Leno was born in New Rochelle, New York on April 28, 1950. His mother, Catherine (n����¯�¿�½������©e Muir), a filmmaker, was born in Greenock, Scotland, and came to the United States at age 31. Her schooling was limited and as a result she prized her children's success. His father, Angelo Leno, who worked in show business, was born in New York to immigrants from Flumeri, Italy.[2] Leno grew up in Andover, Massachusetts, and although his high school guidance counselor recommended that he drop out of high school, Jay not only graduated but went on to receive a bachelor's degree in speech therapy from Emerson College, in 1987. He also attended Bentley College in Waltham, Massachusetts, but did not like it. Leno's siblings include his late brother Patrick, who was a veteran.[3]
As Leno was growing up he used to say that he would take over Johnny Carson's job, which Leno eventually did. Early in his career Leno did commercials for Doritos brand tortilla chips. In the late 1970s, he was the warm-up act for Johnny Mathis, Tom Jones and John Denver. He replaced Johnny Carson as host of The Tonight Show in 1992, after having been a regular substitute host for Carson since 1987.[4] Leno has continued to perform as a stand-up comedian throughout his tenure on The Tonight Show.
In 2004, Leno signed a contract extension with NBC which would keep him as host of The Tonight Show until 2009.[5] Later in 2004, however, Conan O'Brien signed a contract with NBC under which O'Brien would become the host of The Tonight Show in 2009, replacing Leno at that time.[6] Because Leno's show continues to lead all late-night programming in the Nielsen ratings, the pending expiration of Leno's contract has led to speculation about whether he will become a late-night host for another network after his commitment to NBC expires.[7] Leno's last Tonight Show is scheduled for May 29, 2009.[8] NBC has made offers to Leno to stay with the network after he hands off The Tonight Show to O'Brien, but he's weighing his options.[9]
During an August 1, 2007, interview with CNN journalist Anderson Cooper on The Tonight Show, Leno confirmed that he is dyslexic.[citation needed] He has been married since 1980 to Mavis Leno. He has no children.
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