Here's to Jay!
Here's to Jay!NBC15 Blog Listing
Here's to Jay!
Topic Author: John Stofflet
Posted: 5:56 PM May 29, 2009
Replies Posted: 8 comments
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When Jay Leno took over for Johnny Carson in 1992, I was lucky enough to spend the day with him at the Tonight Show.    Of the hundreds of celebrities I've met and interviewed, Leno is genuinely one of the nicest guys in show biz.   

Jay let us follow him with a camera for an entire day, including in make-up, where he made plenty of jokes about the extra powder they have to order for his big chin.   He then blew us away when he told us we could stand behind the Tonight Show curtain with him as he walked through at the top of the show to do his monologue.   I'll always remember him turning to the camera, as the announcer said "Jay Leno!", and Jay saying, "Well, fellas, it's time for me to go to work."   He then walked through the curtain to do his monologue. 

A couple of years later, Jay was visiting our station in Seattle, when a fan ran up to him and asked him to record a new answering machine message for him.  Without missing a beat, Jay happily said, "What's your name?"  The man answered: "Kevin" (or something, like that).    Leno pushed the tape recorder button and said, "This is Jay Leno.  Kevin can't take your call right now.  He's out annoying people. Leave a message after the beep." 

Now, I don't know a lot of stars who would be that accommodating to a fan who ran up to them...but Jay is that kind of guy.  I'm glad he'll still be on our airwaves in September with his prime time show at 9 p.m.   

I also get a kick out of Conan, whom my daughter and I really enjoyed watching in person a couple of years ago in New York City.  Watch for the promos on our airwaves where Conan butchers my last name.

So, do you like Jay Leno?  Conan?  What do you think of the plan to move Conan to Jay's "Tonight Show" slot, and Jay to 9:00 p.m.?

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Posted by: Paul Location: Madison
When Jay left late night, Letterman became my new after-the-news TV show. Sorry NBC, but Conan's just not funny. He's quirky (in a bad way) and generally annoying. And, no, I'm not old!

Posted by: G Location: Madison
Conan is an upgrade.

Posted by: Eric Location: Sun Prairie
Yeah, I'm kinda sad to see Jay leave, but at least he won't be gone entirely. I'll certainly miss Headlines, the "Smit-Co products", and Jaywalking. I DEFINITILY WON'T miss Ross the Intern...never liked his segments nor found them remotely funny. I'm a fan of Conan too, so I'll still watch the Tonight Show with my usual regularity. I like what Conan's done so far and I'm glad to see he kept his old band and theme. At least NBC's giving Conan the summer to establish himself before bringing Jay back.

Posted by: Kelli Location: Madison
Ha Ha... I heard the commercial where Conan mis-pronounced your name. Very funny. I will miss Jay-walking, headlines, Kevin and the band, and Jay's clever monologues. I've never been much of a Conan fan.... so I think my Tonight Show days are over. Just glad that I'll still be able to watch Jay.

Posted by: cassie Location: madison
I like both, but I'm more partial to Conan. I feel like giving Jay his primetime show might slow Conan's momentum and kind of undermine his debut on the Tonight Show. But, we'll see how things turn out as time goes on, I guess.

Posted by: Malia Location: Facebook
I just got done watching Jay..That show was halarious!Cant wait till Sept.

Posted by: A Location: Madison, WI
I, too, love Jay, Ross the Intern & Jay-Walking. Jay seems so down-to-earth and like he is genuinely a good guy. I look forward to seeing what Jay's new show entails and also how well Conan can do on the Tonight Show. I have never been a Conan fan but will give him a chance to change my mind.

Posted by: Jay all the way! I'm gonna miss that guy! I especially LOVE Ross the Intern! I catch myself giggling HYSTERICALLY when Ross would be out on the Red Carpet and other events. Then Jay-Walking! Too funny!

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