There are many stories about Jay Leno‘s ascension to the Tonight Show desk, but if you ask Leno himself, it all comes back to one thing: not quibbling over money.
As the former Johnny Carson guest host–turned–successor remembers it, a failed power play by super-manager Bernie Brillstein directly led to him being named Carson’s permanent guest host.
“I got The Tonight Show because there was another manager that handled everybody that guest-hosted… I think it was Bernie Brillstein,” Leno recalls in a new interview on Marc Summers Unwraps.
“I think he had [David] Brenner and all the guys, Garry [Shandling], everybody. And he calls me and says, ‘We’re going to go as a team, because each of us was guest hosting, and we’re going to ask $25,000 a night to host.’”
Despite assurances that the $25,000 ask would be accepted, Leno opted not to participate in Brillstein’s most-favored-nation approach.
“I said, ‘You know, Bernie, I’m doing it for $512 a night, which is scale,’” Leno recalls telling the manager. “‘I mean, I appreciate it… [but] I’m happy doing it for $512.’”
The comic went on to explain his thinking to Summers, saying he knew Carson would appreciate the restraint.
“I knew Johnny owned the show, and at the end of the month [he’d say], ‘What did we spend on guest hosts? $280,000? And when Leno hosted, $2,500? Why don’t we go with Leno? They’re all getting the same ratings,’” Leno explained. “I mean, it seemed like common sense to me.”
Carson famously gained ownership of The Tonight Show in 1980 following contract renegotiations with NBC. Leno first guest-hosted in 1986, and less than a year later was named permanent guest host. That gig, of course, led to him taking over for Carson in 1992.
Leno added that he relished guest-hosting for Carson. “I enjoyed doing it. Any job I would do for free, I don’t argue about money,” he said. “The sad reality is the worst comedian in America makes more than the best teacher… Don’t worry about it. If you’re any good, you’ll do okay.”
Smart guy Leno! and perfect pick to replace the irreplaceable Carson. Brilliant
Leno is fucking pond scum! Letterman deserved that gig, and Conan after him!
Leno deserves to have his weasel face busted all over with a hockey stick!
Aw c’mon Victor. Don’t hold back. Tell us how you really feel.
Leno will never be a beloved figure! His weaselly ways are why! Not to mention he sucked at the job!
I believe there were other factors at play that got him the show. A pile of em.
A shitpile of em!
I believe that guest hosts (1980’s) were paid twenty-five thousand dollars per week. Jay was smart. He did a great job on his first guest hosted show.
And has sucked donkey balls since!