Jay Leno To Pass Torch To Conan O' Brien
May 14 2009, Published 2:00 p.m. ET
Tonight Show host Jay Leno says that the final guest to grace his couch on his final episode May 29 would be the man who will take over as host, Conan O' Brien.
"I'm glad it's going to be Conan taking over. It couldn't go to a better person," Leno, who has hosted the Tonight Show since 1992, said Thursday. "We're friends. It's a peaceful transition of power. There's no bloodshed here."
The transition is notably smoother than the one 17 years ago when the late Johnny Carson did little to endorse the incoming host of the Tonight Show, even appearing on rival David Letterman's show at the time.
Other guests announced for Leno's final week include California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, actor/director Mel Gibson, and comedian Billy Crystal (who was Leno's very first guest in 1992).
The Monday following Leno's departure, O' Brien will take over as the host of the Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon will slide into O' Brien's spot, while Leno will begin working on his new primetime comedy for NBC.
(Photos: WENN)
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