Jay Leno

jay-leno-2-450x600.jpg

Jay Leno

Photo credit: 
AP

Jay Leno

Birthday: April 28
Birthplace: New Rochelle, New York

Acclaimed late night TV show host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children's book author, much-in-demand corporate speaker, lovable TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, philanthropist... it's no wonder Jay Leno is widely characterized as "the hardest working man in show business."

Acclaimed late night TV show host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children's book author, much-in-demand corporate speaker, lovable TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, philanthropist... it's no wonder Jay Leno is widely characterized as "the hardest working man in show business."

All this has paid off: he has dominated late night television for more than two decades as host of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, winning every consecutive quarter of his hosting during this time, all under the supervision of Executive Producer Debbie Vickers. He has been honored by the Television Academy with an Emmy for "Outstanding Comedy, Variety or Music Series." The Tonight Show has also taken home the trophy for "Favorite Late Night Show" in the annual TV Guide Awards determined by voting viewers. Leno, himself, is the recipient of the People's Choice Award and many other honors.

As if this were not enough, "Jay Leno's Garage" – Jaylenosgarage.com – has gained an international following on the Web, not to mention a 2011 Emmy Award and several nominations for Outstanding Special Class–Short-Format Nonfiction Programs. Leno both stars in and is a producer of the NBC creation.

An indefatigable performer, he loves to perform before audiences across the nation, doing over 100 shows in nightclubs, theaters and stadiums each year. In addition to traversing the U.S., he has entertained in various countries, including for U.S. military troops. Jay is also committed to using his talents to help those less fortunate. Each year, he hosts and appears at numerous benefits, including events for those whose lives were devastated by natural disasters and other tragedies. He leads the annual Love Ride in California to benefit humanitarian organizations serving people with autism, muscular dystrophy, and Special Olympics. He has assisted the Gender Apartheid campaign, led by his wife Mavis, together with the Feminist Majority, to free Afghan women from Taliban tyranny, an effort recognized with a Nobel Peace Prize nomination.

Jay authors books, records voice-overs and relishes corporate speaking, writes a monthly column in "Popular Mechanics," and works on his collection of classic cars and motorcycles in his eco-friendly green garage. He and Mavis live in Los Angeles.

Jay Leno was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 2014.

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Awards & Nominations

20 Nominations | 2 Emmys | 1 Honor
Outstanding Short Form Nonfiction Or Reality Series - 2018
  • Nominee
  • Jay Leno, Executive Producer
  • Jay Leno's Garage
  • NBC (nbc.com)
  • NBC Entertainment and Big Dog Productions
Outstanding Short Form Nonfiction or Reality Series - 2017
  • Nominee
  • Jay Leno, Executive Producer
  • Jay Leno's Garage
  • NBC (nbc.com)
  • NBC Entertainment and Big Dog Productions
Outstanding Short Form Nonfiction Or Reality Series - 2016
Outstanding Short-Format Nonfiction Program - 2014
Hall of Fame - 2014
  • Winner
  • Jay Leno, as Honoree
Outstanding Special Class - Short-format Nonfiction Programs - 2013
  • Nominee
  • Jay Leno
  • Jay Leno's Garage
  • jaylenosgarage.com
  • JayLenosGarage.com, NBC Entertainment Digital
Outstanding Special Class - Short-format Nonfiction Programs - 2012
  • Nominee
  • Jay Leno, Executive Producer
  • Jay Leno's Garage
  • jaylenosgarage.com
  • JayLenosGarage.com, NBC Entertainment Digital
Outstanding Special Class - Short-format Nonfiction Programs - 2011
  • Winner
  • Jay Leno, Producer
  • Jay Leno's Garage
  • jaylenosgarage.com
  • JayLenosGarage.com, NBC Entertainment Digital
Outstanding Special Class - Short-format Nonfiction Programs - 2009
  • Nominee
  • Jay Leno, Producer
  • Jay Leno's Garage
  • jaylenosgarage.com
  • JayLenosGarage.com, NBC Entertainment Digital
Outstanding Special Class - Short-format Nonfiction Programs - 2008
  • Nominee
  • Jay Leno, Producer
  • Jay Leno's Garage
  • jaylenosgarage.com
  • JayLenosGarage.com, NBC Entertainment Digital

The Television Academy database lists prime-time Emmy information. Click here to learn more

Jay Leno presents an award at the 66th Emmys.
Jay Leno (l) presents Steven Levitan (r) of Modern Family an award at the 66th Emmys.
Jay Leno
Jay Leno
Fill 1
Fill 1
Jay Leno presents an award at the 66th Emmys.
Camera

Jay Leno presents an award at the 66th Emmys. 

Invision/AP
Jay Leno (l) presents Steven Levitan (r) of Modern Family an award at the 66th Emmys.
Camera

Jay Leno (l) presents Steven Levitan (r) of Modern Family an award at the 66th Emmys. 

Invision/AP
Jay Leno
Camera
Frank Micelotta/Invision/AP
Jay Leno
Camera
Dan Steinberg/Invision/AP
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