Jay Leno

Michael Phelps: These Are the 'Best Weeks of My Life'

Originally posted 09/09/2008 08:55AM

After a party-filled weekend in Las Vegas and schmoozing with the stars at the Video Music Awards, Michael Phelps appeared mellow and relaxed Monday night on NBC's Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

He's certainly been keeping busy since his eight-gold-medal performance in Beijing. "I walked down the red carpet with Kid Rock and L'il Wayne was right in front of me," Phelps, 23, said of his MTV experience. "These have probably been the best weeks of my life."

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•  | Filed Under: Jay Leno, Michael Phelps

Credit: Everett

Tributes

Ben Stiller, Jay Leno Pay Tribute to George Carlin

Originally posted 06/23/2008 03:35PM

George Carlin – who once wryly wondered, "Why do they lock gas station bathrooms? Are they afraid someone will clean them?" – is being mourned by fellow comedians such as Ben Stiller and Jay Leno, not only for being a groundbreaker in entertainment but an individual of great honor.

"George Carlin was a hugely influential force in stand-up comedy," Stiller, 42, said in a statement. "He had an amazing mind, and his humor was brave, and always challenging us to look at ourselves and question our belief systems, while being incredibly entertaining. He was one of the greats and he will be missed."

Carlin, 71, died Sunday of heart failure.

Staff members of Saturday Night Live and David Letterman's Late Show are said to devastated by the loss, a former associate of both programs tells PEOPLE.

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•  | Filed Under: Ben Stiller, George Carlin, Jay Leno

Credit: Margaret Norton/NBC

Jay Leno Apologizes for Remarks to Ryan Phillippe

Originally posted 04/01/2008 05:20PM

Jay Leno apologized Tuesday for on-air remarks he made during a chat with Ryan Phillippe that were then criticized by gay activists and others.

"In talking about Ryan's first role, I realize that what I said came out wrong," the host of NBC's Tonight Show said in a statement to PEOPLE. "I certainly didn't mean any malice. I agree it was a dumb thing to say, and I apologize."

Last week, while talking with Phillippe (whose appearance was keyed to his new movie Stop-Loss), Leno, 57, said to the actor, "Can you give me, like – say that camera is your gay lover ..." (Phillippe's first role was as a gay character on a soap opera).

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•  | Filed Under: TV News, Jay Leno, Ryan Phillippe

Credit: Margaret Norton/NBC

Writers Guild: Jay Leno Violated Rules

Originally posted 01/03/2008 06:50PM

The Writers Guild is not laughing about Jay Leno's return to NBC's Tonight Show Wednesday night.

"A discussion took place today between Jay Leno and the Writers Guild to clarify to him that writing for The Tonight Show constitutes a violation of the Guilds' strike rules," the Guild said in a statement Thursday.

Although Leno isn't using any writers, he's listed as one of the show's scribes and is a member of the WGA.

David Letterman and his company, Worldwide Pants, struck a deal with the WGA to allow the writers to come back to work. Leno's show, which is owned by NBC, is subject to different negotiations.
– Karen Salkin

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Credit: Paul Drinkwater/NBC

Tonight Show Pondering Guest Hosts During Strike

Originally posted 11/12/2007 05:00PM

With Jay Leno honoring the writers strike picket line, producers are pondering guest hosts

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