Jimmy Fallon

James Thomas Fallon, born September 19, 1974, is an American comedian, television host, actor, singer, writer, and producer, best known for his work in television. He first gained widespread fame as a cast member on NBC's Saturday Night Live (SNL) from 1998 to 2004. He later hosted Late Night with Jimmy Fallon from 2009 to 2014 before becoming the sixth permanent host of The Tonight Show in 2014.

Fallon was born in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York City, to Gloria Feeley and James W. Fallon, and was raised in Saugerties, New York. He attended St. Mary of the Snow and Saugerties High School, where he performed in stage productions and won a comedy contest with a Pee-wee Herman impression. Raised with a strong passion for music and comedy, he began playing guitar at age 13 and regularly listened to The Dr. Demento Show. Fallon attended The College of Saint Rose, studying computer science and later communications, while performing stand-up comedy on weekends. He left college a semester early in 1995 to pursue a comedy career in Los Angeles.

In Los Angeles, Fallon did stand-up at the Improv, took classes with the Groundlings improv troupe, and landed minor screen roles. After an initial unsuccessful audition, he landed a second audition for Saturday Night Live at age 23 and was hired for the 1998–1999 season. On SNL, Fallon became known for his musical impressions, original characters, and celebrity impersonations, including Jerry Seinfeld and Robert De Niro. He was promoted to repertory player in his second season and co-hosted the Weekend Update segment with Tina Fey until leaving the show in 2004.

After SNL, Fallon transitioned to film, starring in the action comedy Taxi (2004) opposite Queen Latifah and the romantic comedy Fever Pitch (2005) alongside Drew Barrymore. Following a quiet period in his film career, NBC selected him to succeed Conan O'Brien as the host of Late Night. Fallon prepared by touring comedy clubs and college campuses for eight months to test new material. Late Night with Jimmy Fallon premiered in March 2009, distinguished by its heavy reliance on music, games, impersonations, and house band The Roots.

In 2014, Fallon departed Late Night to become the sixth permanent host of The Tonight Show. Over his career, he has released two comedy albums, including The Bathroom Wall (2002), and published seven books, mostly aimed at children. In 2009, The College of Saint Rose awarded him a Bachelor of Arts in communications using experiential learning credits for his TV work, along with an honorary doctorate. Fallon's career accolades include four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Grammy Award.