In the competitive world of late-night television, it can be argued that Jimmy Fallon stands out for a number of reasons. Well, two at least. First, he was determined good enough to walk in the footsteps of such legends as Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien. This was despite a lackluster performance on the big screen. Second, Fallon is one of the rare personalities that became successful simply by being himself.
For the record, things weren’t always rosy and easy for Fallon. In fact, there was even a time when he wasn’t well-liked, at least not by NBC. In the beginning, the network didn’t want Fallon anywhere near “The Late Night” gig. According to Vulture, the comedian recalled as much. While speaking at the New Yorker Festival, Fallon said, “NBC didn’t even want me. I remember them saying, Really, Jimmy Fallon? His movies are terrible. But Lorne was like, don’t worry, he works well and plays well with others. Like I was a kindergartner.”
But then, things eventually lined up for Fallon. And even today, he remains at the top of his game. Over the years, however, certain shady revelations have also emerged regarding the beloved comedian. Check out what we found:
20 He dropped out of college
Way back in 1992, Fallon was going to school at the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York where he was pursuing a degree in communications. For a time, it looked like the comedian was all set to graduate and earn his diploma. Except he decided to drop out of the program when he was just one semester shy from graduation. Fortunately, in 2009, Fallon finally got around to finishing his course. According to People, the comedian received his bachelor’s degree 17 years later.
19 He was once the reason his folks stayed up past their bedtime
When Fallon was still hosting “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” the show’s broadcast hours proved to be problematic for his parents’ wellbeing. Apparently, they would go to bed at 10 but wake up at 12:30 A.M. just to watch their son’s show. Fallon recalls being determined to make things easier on his parents by getting them a DVR. He told Vulture, “I was like, ‘You guys don’t look healthy. You’re not getting enough sleep. You have to tape the show.”
18 He once kept his late-night show gig from his parents
When it was determined that Fallon would be the one to inherit ‘The Tonight Show,' everyone working on the show's production was required to remain tight-lipped. Hence, Fallon also opted not to inform his parents. Instead, he only confided in his wife, Nany Juvonen. While talking to Vulture, Fallon explained that his wife “can keep a secret.”
17 He sometimes ends up ignoring his friends
Apparently, Fallon can get wrapped up in a conversation with someone else that he would end up ignoring his friends. This was exactly what happened when Fallon was meeting up with his good friend Seth Herzog at a bar. By the time Herzog showed up, Fallon was already arguing with a stranger about 60s music. Herzog also told Vulture, “He’s like, ‘Come meet me at this place’ and I end up talking to other people because he’s just in it with whoever was there.”
16 He can make it difficult for his friends to go out with him
Among the people in Fallon’s inner circle is chef Mario Batali. And according to his interview with Vulture, just walking five blocks with Fallon would take an hour because the comedian enjoys interacting with his fans. Batali added, “He’s honestly interested and loves everyone and meets everyone, and smiles and takes every picture, and doesn’t put his head down and pretend he’s not out there, which a lot of my high-celebrity friends do.”
15 He's a pretty lousy driver
Fallon himself once confessed that he’s not the world’s best driver. In fact, he declared to Vulture, “I’m the worst driver in the history of the world. My wife does all the driving. I can drive, like, technically, but I’m awful. You don’t want to be in the car with me. I drive slow, I use my blinkers, I’m really nervous. My parents are from Brooklyn so they don’t know how to drive and they taught me how to drive, so it’s like a second-generation gap.”
14 He has a fascination for round objects
It is unclear when this fascination had started but apparently, round objects are all the comedian can think about whenever he’s commuting. He even told Vulture, “A moon pie would be genius, right? When people look at the full moon, I want them not to see the full moon anymore, they just see our logo.”
13 His humor can get dark
For the record, Fallon doesn’t think he has a dark side. But he explained to Vulture, “have a dark sense of humor sometimes, but nothing shady or seedy. There’s gotta be something in there, but I don’t want to find out what is driving me to want everyone to like me. There’s gotta be something in my brain, but I’d rather not know what it is.”
12 He hates certain healthy foods
Batali once attested that Fallon can be quite a foodie. However, you can never make him eat eggplant or mushrooms. And when “Top Chef” contestants visited his show at the Rockefeller Center and prepared food for his birthday bash later on, Fallon was quick to remind them that he seriously hated these foods. Fortunately for him, the contestants complied with his requirements.
11 He can't really stand mayo
Over the years, Fallon has made it clear that he absolutely hates mayonnaise. While hanging out with actress Melissa McCarthy on his show, the comedian declared, “That is the worst thing in the entire world. It reminds me of puss.” Meanwhile, Fallon also once told New York magazine, “I'm disgusted by it. I can't stand it. Blechhh. I could function [if it's on my food], but I won't be happy.”
