Former "The Tonight Show" host Jay Leno Honored with "Mark Twain" Prize For 'American Humor'

Former "The Tonight Show" host Jay Leno Honored with "Mark Twain" Prize For 'American Humor'

 At a prestigious ceremony, which was held at the Kennedy Center, the former "The Tonight Show" host Jay Leno was honored for his everlasting contribution to American humor with the much-respected Mark Twain prize. The ceremony was held on Sunday and was well attended by various celebrities ranging from Robert Klein, Jerry Seinfeld, Kristen Chenoweth), J.B. Smoove, Wanda Sykes, Chelsea Handler, Seth Meyers and Kevin Eubanks.

Jay Leno while receiving the award said that he was touched by the respect that the organizers had shown to me by feting him with the award and that it meant a lot to him, personally to be feliciated with the prestigious Mark Twain award.

Noted comedian Jimmy Fallon spoke highly of Jay Leno and revealed that he had learned a lot from his predecessor on "The Tonight Show". He said that Jay was a 'trail-blazing' comedian and an idol, to whom he looked up to, as per USA Today. It ought to be mentioned that Jimmy Fallon replaced Leno on The Tonight Show, when the latter bid adieu to his hosting duties sometime ago.

And on his part, Leno is very gracious of his successor on "The Tonight Show" and added that he had bid adieu to his hosting duties at the noted show, because his time as a host was over. He also revealed that Jimmy Fallon was bringing a new dimension and dynamic to the show, which had the audiences' vote as well.

According to E! Online, Jerry Seinfeld also lauded the comedian and said that Leno is like a mentor to him and a beacon light, as far as his career is concerned. He said that, Leno "really guided my career in so many ways, especially as a standup comedian....I learned how to do this from him. He showed me the way of what I wanted to be-to let your inner crankiness out. That can make good comedy. Entertaining complaining is a lot of what stand-up comedy is about."

Jay Leno fans can rejoice as he is all set to return to the small screen at the CNBC channel with a car series.

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