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Jay Leno

  • Birthplace: New Rochelle, New York, USA
  • Birthday: April 28, 1950

A genial comedian who skewered the foibles and contradictions of everyday life in his act, Jay Leno's everyman persona and tireless work ethic - he played up to 300 shows a year - helped to earn him one of the most sacred spots in television: the replacement for Johnny Carson as host of "The Tonight Show" (NBC, 1954- ). The ascension was not without its rough patches - he found himself in the middle of a behind-the-scenes firestorm when both he and David Letterman vied for Carson's seat, and after taking over the show, he was …more

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Credits

Actor
Consultants & Advisors
Producer
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Career Milestones

  • 2010

    Reinstated as host of "The Tonight Show" in early 2010, following Conan O'Brien's exit from NBC after his refusal to allow his "Tonight Show" to be bumped to midnight in favor of Jay being moved back to 11:30 p.m.

  • 2009 to 2010

    Hosted the primetime talk show, "The Jay Leno Show," on NBC; show was canceled after four months due to low ratings and outrage from NBC affiliates across the country; considered one of the biggest programming fiascos in TV history

  • 2009

    Left "The Tonight Show" after 16 years; handed show over publicly to his successor, Conan O'Brien

  • 2008

    Lent his voice to the animated feature "Igor"

  • 2006

    Voiced 'Jay Limo' in the Pixar/Disney film "Cars"

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Awards

  • 1995

    Emmy Award: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series

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