>> they had a night it was jay and robin and pryor and elaine boozler and billy crystal all in the same show, and it was unbelievable. >> it's 1977. jay's career is booming. then, he gets the call. the "tonight show" with johnny carson wants him. >> this young man's name is jay leno, and this is his first appearance on "the tonight show." >> that performance in front of johnny is life-changing. >> i'm originally from the united states. any united states people here tonight? >> big screen roles soon follow, like 1978's "american hot wax." >> all of a sudden i'm a shoreman? >> comedy career on track. off stage, leno finds love with a brunette named mavis nicholson. >> she's an amazingly bright and wonderful person. >> i would say we have a great partnership. >> it works out good.