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Jay Leno’s Memorable Feuds and Achievements Through the Years

Explore Jay Leno's 'Tonight Show' controversy, heated feuds with Letterman and the career milestones that defined his years in comedy

Leno largely refrained from commenting on Stern over the years, but did reveal on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in 2019 that he wasn’t willing to feud publicly with the former America’s Got Talent judge. Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesNBC wanted to avoid more trouble with its Tonight Show line of succession at all costs, so in 2004, it signed Late Night host O’Brien to a new five-year contract that stipulated he would take over for Leno in 2009. Snorlax / MEGAThe comedian kept busy after leaving The Tonight Show by hosting automotive series Jay Leno’s Garage on CNBC and continuing to perform live comedy.

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