Dive deep into the extraordinary life of Jay Leno in this full, raw interview with Graham Bensinger.
Discover the untold stories behind the laughter, from his challenging childhood and struggles with dyslexia to his early days grinding in comedy clubs and his legendary tenure on “The Tonight Show.”
Jay Leno opens up about his unique relationship with his parents, sharing touching and hilarious anecdotes about his mother’s immigrant experience and his father’s tough demeanor.
He reflects on his school days, revealing how dyslexia shaped his perspective and his journey to success. Hear about the wild and often bizarre gigs that marked his early comedy career, including performances at sorority study halls, corporate events, and even a brothel.
This in-depth conversation explores Leno’s philosophy on hosting, his approach to guests, and the lessons he learned navigating the entertainment industry. You’ll gain insights into the man behind the jokes, his values, and the kindness that has defined his interactions with others.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering Jay Leno for the first time, this interview provides a fascinating and personal look at a true icon.
Jay Leno: American comedian and writer who became host of The Tonight Show (1992–2009, 2010–14).
Leno was raised in Andover, Massachusetts. While attending Emerson College in Boston, where he graduated (1972) with a degree in speech therapy, he worked as a stand-up comic in nightclubs. After moving to Los Angeles, he served as the opening act for such entertainers as Johnny Mathis and Tom Jones. Leno debuted on NBC’s The Tonight Show in 1977 and became Johnny Carson’s permanent guest host 10 years later. In 1992 NBC chose Leno over David Letterman to replace the retiring Carson. The selection spawned a rivalry between The Tonight Show and CBS’s Late Show with David Letterman, which competed in the same time slot.
Despite the controversy, Leno soon earned a reputation for his cordial, easygoing manner, strong work ethic, and knack for connecting with his audience. He gave The Tonight Show a trendy, casual image, with edgier musical acts and new comedy segments, including “Jaywalking,” in which people on the street were asked basic questions that they often answered incorrectly, and “Headlines,” which showcased funny newspaper headlines from around the country. Under Leno’s leadership, the program garnered four Emmy Awards (1995–97; 1999), and Leno was awarded numerous accolades, including a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame in 2000. By 2008 the show was attracting more than five million nightly viewers, nearly one and a half times as many as its nearest rival, the Late Show.
