James Douglas Muir Leno is an American television host, comedian, writer, actor, and automotive historian.
After doing stand-up comedy for years, he became the host of NBC‘s The Tonight Show from 1992 until 2009 when Conan O’Brien took over as host. Beginning in September 2009, Leno started a primetime talk show, The Jay Leno Show, which aired weeknights at 10:00 p.m. ET, also on NBC. When O’Brien turned down NBC’s offer to have Leno host a half hour monologue show before The Tonight Show to boost ratings amid reported viewership diminishing, Leno returned to hosting the show on March 1, 2010.[2] He hosted his last episode of his second tenure on February 6, 2014. That year, he was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame.[3] From 2014 to 2022, he has hosted Jay Leno’s Garage, and since 2021, has hosted the revival of You Bet Your Life.
Leno writes a regular column in Popular Mechanics showcasing his car collection and giving automotive advice. He also writes occasional “Motormouth” articles for The Sunday Times.