Articles

Corporate Entertainment Events Corporate Entertainment Planners Corporate Motivational Speakers Corporate Spokesperson Business Speakers Creativity Speakers Motivational Speakers Public Speakers Celebrity Speakers Sports Speakers Sports Motivational Speakers Celebrity Endorsements Celebrity Athletes Celebrity Appearances Teamwork Speakers Jay Leno Top Comedians Fundraiser Events Commencement Addresses Commencement Speeches Seminar Speakers Diversity Speakers Leadership Speakers Lecture Series Keynote Speaker Topics After Dinner Speakers Johnny Bench Inspirational Speakers Professional Speakers Sales Speakers International Speakers Medal Winning Sports Speakers Speakers Bureaus Political Speakers Celebrity Spokesperson Corporate Comedy More Resources About Corporate Entertainment Events

Corporate Entertainment Events

Jay Leno

by Will Baum

Jay Leno is known as one of the hardest working--and nicest--people in show business. Before the sharp-chinned comic became the host of "The Tonight Show," he was a touring stand-up comedian. Leno sometimes made as many as 300 personal appearances a year.

Leno was born James Douglas Muir on April 29, 1950. Though his life started in New Rochelle, New York, the family soon moved to Andover, Massachusetts. The young Leno pursued a degree at Emerson College, but it was comedy that was Jay Leno's true calling.

After misfires on the big screen ("American Hot Wax" in 1978 and "Americathon" in 1979) Leno found his niche in television. Jay Leno became the guest of choice on late night TV, first on "The David Letterman Show" and then on Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show." By 1988, Leno was Carson's permanent guest host. When Carson stepped down in 1992, Leno got the job. Leno now regularly tops his old friend David Letterman in the late-night ratings.

Jay Leno Branches Out

Even as "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" keeps him hard at work, Leno has found time for side projects. His book, "Leading with My Chin," was a bestseller in 1998. 2004 brought the publication of Leno's first children's book, "If Roast Beef Could Fly." Leno still hones his act on nightclub stages and makes frequent appearances speaking at private and corporate functions.

Get all Events articles via