Jay Leno at The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize Tribute Concert at DAR Constitution Hall on March 4, 2020 in Washington, DC.
Shannon Finney | Getty Images
Jay Leno is recovering from severe burns after a car fire in Los Angeles over the weekend, the 72-year-old comedian and former “Tonight Show” host announced.
“I suffered severe burns from a gasoline fire. I’m fine. I just need a week or two to get back on my feet,” Leno said in a statement to NBC News Monday. He had been in the hospital since Monday afternoon.
Leno, who hosts TBEN’s “Jay Leno’s Garage,” was working Saturday in his Los Angeles garage when a flash fire accidentally started in one of his cars. He is also known for his large collection of classic and high-end vehicles.
Leno was taken to the Grossman Burn Center in West Hills after flames burned the left side of his face but did not penetrate his eyes or ear, a person close to Leno told NBC News. He canceled a performance in Las Vegas scheduled for Sunday night, as well as all of his engagements for the duration of the week.
Leno is “well physically” but confirmed there is “some damage” to the comedian, a person close to Leno told NBC.
The comedian hosted “The Tonight Show” for more than three decades before handing the reins over to Jimmy Fallon for good in 2014. The first season of TBEN’s “Jay Leno’s Garage” came out in 2015. In 2019, Leno spoke about being diagnosed with a high cholesterol levels and a blockage in his heart.
