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Jay Leno is born
Jay Leno is born in New Rochelle, New York, to parents Catherine and Angelo. -
Moves to Los Angeles
Inspired by a stand up comedian on TV, Jay Leno decided that if he wanted his career to grow, he would have to move out of Boston and to LA. -
Graduates from College
Jay Leno graduates from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. -
Makes First Television Appearance
On the Tonight Show, Jay Leno makes his first TV appearance, alongside current host at the time, Johnny Carson. -
Guest Hosts
For the first time, Jay Leno guest hosts, The Tonight Show -
Becomes a Permanent Host
Jay Leno becomes a permanent host of The Tonight Show -
Receives a Star
Jay Leno receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame -
Publishes a Children's Book
Jay Leno publishes a children's book called, If Roast Beef Could Fly, and it soon became a best seller. -
Extends Contract
Jay Leno signs a $100 million, five-year contract with NBC -
Averages 5.8 Million Viewers
Jay Leno averages an outrageous 5.8 million viewers on The Tonight Show, compared to David Letterman's 4.3 million viewers -
Announces Plans on Retirement
Jay Leno announces his plans to retire from the Tonight Show in 2009 -
Announces New Show
NBC announces that Jay Leno would be returning with a new show called, The Jay Leno Show -
Ends the Tonight Show
Jay Leno hans over the reigns of The Tonight Show to new host, Conan O'Brien
