Jay Leno's Last "Tonight Show" (VIDEO)

Jay Leno ended his run as host of the "Tonight Show" Friday, which he began 17 years ago after taking over from Johnny Carson. He was greeted by a large standing ovation from the audience to begin the show, and he concluded the evening by inviting on stage all the children who had been born to people who had met while working on the program (which turned out to be 68!). During his monologue he made sure to thank all the people that had made it possible over the years: "Michael Jackson, Monica Lewinsky and Bill Clinton." And in one of the sweetest lines of the night he talked about how he was proud to be "leaving this dance with the same girl I came in with."

Conan O'Brien, who will be taking over "Tonight Show" duties on Monday, was Leno's final guest. James Taylor was the last musical guest.

Watch a clip of Conan and Jay from the final episode. Scroll down for more details from the AP.

WATCH Jay's final goodnight:

After noting that former Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush were taking part in a joint speaking engagement in Canada, Leno remarked wistfully: "I wish I had one more day."

He didn't refrain from mocking his network although he's moving to NBC's prime-time schedule this fall.

He was offered the chance to buy his dressing-room robe for $40, he quipped, and then gave NBC a sharp dig over its slumping prime-time ratings.

His new show represents a gamble, Leno said: "I'm betting NBC will be around in three months. That's not a given."

Leno also fit in a last shot at O.J. Simpson, another monologue favorite. In cleaning out his office today, the comedian said, "I found O.J.'s knife. I had it the whole time."

He did his now-customary one-liners about the economy, and then paid tribute to Rodney Dangerfield, the routine's inspiration, with old "Tonight" clips. Dangerfield died in 2004.

Leno was ushered on stage with a Jimi Hendrix-flavored version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" played by bandleader Kevin Eubanks, who tried to tell a joke and, to Leno's delight, flubbed it.

A new segment was introduced called "White Trash Theater," which consisted of a clip of a woman trying to drive a man away from her porch by hitting him with a beer bottle and a trash-can lid.

Leno leaves "Tonight" atop the late-night ratings, his run abbreviated by NBC's decision five years ago to create a succession plan that gives "Tonight" to Conan O'Brien.

Comments

[qquest]

Don't like Conan - he tries too hard to be funny and ends up being stupid. Won't be watching..­....

[Wyss]

Time really flies.

[boi]

Can someone explain who only white men control night talk shows? And WHY IN HELL DIDN'T JAY INTRODUCE THE BAND THAT HAS BEEN WITH HIM FOR 17 YEARS? Go figure. I always felt his relationship to band leader Eubanks and members hinted of condescencion and racism.

[rejoiceinit]

I love Conan, but with that lame Andy Richter I am not confident about how well his show will do. Jimmy Fallon has been a nice surprise and though he is rusty, I think he'll definitely just get better with time.Jay is a great interviewer; and his sensibilites were just right for the show--which is why he was so successful­...He'll beat Conan again I predict.

[Clayton139]

I can't, won't watch Conan.

I'll keep David Letterman and Craig Ferguson !

[mezz]

I still don't understand why Letterman didn't get the Tonight show. Apparently talent is irrelevant . Dave is a comedy genius, Jay is is a 'yes man' who did what he was told. It makes me sad.

[keerod76]

I'll miss Jay. He was corny and wee-bit predictable but like like a milkshake he was easy to digest.

http://balmer.typepad.com/keithsmooth/
Comedy, Sports, & Pop Culture

[timmmahhhh]

I like Jay very much as a person but I always felt his Tonight Show was just too scripted. So I'm a Letterman fan as I get a kick out of his nonchalance and more freeform attitude. But I have been watching lately and I did enjoy it more in this last year, a little less scripted than in the past. Just my two cents - if you prefer Jay I respect that.

I would had preferred that Conan stay in New York at the same studio. I think with his history as an SNL writer and the traditional sound of the Max Weinberg 7 that show belongs in New York.

And I have to agree with MagicalPos­sibilities - Ferguson is incredible, the quickest wit in the business. And the reason for my insomnia.

[Diane Clehane]

I've always liked Leno -- he's one of the nicest celebs I've ever interviewed. His last show was a class act and I thought that was a very sweet gesture at the close of his show to give the viewers a glimpse of the Tonight Show 'family.' I hope he does well in prime time.

[mudshark12]

This may blow up in NBC's face, there is a saying "if it works, don't fix it."

[susane07]

Thanks Jay for recognizing the hard work of all your employees and their unions over the year. Can't wait to see you back on at 10:00.

I like Conan but don't know if he'll adapt to the west coast and if I'll like him if he does. Letterman and Fallon leave somthing to be desired (something like comedy).

[MagicalPossibilities]

The best late night host is Craig Ferguson. Of course I only see him on the Internet as I do not have TV.

[popart]

just me i guess..nev­er was a Leno fan.

[Wcleaver]

I love Conan! Now this show will much livelier and funnier than ever.
Bye Jay, I'm sure you are a nice person, however I found you quite boring.

[TomTheAlmostUgly]

There is no justice. Jay is gone, but we're still stuck with our OLD pal Dave.