Jay Leno

Jay Leno hosted The Tonight Show with Jay Leno for a combined 22 years, establishing himself as one of the most successful late-night hosts in television history. After his first two seasons, Leno never lost a ratings year at the desk.

But late-night television was only part of Leno’s career. Stand-up comedy has remained his first love, and he continues to perform live for audiences across the country and around the world.

Today, audiences also know Leno as the host of Jay Leno’s Garage, his Emmy-winning digital series with an international following. Throughout his career, Leno has received numerous honors, including the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

And in Newark, there is a unique connection to one of those honors. Hal Holbrook, the Denison University alumnus who portrayed Mark Twain on Broadway for more than half a century, is commemorated in bronze on a park bench just outside The Midland’s front doors. Holbrook’s statue sits only steps from where Leno will perform.

Two Mark Twain honorees. One address.