Saturday, May 30, 2009

Jay Leno hosts last Tonight Show

Jay Leno has bid farewell to The Tonight Show after hosting the US chat show for 17 years.

The 59-year-old took the opportunity to poke fun a final time at his favourite targets including celebrities, current events and politicians.

His final guest was his successor Conan O'Brien, who will take over hosting the show from Monday.

The star ended by asking viewers to "please give Conan as much support as you've given me throughout the years."

Leno told O'Brien during his 3,775th show: "You were the perfect choice. You've been an absolute gentlemen in private and in the press."

The only celebrity guest on the show was singer James Taylor, who performed Sweet Baby James at Leno's request.

During his final monologue, Leno thanked Bill Clinton, George W Bush, Monica Lewinsky and Michael Jackson for giving him "so much material".

After reminiscing briefly about his time as host, Leno said he had an answer to those who asked him about his Tonight legacy.

He then invited the audience to "take a look" at the 68 children who had been born to staff who had worked on the programme over the 17 years.

Leno is due to begin hosting a new show on TV network NBC from September.

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