In the second half of 2022, Jay Leno, the former host of The Tonight Show, faced a series of dramatic events that left him battling multiple health issues.
It all started the previous year when Leno, at 73, suffered severe injuries in a car fire at his Los Angeles home. He was working on one of his beloved vintage cars in his small garage, not knowing that the day would become unforgettable.
The accident caused serious second and third-degree burns, landing him in the hospital for nine days at the renowned Grossman Burn Center in West Hills.
But fate wasn’t finished testing Leno’s resilience.
While riding his motorcycle, he had another accident, breaking his collarbone, cracking two ribs, and suffering other injuries.
Despite these setbacks, Leno’s spirit remained unbroken. He now hosts two exciting shows: NBC’s You Bet Your Life and Jay Leno’s Garage.
At the premiere of Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge, Leno opened up about his eventual plans to step back from public life. He revealed he had no immediate plans to retire until a stroke made him reconsider. “Then you slow down,” he said simply.
He shared his intention to keep working as long as his health allowed, adding, “That’s when you retire, when you have your stroke.” His resilience was clear as he bounced back from these hardships.
After a long hospital stay, where he learned about skin grafting, Leno quickly returned to driving and revisited the sites of his accidents.
He was warmly welcomed back to the stage at the Comedy Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, California, with loud applause from the audience.
One month after the car fire, in an interview, Leno talked about the dangers of working on cars. “Working with cars leads to a lot of accidents,” he said, noting that this incident was particularly severe. He recalled the intense burning sensation on his face, likening it to a severe sunburn.
In the hospital, he underwent two painful skin grafts and participated in hyperbaric chamber sessions to help his skin heal. Remarkably, he chose not to take any painkillers, viewing them as a reminder of his mistakes.
Leno’s fame and influence were clear from the outpouring of support he received from celebrities and friends.
During his recovery, his wife Mavis shared stories of support from notable personalities like Tom Selleck, Russell Crowe, and John Travolta. They showed their support with gestures like sending flowers and gifts. These acts deeply touched the couple, highlighting the strong friendships they had formed over their remarkable lives together.