Jay Leno, 67, is an American comedian and television host. He did stand-up comedy prior to hosting “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”
It was in the early 90s and I was in my late teens, dating a 20-something aspiring guitar player who was adorned in long hair and sporting the “rock ‘n roll” image. We spent our Friday nights walking around the trendy areas of Los Angeles or the San Fernando Valley in California. We would frequent the 24-hour news racks at the corners of Van Nuys and Ventura Boulevards, not far from Hollywood.
One night we were at the news racks when a classic car pulled up. The driver started the owner of the magazine stand — it was the “new” host of “The Tonight Show,” Jay Leno.
My boyfriend, who was a big fan of Harley Davidson motorcycles and filled with fantasies of owning one someday, decided to buy a Harley magazine. He went to pay, started counting out his change for the purchase, but was 76 cents short. Slightly embarrassed and about to put the magazine back and slink away, Jay Leno told him, “I’ll cover the cost.” Then he turned to the owner and said, “How’s he gonna get a bike when he can’t even afford the magazine?” My then-boyfriend excitedly thanked Jay and was rather impressed that he had been insulted by such as great comedian.
Rebecca Blanchard, Colorado Springs, member of Mountain View Electric