Event
Jay Leno
Legendary comedian and former Tonight Show host Jay Leno returns to Artis—Naples for an evening of fast-paced, crowd-pleasing comedy. Known for his razor-sharp wit and affable stage presence, Leno shares his trademark takes on current events, the quirks of everyday life and behind-the-scenes stories from his storied career in Hollywood.
Often called “the hardest working man in show business,” Leno continues to tour extensively, performing over 100 stand-up shows each year while also hosting and producing the long-running CNBC series Jay Leno’s Garage. Whether you know him from late-night television, his bestselling books or his famed car collection, this is a rare opportunity to experience one of America’s most enduring entertainers live on stage.
Jay Leno
Jay Leno
Before Jay Leno became the host of the top-rated The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, he honed his comedy in clubs all over the country, often exceeding 300 dates per year. He opened for the likes of Tom Jones and John Denver and, after moving to Los Angeles, began his career in television and film, both writing behind the scenes and making appearances on shows such as Welcome Back, Kotter and films including American Hot Wax. On March 2, 1977, Leno made his first appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and was named permanent guest host in 1987. While he took over the desk full-time in 1992, Leno never stopped touring on the comedy circuit and still averages over 150 gigs a year.
Leno continues to keep in touch with people by shaking hands and getting "one-on-one" time with audiences all over the country, whether he takes the stage at a small club or at his weekly shows in Vegas. Perhaps this is why he continues to exude the "everyman" style and personality that has helped him earn millions of fans worldwide. He has been touted as one of the nicest people in show business and undeniably the hardest-working — a winning tandem for the man who says, "Anyone can have a life — careers are hard to come by!"
The comedian is not just for grown-ups. Appealing to a younger generation, Leno has authored two New York Times best-selling children's books, How to Be the Funniest Kid in the Whole Wide World (or Just in Your Class) and If Roast Beef Could Fly (both from Simon & Schuster). His other book, Leading with My Chin (from HarperCollins), hit the bookstores in 1998. He also has published four versions of Headlines, the compilation of books and desk calendars featuring his favorite funny newspaper headlines, and Police Blotter, a book with more humorous newspaper clips involving police stories (book proceeds go to various charities).
Leno was born in New Rochelle, New York and raised in Andover, Massachusetts. He and his wife, Mavis, live in Los Angeles. In his spare time, he enjoys working on his collection of classic cars and motorcycles.
