Today, we’re celebrating Jimmy Fallon as he turns 50! Known for his charming presence on The Tonight Show, Fallon has brought laughter and joy to late-night TV with his clever humor and engaging sketches. But there’s more to Jimmy than what we see on screen. Here are five lesser-known facts that reveal the man behind the laughs.
Jimmy Fallon’s Dream of Priesthood
Did you know that Jimmy Fallon once dreamed of becoming a priest? Born in Brooklyn and raised in a Catholic environment, he attended Catholic school and served as an altar boy. He found joy in the rituals, saying he loved the attire and the incense. However, he eventually decided to follow a different path—comedy! At the New Yorker Festival in 2018, he reminisced about his brief desire, saying, “I loved it. I loved the whole idea of it.”
The College Dropout
Before he became a well-known TV personality, Fallon made a bold choice: he dropped out of college just one semester before graduation. At 21, he moved to Los Angeles to chase his comedy dreams. His leap of faith paid off, and in 2009, he received an honorary Bachelor’s degree in communications, celebrating his journey and success in the entertainment industry.
A Veteran’s Son
Fallon comes from a family with a unique background. His father served as a Vietnam War veteran, and after his military service, he pursued a passion for music, singing in a street corner group. Interestingly, his mother once became a nun, but only for a month! Fallon often jokes about her brief stint, saying it was inspired by the release of The Sound of Music in 1965.
An Early Setback
Fallon’s journey to Saturday Night Live (SNL) wasn’t easy. As a teenager, he was obsessed with the show and watched it alone, wanting to absorb every moment. In 1997, he auditioned for SNL but was initially turned down by the casting directors. Undeterred, he tried again and succeeded, landing a spot on the show from 1998 to 2004. This experience was pivotal in launching his career.
A Multi-Talented Star
Jimmy Fallon isn’t just a TV host; he’s also an accomplished author. He co-wrote his first book, I Hate This Place: The Pessimist’s Guide to Life, with his sister Gloria in 1999 and has penned several others since. One of his upcoming projects is a children’s book titled 5 More Sleeps ‘Til Halloween. On top of his writing, Fallon is a Grammy Award winner! His 2012 comedy album, Blow Your Pants Off, earned him the award for Best Comedy Album, showcasing his talent beyond the late-night stage.
As Jimmy Fallon celebrates this milestone birthday, it’s clear that his journey has been anything but ordinary. From dreaming of priesthood to becoming a beloved late-night host, his story is filled with surprises and laughter. So, here’s to Jimmy Fallon—may he continue to bring joy and humor into our lives for many more years to come!
