'Stuttering' John Melendez No Longer to Be Announcer for Jay Leno - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 07-24-2009, 12:17 AM

Details are emerging on NBC's upcoming "The Jay Leno Show," including a new director for the host as he moves into primetime.
Former "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" helmer Liz Plonka has been tapped to serve as director on the Leno strip, which launches Sept. 14.

Also, NBC confirmed that Leno's "Tonight Show" band leader, Kevin Eubanks, will indeed be continuing on "Jay Leno" as the show's music director. But John Melendez, who had served as Leno's "Tonight Show" announcer since 2004, will no longer serve in that capacity. Instead, Melendez will join the "Jay Leno Show" writing staff.

Plonka replaces Ellen Brown, who directed Leno on "Tonight" for his entire 17-year run. Plonka was brought in to help give the show a new and different feel from "Tonight."

"She is an accomplished director and is a perfect fit for the new show," said exec producer Debbie Vickers.

Plonka's no stranger to Leno, having filled in on occasion as the "Tonight Show" director. Her other recent credits include "Mind of Mencia," "Talkshow With Spike Feresten" and "The Showbiz Show With David Spade."

As for other credits on "Leno," Larry Goitia will serve as supervising producer, while Leno, Jack Coen and Stephanie Ross are producers. Coen will also supervise the monologue writing.

Melendez joins a staff of 19 writers.

Also Wednesday, NBC took the wraps off the website for "The Jay Leno Show," which will include a weekly video starring Leno as well as blogs and clips from Leno's "Tonight Show" tenure.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...goryid=14&cs=1

Schmoopie · 07-24-2009, 12:57 AM

I'm anxious to see Jay's new show and I'm REALLY happy to hear that Kevin Eubanks is joining him! I loved him on "The Tonight Show" and wondered what he was going to do after the finale. I FINALLY got to see Jay's last "Tonight Show" last night and I truly believe that it was his most hilarious monologues ever, and definitely one of his greatest shows!

Andrea

catlover79 · 07-24-2009, 08:55 AM

Thanks for the details!!

Pitooey · 07-24-2009, 09:16 AM

At least John still has a job. I

Jay Leno.

Scoobiedoo30 · 07-24-2009, 12:35 PM

I wonder who will be The New Announcer

icecream · 07-27-2009, 05:14 PM

Bring back Edd Hall.

catlover79 · 07-27-2009, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catsrule

Bring back Edd Hall.

YES!!!! Edd Hall RULED!! I loved how many times he was "run over" by a speeding truck. That gag never got old, imo.

07-24-2009, 12:17 AM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	'Stuttering' John Melendez No Longer to Be Announcer for Jay Leno Details are emerging on NBC's upcoming "The Jay Leno Show," including a new director for the host as he moves into primetime. Former "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" helmer Liz Plonka has been tapped to serve as director on the Leno strip, which launches Sept. 14. Also, NBC confirmed that Leno's "Tonight Show" band leader, Kevin Eubanks, will indeed be continuing on "Jay Leno" as the show's music director. But John Melendez, who had served as Leno's "Tonight Show" announcer since 2004, will no longer serve in that capacity. Instead, Melendez will join the "Jay Leno Show" writing staff. Plonka replaces Ellen Brown, who directed Leno on "Tonight" for his entire 17-year run. Plonka was brought in to help give the show a new and different feel from "Tonight." "She is an accomplished director and is a perfect fit for the new show," said exec producer Debbie Vickers. Plonka's no stranger to Leno, having filled in on occasion as the "Tonight Show" director. Her other recent credits include "Mind of Mencia," "Talkshow With Spike Feresten" and "The Showbiz Show With David Spade." As for other credits on "Leno," Larry Goitia will serve as supervising producer, while Leno, Jack Coen and Stephanie Ross are producers. Coen will also supervise the monologue writing. Melendez joins a staff of 19 writers. Also Wednesday, NBC took the wraps off the website for "The Jay Leno Show," which will include a weekly video starring Leno as well as blogs and clips from Leno's "Tonight Show" tenure. http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...goryid=14&cs=1
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

07-24-2009, 12:57 AM	#2
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	I'm anxious to see Jay's new show and I'm REALLY happy to hear that Kevin Eubanks is joining him! I loved him on "The Tonight Show" and wondered what he was going to do after the finale. I FINALLY got to see Jay's last "Tonight Show" last night and I truly believe that it was his most hilarious monologues ever, and definitely one of his greatest shows! Andrea
	__________________ In memory of my wonderful husband. I love and miss you more than words can say, but I will always and forever keep you in my heart. September 23, 1961-January 14, 2019

07-24-2009, 08:55 AM	#3
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	Thanks for the details!!
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07-24-2009, 09:16 AM	#4
Pitooey Member Forum Star Join Date: Feb 15, 2001 Location: Rocking in Transylvania. Posts: 15,042	At least John still has a job. I Jay Leno.
	__________________ Pitooey... AKA JennyLee - I love the Monkees all over again! *SAY NO TO DRUGS* Jesus saves...

07-24-2009, 12:35 PM	#5
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	I wonder who will be The New Announcer
	__________________ Who Dat

07-27-2009, 05:14 PM	#6
icecream Cat-tastic and Whiskerlicious Forum Celebrity Join Date: Sep 01, 2006 Location: The Catacombs Posts: 20,896	Bring back Edd Hall.
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