Gregory Robinson
Jay Leno is opening up about the terrifying garage fire which left him with burns on his face and body.
The incident happened on 12 November as he worked in his garage with his friend David Killackey.
The 72-year-old will sit down with NBC journalist Hoda Kotb to discuss what led to the fire as well as his recovery.
In a preview of the interview that will air on NBC News’ Today, the former host of The Tonight Show shares: “It was a 1907 White Steam Car. The fuel line was clogged so I was underneath it. It sounded clogged and I said, ‘Blow some air through the line’, and suddenly, boom, I got a face full of gas.
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“And then the pilot light jumped and my face caught on fire.”
Leno said his friend Killackey was quick to help him when his face caught on fire.
“I said to my friend, I said, ‘Dave, I’m on fire,’ and then, ‘Oh my God’. Dave, my friend, pulled me out and jumped on top of me and kind of smothered the fire."
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Leno was rushed to Grossman Burn Center in West Hills, California where he was treated for third-degree burns. He remained at the facility for 10 days as part of his recovery.
The comedian, writer and actor had ‘relatively serious’ burns which affected ‘approximately seven percent of his body,’ across his chest, face and hands, Dr. Peter Grossman, the director of the medical facility, told NBC last month.
As part of his treatment, Leno had ‘human cadaver skin’ which was used for temporary skin grafts. He will likely have to undergo surgery in the future to further treat his injuries
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Although burn wounds are known to be incredibly painful, Dr. Grossman said Leno appeared to have a ‘very high pain threshold’ and described the comedian as a ‘very stoic individual’ who is also ‘very gracious’ and ‘very friendly’.
After reports emerged about the fire incident, Leno released a statement on 14 November to reassure his fans. “I got some serious burns from a gasoline fire. I am OK. Just need a week or two to get back on my feet,” he said.
He was released from the medical facility on 21 November and was back on stage six days later to perform at the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, California, where he has run a Sunday set since 1978.