Fallon Makes “Tonight Show” Debut with a Boatload of Famous Friends

Apparently a lot of people lost a bet.

Jimmy Fallon officially kicked off hosting duties at The Tonight Show last night, and more than a few famous friends showed up to support him – literally. As in, with money.


It all started after the monologue, when Fallon took his place behind the desk and proceeded to thank everyone who believed in him, and chastise those who said he would never be the host of The Tonight Show, adding, “You owe me 100 bucks, buddy.” And with that, out walked a string of celebrities, each of whom tossed $100 on his desk. Celebrities like: Robert De Niro, Tina Fey, Joe Namath, Rudy Giuliani, Mariah Carey, Tracy Morgan, Joan Rivers, Kim Kardashian, Seth Rogen, Lindsay Lohan, Sarah Jessica Parker, Mike Tyson, Lady Gaga, and Stephen Colbert – who made his $100 contribution in pennies, and concluded the segment by telling Jimmy, “Welcome to 11:30, bitch!”


All in all, it was a strong start to the new show, which returns to New York for the first time in 40 years. Watch the clip above, then gear up for the second episode tonight, with guests Jerry Seinfeld, Kristin Wiig, and Lady Gaga.