After assuming the role from famous host Johnny Carson in 1992, Jay Leno was determined to keep "The Tonight Show" at the top. For over two decades, Leno entertained a wide audience and hosted some of the world's biggest celebrities.

When his last show aired on Feb. 6, an emotional Leno held back tears while addressing a surprised audience. He opened the show by poking fun at his now former employer NBC, saying, "You're very kind, I don't like goodbyes. NBC does." Despite holding top of television ratings, it seems Leno was forced into leaving his job.

Leno will be replaced by Jimmy Fallon, who hosts a less popular night show. With plans to draw a younger crowd, NBC was apparently concerned that other shows would surpass Leno's ratings.

The final guests to appear on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" included Billy Crystal (who was also Leno's first guest), Oprah Winfrey, Jack Black, Carol Burnett, Sheryl Crow, Kim Kardashian, NBA star Chris Paul, and Jim Parsons. The singer Garth Brooks performed during the show and paid tribute to Leno.

Many other famous people sent in recorded farewell messages, including President Barack Obama, Mark Wahlberg and Charlie Sheen.

Ending his long reign as king of late night television, one of America's greatest stars told his audience, "This has been the greatest 22 years of my life."

Sabah English