Starting as a substitute for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show, celebrity speaker Jay Leno replaced Johnny in 1992 and signed a contract extension with NBC to keep him as host till 2009. Jay’s show continued to lead all late-night programming in the Nielsen ratings and led to speculation whether he would become a late night host for another network after his contract expired. On June 1, 2009 Conan O’Brien took over The Tonight Show, only for Jay to return the next year. Jay hosted his last episode of The Tonight Show on February 6, 2014 and that same year he was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame.
After The Tonight Show, Jay has maintained an active schedule as a touring stand-up comedian appearing in an average of 200 performances a year. Owner of approximately 100 vehicles, and 90 motorcycles, Jay runs a website called, Jay Leno’s Garage with pictures and videos of his cars in detail. He writes a regular column in Popular Mechanics which showcases his car collection and he gives advice on cars and motorcycles. He occasionally writes for The Sunday Timeson reviewing sports cars and other automotive topics. With his love for cars, Jay hosted an hour long CNBC special called Jay Leno’s Garage and it was announced that the show will become a weekly primetime series in 2015.
Jay and his wife, Mavis Leno donated $100,000 to the Feminist Majority’s campaign to stop gender apartheid in Afghanistan and to educated the public on the abuse of women in Afghanistan. He also makes many appearances at charity events and USO tours. In 2012, Jay auctioned of his Fiat 5o0 for $385,000 and donated all the proceeds to a charity that helps wounded war veterans. Jay Leno is available for speaking engagements, endorsements, and golf outings.