New Rochelle in Westchester County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Jay Leno
You cannot be mad at somebody who makes you laugh
| | New Rochelle Walk of Fame | |
Late-night television host Jay Leno began is show-business career as a standup comedian. He performed his comedy routines around the country making as many as 300 appearances a year. Eventually, he procured a spot as guest host of the popular late-night program the Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson. With Carson's retirement from the show, Leno stepped in as his successor, beating out other contenders including David Letterman. Soon dubbed the "King of Late Night" by the media, Leno's Tonight Show began topping late-night television ratings in 1995 and became a dominant force by the late 1990s.
Born James Douglas Muir Leno in 1950 in New Rochelle, Jay Leno was the son of an Italian-American father and a Scottish mother whom he claims had a "Gracie Allen type of humor."
He grew up in a house still located at 69 Leland Avenue. He attended Trinity School before his family moved to Massachusetts in 1959 but his relatives remained in New Rochelle. His uncle, Anthony, started the popular establishment Leno's Clam Bar on Pelham Road (although that side of the family pronounces the name "Leeno"). He apparently has always
this page online
A car enthusiast, Jay has owned approximately 190 vehicles, about 90 of which are motorcycles. He hosts a website titled Jay Leno's Garage, and his column in Popular Mechanics showcases his collection and gives advice about various automotive topics. He also writes articles for The Sunday Times, reviewing high-end sports cars and giving his humorous take on automotive matters.
Jay Leno is well known for his philanthropy. He won Emmy Awards in 1995 and 2011, and has been nominated numerous times. He has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Erected by City of New Rochelle, NY; New Rochelle Downtown Business District.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Entertainment • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1995.
Location. 40° 54.616′ N, 73° 46.959′ W. Marker is in New Rochelle, New York, in Westchester County. It is on Lawton Street south of Huguenot Street (U.S. 1), on the right
Regionally, this marker is in the Hudson Valley and in the New York City Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Nell Brinkley (here, next to this marker); Henry Heimlich (here, next to this marker); Lillian & Dorothy Gish (here, next to this marker); Reginald Marsh (here, next to this marker); Claire Trevor (here, next to this marker); Fritz Pollard (here, next to this marker); Mariano Rivera (here, next to this marker); New Rochelle in the NFL (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Rochelle.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 155 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 20, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
