The iconic former host of The Tonight Show, Jay Leno, faced a series of unfortunate events in the latter part of 2022, leading to a cascade of health challenges that tested his resilience. The 73-year-old comedian and car enthusiast encountered not one but two significant incidents that left him with various injuries.
The initial setback occurred a year earlier when Leno, passionate about restoring antique cars, found himself in the midst of a devastating car fire in his Los Angeles garage. The incident resulted in severe second and third-degree burns, compelling him to undergo a nine-day treatment at the prestigious Grossman Burn Center in West Hills.
However, fate seemed unrelenting as Leno, known for his unyielding spirit, faced another misfortune. This time, he suffered two cracked ribs and a shattered collarbone in a motorcycle accident. Despite these setbacks, Leno, undeterred, continued to host shows such as Jay Leno’s Garage and the NBC game show You Bet Your Life.
In an exclusive interview during the premiere of Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge, Leno addressed questions about his retirement plans. The seasoned host expressed his unwavering commitment to continue his career, resolutely rejecting the idea of retirement unless unforeseen circumstances, like a stroke, intervened. He stated emphatically, “That’s when you retire when you have your stroke.”
Leno’s determination to persist in his chosen path until health constraints compelled him showcased his remarkable fortitude. As he recovered from the recent incidents, he wasted no time returning to his passions, including getting back behind the wheel and making appearances at the sites of his unfortunate accidents.
A testament to his resilience and popularity, Leno received a warm welcome at the Comedy Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, California, where he made a triumphant return to the stage before a sold-out crowd.
Reflecting on the car fire incident, Leno acknowledged the occupational hazards of working with cars but emphasized that the scale of this catastrophe surpassed most incidents. Recounting the moment when he realized the danger of the fire, he said, “I knew how close I was to the pilot light, and I thought, ‘Uh oh.’”
Enduring two challenging skin grafting procedures during his hospital stay, Leno opted to forgo painkillers, considering them a painful reminder of his judgment error. The comedian’s family and famous friends, including John Travolta, Tom Selleck, and Russell Crowe, expressed their love and support during his time in the burn center.
Leno’s wife, Mavis, shared touching gestures from these influential figures, highlighting the depth of friendship cultivated over the course of their illustrious lives. The couple was deeply moved by the outpouring of devotion from their circle during this challenging period.
