Jay Leno: Following Carson, Building A Brand The Tonight Show

Jay Leno: Following Carson, Building A Brand.

Jay Leno, host of the Tonight Show.

This presentation on The Tonight Show is an insider’s look at the unpredictable career of the fourth host of  Tonight .  Following Stave Allen, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson was a brash and wildly ambitious comic named Jay Leno. Johnny Carson’s last week on the Tonight Show was a very emotional one.  The country had loved Carson and Tonight.  When Jay Leno left the stage in 2014, the reaction was different.  Although his ratings were solid, the country did not love Jay Leno.  In this installment of our popular series on the history of Tonight, we will explore what forces shaped Leno.  We will examine his rise through show business and the controversial ways he has twice become the host of the Tonight Show. Jay Leno has carefully cultivated a controlled image as the “Nicest Guy In Hollywood.” The closer you look behind the curtain, you realize Jay Leno is not quite as nice as he seems.  The battle for control of the Tonight Show brought out the worst in Leno and left many broken relationships in its wake. We’ll learn the behind the scenes story of Jay Leno, enjoy many film clips and gain a greater perspective on Leno’s role in American Culture.  

Please note: this event is offered through Harper College and registration is required.