Jay Leno, the iconic former host of The Tonight Show, faced a string of devastating events in the latter part of 2022, leaving him grappling with significant physical hardships. The ordeal began with a harrowing incident involving a car fire in his Los Angeles garage, resulting in severe second and third-degree burns. Leno endured a grueling nine-day stay at the Grossman Burn Center for intensive treatment.
But fate wasn’t finished testing the 73-year-old comedian. Shortly after, he was involved in a motorcycle accident that left him with two cracked ribs and a shattered collarbone. Despite these painful setbacks, Leno’s resilience shone through as he continued to pursue his career, hosting shows like Jay Leno’s Garage and the NBC game show You Bet Your Life.
During an exclusive interview at the premiere of Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge, Leno opened up about retirement, revealing his unwavering determination to press on until health issues, particularly the threat of a stroke, forced him to step back. He firmly stated, “That’s when you retire when you have your stroke,” showcasing his remarkable resolve to overcome adversity and soldier on.
Reflecting on the car fire ordeal, Leno candidly acknowledged the occupational hazards inherent in his passion for working on cars, emphasizing the severity of the accident. Despite enduring skin grafting procedures and hyperbaric chamber sessions to aid in his recovery, Leno opted to forgo painkillers, viewing their use as a tangible reminder of his brush with disaster and a means of staying grounded in reality.
Throughout his arduous journey to recovery, Leno found solace in the unwavering support of his loved ones, including gestures of kindness from notable friends like John Travolta, Tom Selleck, and Russell Crowe. The overwhelming outpouring of love underscored Leno’s profound impact and the depth of the friendships he has forged over his illustrious career.