After 22 years, Jay Leno’s incredible run as host of “The Tonight Show” is coming to an end Thursday night. I was fortunate enough to be a guest on the show twice, Feb. ’11 and ’12, talking movies and giving my Oscar predictions.
These were two of the best nights of my career as a critic. Before my first appearance Jay stopped by my dressing room prior to the show in his trademark denim shirt and jeans. We chatted for a little while about the year in movies, and about his animation voice work. He told me he love doing voice-overs because he gets to go to work in his PJs. I had him sign my”Jay Limo” diecast from “Cars” after the show.
Bandleader Rickey Minor also paid a visit before the show, and took me back to his office (which was also his music studio) where he played the “walk-out song” he was going to use that night for my introduction. He composed it himself – an original song – with some inspiration from the theme I was using on TV at the time. What a thrill! And while I didn’t actually hear it walking out, live, when Jay introduced me (I was concentrating on not tripping over the steps that lead to the stage), I listened to it later that night and will never forget it.
Being on that famous set with Jay and the celebrities I got to meet and share the couch with was simply amazing. The delightful Emily Blunt appreciated how much I liked “Gnomeo & Juliet”, and the lovely Meredith Vieira was interested in my future as a film critic. Both of them could not have been nicer.
But my greatest memories will be of Jay – how friendly and supportive he was during both of my visits. I got the “star treatment”. And he’s become a great friend over the past few years, along with being a true TV icon and an inspiration to all those getting into the business.
As for “The Tonight Show” – it will never be the same. Jay made sure that you never knew what to expect – from the monologues to the skits to the interviews to the musical guests. “Headlines” on Mondays became a “must-watch” event. “Jaywalking” – always a classic. Leno will certainly be missed by the viewing nation. He was #1 in late night for a reason – he was the best. New host Jimmy Fallon should do fine, but it’ll be a completely different show.
Jay says he won’t do another late night talk show and I believe him. But don’t be surprised if he appears somewhere on our TV screens again very soon. The camera is tough to say goodbye to, and the guy simply loves to work.
All I can say is: Jay – Best wishes and thanks for the laughs and the memories.