Lorne Michaels: The Rescuer Behind Jimmy Fallon's NBC Success Story
Jimmy Fallon credits 'SNL' creator Lorne Michaels for rescuing his career at NBC, which had turned 'cold' on him due to two unsuccessful movies Discover how Michaels played a pivotal role in Fallon's rise to success on 'Late Night' and 'The Tonight Show'
Jimmy Fallon, the four-time Emmy winner, is about to embark on his 10th season as the host of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Looking back, he credits Lorne Michaels, the creator of Saturday Night Live, for rescuing his career at NBC over ten years ago. In 1998, Fallon kickstarted his television journey as a cast member on Saturday Night Live. After six successful years, he decided to step away from the show and decline the opportunity to host a late night talk show, prioritizing his acting aspirations instead.
In 2009, Michaels, who was 78 at the time, expressed a desire for Fallon to replace Conan O'Brien as the host of Late Night on NBC. However, Fallon revealed in a podcast discussion with Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver on September 27, that the network was not interested in hiring him. Michaels had admitted to Fallon that "NBC doesn't really want you," and the comedian disclosed that he wasn't even included in their list of potential hosts.
Fallon explained that the network had become disinterested in him as his career had faced setbacks with two unsuccessful movies. After his time on SNL, Fallon starred in the 2004 action comedy film Taxi, alongside Queen Latifah, Gisele Bündchen, Jennifer Esposito, and Ann-Margret. The following year, he appeared in the romantic comedy Fever Pitch, alongside Drew Barrymore. Unfortunately, neither of these films performed well at the box office. However, Michaels eventually managed to convince the executives to reconsider their decision.
“I believe Lorne expressed, ‘Look, I have collaborated with Jimmy before. He demonstrates tremendous dedication and will excel in this role. It's either you work with Jimmy or I won't be a part of it,’” remarked Fallon. “Or words to that effect. He genuinely advocated for me and completely transformed my life.”
Lorne Michaels successfully convinced NBC to hire Jimmy Fallon as the host of Late Night. Fallon held this position from March 2009 to February 2014 before securing his current role on The Tonight Show.
Fallon acknowledges that his wife, Nancy Juvonen, played a pivotal role in persuading him to embrace the Late Night position, which he took on in 2007 upon their marriage.
"[She told me], 'You must accept this job. You belong to a very exclusive group of individuals who have had this opportunity: David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, and now you. And truthfully, it's an incredible achievement,'" Fallon recounted. Additionally, Fallon shared his recollection of Michaels initially proposing the idea of him hosting a talk show in 2004.
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After leaving [SNL], [Michaels] approached me about the possibility of hosting a talk show. I initially declined, stating that I didn't think it was something I wanted to pursue. However, I did express that if he were to ask me again in six years and I was still in the industry, I would consider it.
Now,
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Fallon is gearing up for the commencement of the latest season of The Tonight Show on Monday, October 2nd, right after the conclusion of the writer’s strike. This notable milestone will highlight his unbroken 15-year tenure as the host of NBC shows.
