Jay Leno Predicts 'Falling Off' Motorcycles After Fiery Car Accident!

In the world of Jay Leno, accidents and mishaps are not deterring him from pursuing his lifelong passions.

The comedian faced near-death experiences, which included a fiery motorcycle accident and a harrowing vintage car explosion. Despite suffering severe burns, Leno's trademark humor remained intact as he playfully predicted future mishaps on his beloved motorcycles.

At the Kennedy Center Honors, the 73-year-old shared insights into his resilient attitude after surviving two major incidents in November 2022 and January 2023. "I'm still riding motorcycles. I'm still falling off, I'm still working on cars," he quipped, adding, "No, once a guy learns [something], you can't teach him new tricks." 

The car enthusiast also summed up his unyielding spirit and humor, even in the face of adversity, with a funny prediction of his future, Leno humorously stated:

"Oh, riding motorcycles and falling off!" 

Reflecting on the impact of these incidents on his outlook and perspective, Leno casually told ET's Deidre Behar, "It hasn't changed it at all. Once a man hits 40, you can't convince him of anything else."

The writer's tumultuous year included a hospitalization after a garage fire left him with third-degree burns to his face and hands. In a separate incident, he endured multiple broken bones from a motorcycle accident. 

Last December, Leno broke his silence on the vintage car explosion, he described the intense moments when a fuel line clogged, leading to a dramatic blast. "I got a face full of gasoline. I knew how close I was to the pilot light and I thought 'Uh oh,'" he detailed.

According to him, the experience felt like the most "intense sunburn" he had ever had, requiring quick thinking to avoid further harm. "The Jay Leno Show" host acknowledged the risks of working on cars, stating:

"When you work with cars, you have a lot of accidents. But this is bigger than most." 

The fiery situation unfolded as he tinkered with the unique mechanics of a steam car, which involved a vaporizer heated by a pilot light to turn water into steam. During the accident, the "Fun with Dick and Jane" actor knew the urgency of closing his eyes and mouth to protect his lungs and eyes.

Fortunately, a quick response from his friend Dave, who pulled him out from under the car, prevented more severe injuries. "I was under the car maybe 10 seconds before Dave pulled me out. Any longer than that I could have lost my eye," Leno recounted. 

The TV personality went on to mention that he used Dave's work shirt to smother the flames until paramedics arrived, rushing him to the hospital. Subsequently, he was admitted to the Grossman Burn Center for further care.

In the aftermath of the harrowing incidents, the "Scooby-Doo! and the Goblin King" voice actor opened up about the potential impact of a health scare on his illustrious career. 

From hosting "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" to his current gig on "Jay Leno's Garage," the entertainer has unwaveringly dedicated himself to bringing laughter to millions globally.

In an interview before the "Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge" premiere, the "American Hot Wax" star admitted that a stroke would be the sole event compelling enough for him to consider retirement. 

The voice actor of "Unstable Fables: Tortoise vs. Hare" expressed that slowing down was the precursor to retirement, and it was during this phase that the risk of having a stroke became a concern. In his own words, "Then you slow down. That's when you retire and have your stroke." 

This revelation unveiled a new layer of vulnerability in the charismatic star, emphasizing the profound significance he placed on maintaining his health. Leno, who has built a strong bond with his audience over the years, expressed his determination to continue performing and working as long as he remained physically able. 

He also provided a health update after his two accidents, assuring fans of his well-being. The "One Day at a Time" guest star emphasized gratitude for his fortunate position and noted that, compared to many others, he had the financial means to navigate challenges.