Jay Leno: What’s Behind Injury Rumors?

After Jay Leno (74) was injured in several accidents in recent years, rumors began circulating that the comedian and presenter may have been attacked by the mafia because of gambling debts. Leno reacted humorously to the speculation. “Well, I like the idea that they wouldn’t just take one of my cars for the gambling debts,” he joked to podcast host Bill Maher (68) in the episode.

The rumors are unfounded, as he explained – the 74-year-old simply doesn’t enjoy gambling. “I don’t gamble. If I lose $100, I feel dumber than if I win $1,000. Because I think, ‘I could have taken my wife out to dinner,'” Leno said.

After clearing up the rumors, Leno remembered the beginning of his career – and an encounter with a mafia member. After a performance at a comedy club, a man came up to him and gave him $100. “I said, ‘Oh, thanks. Look, I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but you know, give it to the church or something… I’m okay, but thanks.’ And he says to me, ‘You know, you’re a smart boy. You don’t take money from people like me.’ And no one ever bothered me again,” Leno said.

The 74-year-old recently caused a stir with several accidents. In 2022, Leno suffered severe burns in an incident in a garage. “I’m okay,” he assured at the time. He only needs “a week or two to get back on his feet.” After the accident, Leno had to undergo several skin transplants.

A few months later, in January 2023, the ex-late night talk star reported a motorcycle accident. “I have a broken collarbone. I have two broken ribs. I have two broken kneecaps. But I’m fine,” said Leno in an interview at the time.

Last November, he fell down a hill and hit his head on a rock. “I broke my wrist, lost a fingernail and am black and blue all over,” Leno revealed. However, he does not have to fear any consequential damage. “It’ll be okay, I’m not worried.”