American talk show icon Jay Leno (72) had to undergo skin grafts on his face and hands after a serious accident. Another surgery is scheduled for this week, treating physician Peter Grossman said on Wednesday. The condition of the former moderator of the “Tonight Show” is “good”. He runs around again and “tears jokes”.
The 72-year-old is currently being treated at a burn clinic in Los Angeles. Leno suffered second- and possibly third-degree burns last Sunday when a car caught fire in his Los Angeles garage. The self-proclaimed car enthusiast, who has a large collection of rare and expensive cars and motorcycles, was lying under the vehicle at the time of the accident.
“I am okay”
After the accident, Leno said, “I’m fine. I just need a week or two to get back on my feet.” However, Grossman warned on Wednesday that the recovery is likely to take more time. The progression of burns is difficult to predict, Grossman said. But he assumes that Leno will “make a full recovery”.
The stand-up comedian took over the legendary talk show “The Tonight Show” from moderator Johnny Carson on NBC in 1992. He hosted the show on a hiatus until 2014, when he was succeeded by comedian Jimmy Fallon. Starting the following year, he hosted the “Jay Leno’s Garage” auto show.
(AFP)