Actor, comedian, and former talk show hostJay Lenowas a late-night television staple for decades.
The former television host and standup comic’s interest in comedy started during his childhood.
And he did; he became one of Hollywood’s highest-paid comedic stars (viaPlayback).
Although Leno loved comedy, he didn’t see it as a career.
Leno recalls his manager coming to him and saying, “Look, you’re a funny guy.
Why don’t you put together a comedy routine for the show?”
To Leno’s surprise, he ended up winning the competition.
His success inspired him to begin a career in the field of comedy.
The comedian’srise to famewas not an easy one.
Throughout his career, Leno juggled multiple jobs.
“You know, when you start making money, you get lazy,” Leno shared withCNBC.
It would go directly into a bank."
His career skyrocketed when he was featured on the “Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.”
“I got heckled my first show [with Johnny Carson,]” Leno tells NPR.
Leno impressed Carson so much that Leno appeared as a guest on the show numerous times.
When Carson retired in 1992, he announced Leno as his successor, beating outDavid Letterman.
