Comedian, actor, writer, producer and television host
Son of Angelo Leno (1910–1994) and Catherine (Muir) Leno (1911–1993) , whose name at birth was James Douglas Muir LENO, was born April 28, 1950 in New Rochelle, New York USA.
AuthorHow to Be the Funniest Kid in the Whole Wide World (or Just in Your Class)
2004
AuthorIf Roast Beef Could Fly: Book and CD
1996
Author with Bill Zehme / New York Times Best SellerLeading with My Chin (autobiography)
1994
AuthorJay Leno's Police Blotter: Real-Life Crime Headlines from"The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
1992
AuthorJay Leno's Headlines: Books I, II, III, Wings Humor
1992
AuthorHeadlines IV: The Next Generation
1991
Compiled by Jay LenoHeadlines III: Not the Movie, Still the Book; Real but Ridiculous Samplings from America's Newspapers
1990
Compiled by Jay LenoMore Headlines: Real but Ridiculous Samplings from America's Newspapers
1989
Compiled by Jay LenoHeadlines: Real but Ridiculous Samplings from America's Newspapers
TELEVISION - TALK SHOW
2010–2014
HostThe Tonight Show with Jay Leno
2009–2010
Creator and starThe Jay Leno Show
1992–2009
HostThe Tonight Show
1987–1992
Regular substitute host for Johnny CarsonThe Tonight Show
1977
Performed a comedy routine - first appearanceThe Tonight Show
WRITINGS - TELEVISION SERIES
1999–2014
Head writerVirtual Jay (broadcastmonthly on the Internet)
1992–2014
Head writerThe Tonight Show with Jay Leno
FILM - VOICE ACTING
2008
Voice of Murray HareUnstable Fables: Tortoise vs. Hare
2008
Voice of King MalbertIgor
2007
Voice of Jack O'LanternScooby-Doo and the Goblin King
2007
Voice of The NarratorChristmas Is Here Again
2006
Voice of Fast TonyIce Age: The Meltdown
2006
Voice of Jay LimoCars
2006
Voice of Nega-Chin The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour 3: The Jerkinators!
2005
Voice of Fire HydrantRobots
2001
Voice of The Crimson Chin The Fairly OddParents
1993
Voice of VorbWe're Back! A Dinosaur's Story
1983
Voice of Ishmael PivnikWhat's Up, Hideous Sun Demon
RECORDINGS - VIDEOS
2006
Voice of Fast TonyIce Age 2: The Meltdown (video game), Twentieth Century-Fox/Vivendi Universal Games
2001
Appeared as HimselfConan O'Brien's "Wild Desk Ride
2000
Appeared as Himself (archive footage)Playboy: The Complete Anna Nicole Smith
2000
Appeared as Himself (archive footage)Christina Aguilera: Genie Gets Her Wish
1999
Appeared as Himself (uncredited)Edtv: Caught in the Camera's Eye
1998
South Park Gift Pack 4 (Volumes 10-12), 1998
1998
Appeared as HimselfWCW Road Wild '98
1998
Appeared as HimselfJackie Chan: My Story
1998
Appeared as HimselfWCW/NWO Superstar Series: Diamond Dallas Page—Feel the Bang!
1995
Appeared as Himself (archive footage)Playboy: The Best of Pamela Anderson
1994
Appeared as HimselfTotally Bill Hicks (also known as Totally Bill Hicks Featuring "It's Just a Ride" & "Revelations")
FILM AND TELEVISION ACTING
2003
Appeared as HimselfStuck on You
2000
Appeared as HimselfSpace Cowboys
1994
Acted in the role of Bedrock's Most Wanted HostThe Flintstones
1989
Acted in the role of Detective Tony Costas (First Lead Role, filmed in 1989, released in 1992)Collision Course
1981
Acted in the role of Journalist on TV News (uncredited)Polyester
1979
Acted in the role of Larry Miller (Poopy Butt)Americathon
1978
Acted in the role of MookieAmerican Hot Wax
1978
Acted in the role of Albert FioreSilver Bears
1977
Acted in the role of DannyAlmost Heaven
1977
Acted in the role of Carpenter (uncredited)Fun with Dick and Jane
WRITINGS - TELEVISION EPISODES
1987–1992
WriterThe Tonight Show (also known as The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson) / NBC
1974
Writer"J. J. in Trouble," Good Times / CBS
WRITINGS - TELEVISION SPECIALS
1987
WriterJay Leno's Family Comedy Hour / NBC
1986
Writer The Jay Leno Show / NBC
1986
Writer with Kevin KeltonJay Leno and the American Dream / Showtime
Professional honors and awards
2014
Inducted into the Television Hall of FameAcademy of Television Arts & Sciences
2011
Primetime EmmyAcademy of Television Arts & SciencesOutstanding Special Class – Short Format Nonfiction Programs for Jay Leno's Garage
2011
Man of the YearHasty Pudding Theatricals, USA
2006
People’s Choice AwardPeople’s Choice Awards, USAFavorite Late Night Talk Show Host
2000
Star on the Walk of FameWalk of Fame CommitteeTelevision
1995
Primetime EmmyAcademy of Television Arts & SciencesOutstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Community
Community service
1985–present
Love RideGlendale, California USAGrand Marshall / annual charity motorcycle event which, since 1984, has raised nearly $14 million for charities benefiting muscular dystrophy research, Autism Speaks, and in 2001, the September 11 attacks recovery
2012
Fisher House Foundation, Inc.Rockville, Maryland USAAuctioned his 2012 Prima Edizione Fiat 500 raising $385,000. Proceeds donated to the Fisher House Foundation that helps wounded war veterans recover by providing them temporary housing.
2009
Salem State College (now Salem State University)Salem, Massachusetts USADonated $100,000 in honor of Lennie Sogoloff - gave Leno his start at his jazz club, Lennie's-on-the-Turnpike
2001
Feminist Majority FoundationArlington, Virginia USAHe and his wife donated $100,000 to the Feminist Majority's campaign to stop gender apartheid in Afghanistan, to educate the public regarding the plight of women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule
Community honors and awards
2012
PlaqueGainesville Fisher House FoundationFor his generous auction of a tractor to benefit the Fisher House
Nationality
American
Politics
Democrat
Avocation
Antique motorcycles and automobiles, playing Monopoly
Education
College
Emerson CollegeBoston, Massachusetts USABachelor of ArtsSpeech TherapyClass of 1973While in school, formed his own comedy group and was vocal in his dream of becoming the host of The Tonight Show
Native language
English
Honorary Degrees
2014
Emerson College Boston, Massachusetts USADoctorate of Humane Letters
