Jay Leno headlines at Buckner Physical Fitness Center Published Oct. 6, 2010 By PAO Staff JBER PAO JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Arguably the world's most famous comedian, NBC's "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno will perform a free show for troops and military family members Saturday at the Buckner Physical Fitness Center. The doors open at 7 p.m., with the performance set to begin at 7:30. Tickets were distributed to unit leadership throughout Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Leno took control of television's most famous desk in May of 1992, following legendary "Tonight Show" hosts Steve Allen, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson. Since Leno began his tenure, the show has won an Emmy Award, the People's Choice Award, and Leno earned the Harris Poll selection as the most popular star on television. Before becoming host of "Tonight Show," Leno enjoyed a successful career as a comedian appearing in hundreds of comedy clubs. Leno first appeared as a guest on "Tonight Show" March 2, 1977, and eventually became the exclusive guest host of "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in September 1987. The comedian has a long history of performing for the military -- entertaining troops in Aviano, Italy, in 1995 for peacekeeping operations in Bosnia; and in Bosnia in 2001 for troops associated with the war in Afghanistan. Leno will be present for the opening of the Air Force Reserve Recruiting Office in Wasilla before performing at JBER.