Jay Leno

Jay Leno (born James Douglas Muir April 28, 1950) is an American comedian of Italian and Scottish extraction who is best known as the current host of the long-running NBC television variety and talk show The Tonight Show. He also owns the production company which co-produces The Tonight Show called Big Dog Productions.

Early years

Leno was born in New Rochelle, New York and grew up in Andover, Massachusetts, and received his Bachelor's degree in Speech therapy from Emerson College in 1973. Leno has a slight form of dyslexia.

Related Topics:
New Rochelle - New York - Andover, Massachusetts - Bachelor's degree - Speech therapy - Emerson College - 1973 - Dyslexia

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Early acting

Leno is not widely known as an actor, but has had a number of small roles in mostly unsuccessful movies; an exception was a bit part in the more popular film, American Hot Wax. His most prominent role as a film actor was in the 1989 film Collision Course, a comedy about a mismatched crime fighting pair, in which he played a detective opposite Pat Morita.

Related Topics:
American Hot Wax - 1989 film - Collision Course - Pat Morita

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Stand-up

Leno started his career as a stand-up comic performing in nightclubs, bars and any place that would give him even five minutes of stage time. He quickly became known for his work ethic and nice demeanor both on- and offstage, as well as for his striking appearance, in particular his large chin. Though he had made the occasional foray onto television in the form of guest appearances on The Tonight Show, then hosted by Johnny Carson, stardom eluded him and he continued to work wherever he was allowed. It has been reported that Leno would sometimes work as many as eight or nine clubs in one evening.

Related Topics:
Stand-up comic - Television - Johnny Carson

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He began making more frequent appearances on television when many of his friends and contemporaries became more influential on late night programs. Leno made a record number of appearances on Late Night with David Letterman. His popularity was noted by NBC executives, who decided to make Leno the permanent guest host for The Tonight Show when Joan Rivers left that position.

Related Topics:
Late Night with David Letterman - Joan Rivers

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