UPDATED 12/13, 10 p.m. ET: Jay Leno is opening up about the recent accident that left him with severe burns on his face and body.
In an interview with People magazine, Leno detailed the incident, which took place in November while the legendary comedian/late night host was working underneath an antique car alongside his friend Dave Killackey.
“It felt exactly like my face was on fire,” Leno shared. “Maybe like the most intense sunburn you’ve ever had, that’d be fair to say.”
The 72-year-old added, “I’m not a panicky guy, but I knew if I breathed in I could scorch my lungs. I was under the car maybe 10 seconds before Dave pulled me out. Any longer than that I could have lost my eye.”
“I know how bad it could have been,” Leno admitted. “But I’m okay. And I’m sure I’ll continue to do the same stupid things I’ve always done. Just maybe a little bit more carefully!”
UPDATED 11/16, 8:43 p.m. ET: Jay Leno’s doctor has provided an encouraging update on the comedian’s recovery.
According to TMZ, Dr. Peter Grossman of the Grossman Burn Center in West Hills, California confirmed Leno was in good condition after suffering a mix of second-degree and possibly third-degree burns. The doctor told reporters Wednesday that the 72-year-old has already had one surgery and will undergo another by the end of the week.
“He’s Jay Leno, he’s walking around, he’s cracking jokes,” Grossman said during a press conference, as reported by CNN. “His injuries are serious, his condition is good. I do anticipate him making a full recovery.”
Leno was reportedly burned on his face, hands, and chest while working on his 1907 White Steam Car over the weekend. He told TMZ he was fixing a clogged fuel line when gasoline fire erupted in his Burbank garage. He told the outlet his injuries could’ve been much worse if it weren’t for his friend Dave, who immediately jumped on him to smother the flames.
See original story below.
Jay Leno has suffered serious burns to his face following a car fire at his garage in Los Angeles.
As reported by TMZ, the former The Tonight Show host was taken to a hospital’s burn center on Sunday when one his cars burst into flames. According to sources close to the situation, he was burned across the left side of his face. The fire allegedly did not penetrate his eye or ear. He’s currently being held at the burn ward at Grossman Burn Center, but his current condition is unclear.
“I got some serious burns from a gasoline fire. I am ok. Just need a week or two to get back on my feet,” Leno said in a statement that was provided to Variety.
The report comes not long after the 72-year-old canceled a scheduled appearance at a financial conference in Las Vegas due to a “serious medical emergency,” per People. “His family was not able to provide us very many details, but there was a very serious medical emergency that is preventing Jay from traveling,” read an email sent to Forum 2022 attendees. “All we know is that he is alive, so our prayers go out to him and his family tonight.”
Leno has canceled his engagements for the remainder of the week. He has been forthcoming about his health after he revealed he suffered a blockage in his heart during a 2019 video. He said that he had dangerously high cholesterol, and encouraged the public to get routine check-ups.
Following his departure from The Tonight Show, Leno has hosted his motoring show Jay Leno’s Garage, which would frequently feature big-name guests. The seventh season of the show concluded last month, and saw him joined by the likes of Jamie lee Curtis, Elon Musk, Brie Larson, and President Joe Biden.
