Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno comes alive in this book from an insider who describes the show's inner workings from the monologue to the guest bookings and appearances. Leno was the late-night ratings leader for almost two decades, which is unprecedented in the modern era of television. He and his producers made the show number one by recasting Johnny Carson's Tonight Show into Jay Leno's Tonight Show. Behind the Curtain takes an exclusive look at how they achieved it.
During The Tonight Show's Jay Leno years, there were always two shows going on: the one on stage and the one behind it, where the camera didn't roll. This narrative weaves both together, featuring Leno and his most prominent guests. It recalls the show's most memorable moments, both good and bad, skillfully recounted by one of Leno's most highly respected, long-time co-producers, Dave Berg. For eighteen years, he booked and worked with Hollywood stars, superstar athletes, presidents and other politicos, and news makers.
Called "the best booker in the business" by Bill O'Reilly, Berg delivered an array of high-profile guests to the program. Along the way he experienced it all, from a harrowing adventure to Nashville to spy on Dennis Rodman to a five-year campaign to book Barack Obama, the first sitting president ever to appear on a late-night show.
Berg was an eyewitness who tells what really happened during the show's most legendary moments: Arnold Schwarzenegger's surprise political announcement; Hugh Grant's mea culpa; football great Jason Sehorn's proposal to Angie Harmon; the inebriated Cheers cast's live show from Boston; Jerry Seinfeld's appearance with "surprise guest" John F. Kennedy Jr.; and Leno's 9/11 show, the finest of his career.
Synopsis
It was always a pleasure to appear on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Jay and his long-time producer Dave Berg would welcome me to the Green Room, and these moments before the show gave us a chance to laugh. Jay and Dave brought a great spirit and a lot of dignity to late-night television.
-Mrs. Laura Bush, former First Lady of the United States
Experience the wacky antics and ground-breaking appearances of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno from a backstage perspective. Gain an insider's view of how Leno changed the face of late-night, inviting not just actors but also journalists and politicos to the show. What happens behind the scenes is sometimes even more revealing than what happens in front of the camera. Serious and shocking, author Dave Berg proves that these memorable moments can still surprise and entertain.
Called the best booker in the business by Bill O'Reilly, Berg delivered a vast array of high-profile guests, including Barack Obama as the first sitting president to ever appear on a late-night program. Berg tells what really happened during the show's most legendary moments-Hugh Grant's mea culpa, the live Boston show with an inebriated Cheers cast, Jerry Seinfeld's appearance with John F. Kennedy Jr., and Arnold Schwarzenegger's surprise political announcement.