After decades in the spotlight as a late-night TV host, Jay Leno is preparing for his final chapter. At 74, the car enthusiast—who has narrowly escaped life-threatening accidents twice—has begun making end-of-life arrangements, including a significant donation to an automobile museum.
Following his successful career as a late-night talk show host, Leno continued to pursue his passion through “Jay Leno’s Garage,” a web series that aired on NBC.com from 2015 to 2022. The show now thrives on YouTube, where over 3.7 million subscribers tune in to see Leno’s extensive collection of cars and motorcycles.
In November 2022, Leno suffered severe burns when a fire broke out in his Burbank, California garage. “I got some serious burns from a gasoline fire,” Leno told Variety at the time. “I am OK. Just need a week or two to get back on my feet.” The accident left him with third-degree burns on his face and the loss of his left ear, which was later reconstructed.
Only two months later, Leno faced another misfortune, suffering a broken collarbone, two cracked ribs, and two cracked kneecaps in a motorcycle accident.
Despite these setbacks, one constant in Leno’s life has been his enduring love for his wife, Mavis. Married since 1980, Leno often speaks of Mavis with deep admiration. “I always tell guys when they meet a woman, ‘Marry your conscience. Marry someone who’s the person you wish you could be, and it works out okay,’” he shared with People.
However, after 45 years together, the couple is facing a new challenge. Mavis, now 77, has been diagnosed with dementia, and her condition is rapidly declining.
Continue reading on next page…