza-aero-engine-car/1186522/ Update: 1915 Hispano-Suiza Aero Engine Car] (video), jaylenosgarage.com 1993]] Leno owns an extensive collection of vehicles, including at least 181 cars and 160 motorcycles as of late 2024. {{cite web|url=https://news.dupontregistry.com/jay-lenos-garage/jay-lenos-car-collection/#:~:text=Jay%20Leno's%20car%20collection%20consists,stagnation%20within%20his%20living%20museum.|first=Edward|last=Jones|title = Jay Leno's Car Collection|date=October 29, 2024|access-date = May 6, 2025}} 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.{{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}} Leno's garage manager is Bernard Juchli.{{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}} Among his collection are two Doble steam cars, a sedan and a roadster that were owned by Howard Hughes, the fifth Duesenberg Model X known to survive, and one of nine remaining 1963 Chrysler Turbine Cars. The collection also includes three antique electric cars — the 1909 Baker Motor Vehicle is his wife Mavis's favorite car.{{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|archive-date=May 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504012439/https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a1609/4215940/|url-status=live}} The collection includes at least two tanks. {{cite web |last1=Bensinger |first1=Graham |title=Inside Jay Leno's Garage: Tanks, Teslas and a $35M McLaren F1 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LyxjST-o8U |website=youtube.com |publisher=grahambensinger.com/ |language=en |format=video |date= April 23, 2025|access-date=May 6, 2025}} The most expensive car in the collection is a 1994 McLaren F1 sports car, the first McLaren to be imported to the US, which Leno says he purchased for approximately $800 thousand in the late 1990s, and is worth at least $20 million today. The value of the entire collection is at least $52 million.

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,{{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 | archive-date=July 9, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070709154356/http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/article1746609.ece | url-status=dead }} 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 100 cars from this period, and allowed the team to create their images as accurately as possible.{{cite web|url = http://www.giantbomb.com/la-noire/3030-21500/|title = L. A. Noire|work = Giantbomb|access-date = June 25, 2013|archive-date = June 24, 2013|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130624080145/http://www.giantbomb.com/la-noire/3030-21500/|url-status = live}}

File:President Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan with Jay Leno.jpg and their wives in 1987]]

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.{{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}}

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."{{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|archive-date=May 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503044430/https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/I-like-Jews-but-Italian-food-is-better-406505|url-status=live}} He also added about Israel's relations with other 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."

In a 2024 interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Leno said that he is "not a fan" of then-former President Donald Trump. Of President Joe Biden, Leno said: "I like him. I think he's a good guy. And, you know, the economy's doing pretty good!"{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/01/jay-leno-donald-trump-not-a-fan-1235805413/|title=Jay Leno On Donald Trump: "I'm Not A Fan"|first=Tom|last=Tapp|website=Deadline|date=January 25, 2024|access-date=February 7, 2024|archive-date=February 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207071827/https://deadline.com/2024/01/jay-leno-donald-trump-not-a-fan-1235805413/|url-status=live}}

{{main|Jay Leno filmography}}

• Leno, Jay. Headlines: Real but Ridiculous Headlines from America's Newspapers. 1989.
• Leno, Jay. More Headlines. 1990.
• Leno, Jay. Headlines III: Not the Movie, Still the Book. 1991.
• Leno, Jay. Headlines IV: The Next Generation. 1992.
• Leno, Jay. Jay Leno's Police Blotter: Real-Life Crime Headlines. 1994.
• Leno, Jay (with Bill Zehme). Leading With My Chin. 1996 (autobiography).
• Leno, Jay (with S. B. Whitehead-Illustrator). Jay Leno: If Roast Beef Could Fly. 2004 (children' book).
• Leno, Jay (with S. B. Whitehead-Illustrator). How to Be the Funniest Kid in the Whole Wide World (or Just in Your Class). 2005 (children' book).

{{Reflist}}

{{sister project links|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] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304134306/http://www.nbc.com/search?q=jay+leno |date=March 4, 2014 }}
• [http://www.nbc.com/jay-lenos-garage Jay Leno's Garage (NBC)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414023314/http://www.nbc.com/jay-lenos-garage |date=April 14, 2014 }}
• [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] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108191626/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/11/automobiles/collectibles/11SCHOOL.html |date=January 8, 2017 }}
• [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}}

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{{s-bef|before=Johnny Carson}}

{{s-ttl|title=Host of The Tonight Show|years=May 25, 1992 – May 29, 2009}}

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{{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}}

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