25 minutes ago 2009-11-24T00:35:35-08:00
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"You know, this is our last show after 17 years - I want to thank all the people that made it possible - Michael Jackson, Monica Lewinksy, Bill Clinton," he told the cheering audience. "Seventeen years. Do you realize when I started this show, my hair was black and the president was white. Did you know that?"
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He continued: "When we started this show 17 years ago, Jon and Kate were both eight!"
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He said he got "nostalgic" driving through the Burbank, Calif., lot for the last time. "We've had the same security guard the whole time, and he said the same thing to me today that he's said for the past 17 years: 'And you are?'" Leno cracked.
He also poked fun at his post-Tonight Show plans:"I'm going to be going to a secluded spot where no one can find me NBC prime time." (Leno has signed on to host a new hour-long comedy show on NBC at the 10 p.m. timeslot in September.)
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Kidding aside, Leno said"the hard part" of leaving is looking back on the momentous events of the past 17 years - including 9/11.
"When times are serious, you make silly jokes," he said. "When times are silly, you make serious jokes. But you always want to have jokes. That's what we've been trying to do for the last 17 years make you laugh. And it's been an honor and a privilege to do that."
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He thanked his fans, writing staff, Kevin Eubanks and his band, the crew and his wife ("Thank you, honey") for all their support over the years.
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On his final show Friday, Leno also officially passed the torch to Conan O'Brien, who will take over hosting duties Monday at a newly built studio at nearby Universal City, Calif.
"You were the perfect choice. You've been an absolute gentlemen in private and in the press," Leno told O'Brien,
"Conan rocks," a studio audience member screamed.
"I agree," Leno replied. "Conan rocks."
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davesPEOPLE, IF YOU CAN'T FIND SOMETHING NICE TO SAY ABOUT A PERSON, PLEASE, DON'T SAY IT AT ALL . MOVE ON.report abuseposted June 28, 2009 6:42 PM PDT
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JPinksConan does not rock; he sucksreport abuseposted June 25, 2009 2:11 PM PDT
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Carl SHow come nobody asked Arsenio to host? You KNOW he has some free time on his hands!report abuseposted June 4, 2009 2:15 PM PDT
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Mrs.EdwardCullen101Obama is what America is all about-- hes half black and half white... he has a wife and two beautiful kids... a dog that doenst shed (we all need one of those) and a great personality and a nice guy.report abuseposted May 31, 2009 3:51 PM PDT
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sirenaObama is Mr. America.report abuseposted May 31, 2009 1:15 PM PDT
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DCObama Blows!report abuseposted May 31, 2009 12:55 PM PDT
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Fortunate SonRead....anonymous in NJ.... First.... Obama stinks! He has NO Class! He's going to wreck the COUNTRY! He's going to blow it -- big time!!!! Then what will America do? Get George to come back to the White House, or try to get McCain away from the Senate? Don't ya think we should at least give Conan a free pass we are giving Barack one.report abuseposted May 31, 2009 12:38 PM PDT
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MezwizAww, I'll miss Jay! He's hysterical and I loved his headlines and Jay-walking segments. I look forward to his new show this fall. His last show was great and best of luck to Conan. Like Conan said on Leno, he has big shoes to fill!report abuseposted May 31, 2009 11:43 AM PDT
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penguins9605Conan is going to make the Tonite Show go down in ratings!!! I tried to watch his show before and after just two or three mins I had to change it or it would have made me extremly dumb. I wish Jay all the best on his new show and I WILL watch his show!!report abuseposted May 31, 2009 5:01 AM PDT
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Anonymous in NJConan stinks! He has NO Class! He's going to wreck the TONIGHT SHOW! He's going to blow it -- big time!!!! Then what will NBC do? Get Jay to come back to the Tonight Show, or try to get Letterman away from CBS?report abuseposted May 30, 2009 5:03 PM PDT
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