Leno, << LEHN oh, >> Jay (1950-…), is a popular American comedian and television personality known for his good-natured comedy routines. In 1992, Leno became the host of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” succeeding Johnny Carson , the host of “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” Leno left the show in 2009, when Conan O’Brien took over as the host of “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien.” From September 2009 to February 2010, Leno hosted the evening variety program “The Jay Leno Show.” In January 2010, O’Brien left “The Tonight Show.” Leno returned as host in March 2010. He hosted the show until early February 2014. Jimmy Fallon became host later that month. In 2015, Leno began hosting the automobile enthusiast TV show “Jay Leno’s Garage.”
James Douglas Muir Leno was born in New Rochelle, New York, on April 28, 1950. He graduated from Emerson College in 1973 with a degree in speech therapy and became an automobile mechanic and deliveryman for a time. He eventually turned to stand-up comedy , performing in nightclubs and making many guest appearances on television. He was named an exclusive guest host for “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” in 1987. Leno has made guest appearances in several motion pictures and written an autobiography, Leading with My Chin (1996). He also wrote a picture book for children called If Roast Beef Could Fly (2004).
