Jay Leno, the renowned former host of The Tonight Show, faced a tumultuous period in 2022, marked by two major incidents that left him grappling with various health issues. The first incident occurred when Leno, 73, was involved in a horrific car fire while working on one of his vintage cars in his Los Angeles garage. The accident resulted in severe second and third-degree burns, necessitating a nine-day stay at the esteemed Grossman Burn Center in West Hills.
However, fate seemed determined to test Leno’s resilience further. In another unfortunate incident, he suffered two cracked ribs and a shattered collarbone while riding his motorcycle. Despite these setbacks, Leno’s indomitable spirit remained unwavering, and he continues to host the engaging shows Jay Leno’s Garage and the NBC game show You Bet Your Life.
In a recent interview during the Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge premiere, Leno shared his thoughts on retirement, revealing that he has no intention of slowing down unless compelled by unforeseen circumstances, such as a stroke. His commitment to his craft is evident in his statement, “That’s when you retire – when you have your stroke.” Leno’s remarkable fortitude was on full display as he made a speedy recovery from his recent incidents.
Following his hospitalization, which included skin grafting procedures, Leno wasted no time getting back behind the wheel and even revisiting the sites of his unfortunate accidents. His triumphant return to the stage was met with thunderous applause at the exclusive Comedy Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, California.
Reflecting on the car fire incident, Leno acknowledged the occupational hazards of working with cars, stating, “When you work with cars, you have a lot of accidents.” He recounted the experience, describing the feeling of his face being on fire and comparing it to suffering from the worst possible sunburn.
Leno underwent two challenging skin grafting procedures during his hospital stay, which were necessary to promote the growth of healthier, more youthful skin. He also participated in hyperbaric chamber sessions to enhance tissue oxygenation, a crucial step in the healing process. Notably, Leno chose to abstain from painkillers throughout his ordeal, viewing their use as a painful reminder of his error in judgment and a means to disconnect from his situation.
The outpouring of love and support from Leno’s family and prominent friends was a testament to his profound impact throughout his illustrious career. His devoted wife, Mavis, recalled heartfelt gestures from influential figures in the industry during his time in the burn center. These displays of devotion deeply moved the couple, serving as a poignant reminder of the depth of friendship they had cultivated over the years.
