David Letterman and Jay Leno were two rival talk show hosts back in the day. For many decades, they were the late night staples of everyone's television screens. They each occupied the same time slot, with Letterman on CBS and Leno in NBC.
For many years, the two were rumored to be in a feud. Their rivalry is rumored to have stemmed from Leno getting the new hosting gig at The Tonight Show, replacing Johnny Carson. This is a spot Letterman is said to have wanted.
However, the two were once publicly supportive of each other. Leno was even a guest on Letterman's show in the 80s. So how did they become rivals and what has become of their friendship?
David Letterman And Oprah Winfrey Settle Their Feud
For many years, rumors circulated of a feud between Letterman and Winfrey. According to reports, the bad blood began when Winfrey was a guest on The Late Show with David Letterman. Winfrey was rumored to be "uncomfortable" by the experience and refused to be a guest on his show again.
When interviewing Letterman for an episode of Oprah's Next Chapter in 2013, Winfrey confirmed the story.
In the years that followed, Letterman joked about Winfrey frequently, including at the 1995 Academy Awards. In 2010, Letterman told Jon Stewart that Winfrey was mad at him when he stuck her with his restaurant bill when they were vacationing at the same place.
When speaking to Winfrey during their 2013 interview, Letterman apologized for her bad experience on his show. He said that he would be "embarrassed" to see the tape of the interview now.
David Letterman Tells Oprah That Jay Leno Is Very Insecure
While speaking to Winfrey on Oprah's Next Chapter in 2013, Letterman addressed his feud with Leno.
"Jay and I were friends — we were always friends, before all of this happened," Letterman said, referring to the moment Leno took over Johnny Carson's spot.
Letterman also revealed that those involved with The Tonight Show approached him to take over. Letterman asked them if Carson approved of the idea, but was told Carson didn't know about their asking him. Letterman told them that he wouldn't take the job unless Carson approved.
According to Letterman, Leno was announced as Carson's replacement shortly after that.
Letterman also told Winfrey about the time he spent with Leno in the early years. He said that whenever a fellow comic bombed, Leno would gather a group of comics to watch their performance and make fun of them. Letterman said that this would make him uncomfortable.
"I’ve never met anyone quite like Jay. And I will say, and I’m happy to say, I think he’s the funniest guy I’ve ever known," Letterman said.
"Just flat out. If you go and see him do his nightclub act — just the funniest, the smartest, wonderful observationist and very appealing as a comic. Therefore, the fact that he is maybe the most insecure person I have ever known — I could never reconcile that."
Jay Leno Explains How He Became Part Of David Letterman's Super Bowl Commercial
During the 2010 Super Bowl, Leno appeared alongside Letterman and Winfrey in a commercial to promote Letterman's show. The reunion surprised viewers who weren't aware the two had reunited.
Leno spoke about the commercial and how he became involved during an episode of The Jay Leno Show.
"I’m sitting in my office and Rob Burnett, Dave’s producer, calls my producer Debbie and says, ‘Hey, Dave has an idea for a Super Bowl commercial,’" Leno said.
He added, "Well, all right, and then he tells me the idea and this is Dave’s idea and I thought, that’s great. ‘Cause you know no matter what animosity there is among comedians a good joke is a good joke."
According to Leno, the whole thing had to be filmed in secret. Leno flew to New York and wore a disguise while on his way to Letterman's studio. He claimed that nobody, not even Letterman's staff, knew about his involvement in the commercial.
"Well, I walk in and I see Dave, he puts his hand out and I shake his hand out and I shake hands and you know whatever happens for the last 18-years disappeared," Leno said. "It was great to see my old friend again."
He added, "It was wonderful. He was very gracious. We talked about the old days and we told some jokes and it was really good to see him."
Leno then said that an NBC executive approached him with news about Letterman when he returned to L.A. The executive told Leno they believed President Obama shot a commercial for Letterman. Leno then said that he played along with the executive and even checked for updates until the Super Bowl.
However, according to Variety, Leno flew the NBC jet to New York to film the commercial. They also reported that NBC’s Jeff Zucker and Jeff Gaspin signed off on the promo.
