Jay Leno Returns To The Stage Following Hospital Stay For Burn Injuries

Jay Leno has returned to the stand-up stage just two weeks after he suffered brutal third-degree burns to his hands and face.

Leno drove himself to the sold-out Comedy and Magic Club show in Hermosa Beach, California. Of course, he immediately cracked jokes about his situation with photographers when he arrived outside the venue.

“We got two shows tonight — regular and extra crispy,” he quipped.

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The former Tonight Show host added, “I never thought of myself as a roast comic. Thank! Goodnight.” He grinned.

During his first show back, he joked about the fire, tried out some brand-new jokes and received a standing ovation from overjoyed fans.

On November 12, Leno was working under a car in his garage when a fuel leak and a spark caused a fire. He underwent many hyperbaric chamber sessions and two grafting procedures to treat his serious injuries.

Leno was discharged from the Grossman Burn Center on November 21.

The hospital said in a statement, “Jay will receive follow-up care at the Grossman Outpatient Burn Clinic for burns to his face, chest and hands he received during a fire at his home garage.”

Dr. Peter Grossman noted that he is “optimistic that [Leno] will make a full recovery.”

“Jay would like to let everyone know how thankful he is for the care he received, and is very appreciative of all of the well wishes,” the hospital continued. “He is looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with his family and friends and wishes everyone a wonderful holiday.”

Comedian Arsenio Hall opened the show and gushed about Leno afterward. “Jay is an amazing guy,” he told Entertainment Tonight. “No comic would leave the Grossman Burn Center, and do stand-up Sunday in Hermosa,” he continued. “I lost my big toe nail after someone stepped on my foot at the Super Bowl last year. I canceled three standup dates after that.”

In December, Leno will perform three more shows at the Comedy and Magic Club.