Jay Leno

James Douglas Muir “Jay” Leno (born April 28, 1950) is an American comedian, television host, and writer. Raised in Andover, Massachusetts, he began performing stand-up comedy in the early 1970s and became a frequent guest on late-night television. Leno rose to national prominence as a regular substitute host on NBC’s *The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson*. In 1992 he succeeded Carson as host of *The Tonight Show*, a role he held until 2009 and again from 2010 to 2014. He later hosted NBC’s *The Jay Leno Show* and the automotive series *Jay Leno’s Garage*.