Jay Leno & Access’ Nancy O’Dell Poke Fun At His Hospitalization
First Published: April 28, 2009 10:51 AM EDT Credit: Getty Images
Caption Jay LenoLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Jay Leno might have missed work on “The Tonight Show” last Thursday and Friday due to an illness for the first time in 17 years, but the comedian was back in tip-top shape Monday night – and he got a little comedic help from Access Hollywood’s Nancy O’Dell.
Monday’s “Tonight Show” started with a segment on reports of the comedian’s hospitalization. Access’ Nancy O’Dell was seen reporting from in front of the hospital awaiting Jay’s release, and when he was wheeled through the front door, he had a bit of a surprise — nine babies!
“I have the record, Nine kids!” Jay said. “Take that Octo-mom!”
The comedy continued during Jay’s monologue.
“What happened was – and I think this was a mistake – I ate a raw pig a friend brought back from Mexico,” the 58-year-old joked, referencing the swine flu outbreak.
Jay also poked fun at his “really bad HMO,” telling the audience, “For X-rays, they had to take me over to Burbank Airport and put me through the baggage [machine].”
He also took the opportunity to have a laugh about the upcoming NBC late night changes, when Conan O’Brien takes over “The Tonight Show’ reigns from Jay on June 1.
“Have you ever slept in a hospital? I spent the night. I was there for 24 hours,” Jay joked. “I had a horrible dream that I couldn’t breathe. I felt like I was suffocating. Then I woke up and realized Conan was holding a pillow over my face.”
As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Jay was released from the hospital on Friday and spotted back on the set shortly thereafter, where he came in to write a few jokes.
A source had previously confirmed to Access that Leno stayed overnight at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Burbank for precautionary measures, after the comedian was admitted Thursday afternoon for what was rumored to be food poisoning.
Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
