Date Set for Conan O’Brien to Take Over Tonight Show

BEVERLY HILLS, July 22: Late
Night’s Conan O’Brien will succeed
Jay Leno as the host of NBC’s The Tonight Show in June 2009, with Jimmy Fallon stepping into the
spotlight in O’Brien’s place.

The Tonight Show with
Conan O’Brien will debut on
Monday, June 1, 2009, with Leno’s last telecast airing Friday, May 29. O’Brien,
who joined NBC as a writer for Saturday Night Live in 1988, premiered as the host of Late Night
with Conan O’Brien on September
13, 1993. Leno, who began guest-hosting The Tonight Show Starring Johnny
Carson in September 1987, took
over hosting duties of the late-night institution on May 25, 1992.

"The Tonight Show has a remarkable history rich in tradition,” said
Rick Ludwin, the executive VP of late night and prime-time series at NBC
Entertainment. “We're proud of each and every show Jay has shared with America
as we look forward to Conan carrying on that outstanding tradition next year.”

He added: “We also can't
wait for Jimmy to showcase his winning style following Conan. Jay has left his
personal stamp on The Tonight Show
for what will be 17 years. He is enormously creative, generous and
professional."

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski