Jimmy Fallon (1974–), born on this day in Brooklyn, New York, has always turned life’s ordinary moments into laughs. Even as a child, he imitated his hero Steve Martin and started perfecting his comedy chops with goofy impressions. By 17, he had already won his first contest, kicking off a career built on joy and quick wit. ✨

Fallon once joked that he sometimes wishes he’d had a “terrible childhood” just to have an excuse. But his happy upbringing gave him something better—natural charm and a lightness that keeps audiences smiling. Landing Saturday Night Live was a dream-come-true, even with the show’s brutal schedule and rejections. “You’ll end up insane if you stay on the show more than six years,” he admitted with his trademark grin.

Fellow cast members adored him. “Jimmy is very cool… a really sweet guy,” said Tim Meadows, while Lorne Michaels praised his smart impressions, comparing him to Dan Aykroyd. Whether co-anchoring Weekend Update with Tina Fey or strumming funny guitar songs, Fallon’s energy kept SNL fresh and fun.

“I’m an egomaniac,” he once joked. “I love myself.” But beneath the humor is a reminder we all need: look at life lightly. Laughter, even stuck in traffic, changes everything.

Now best known as the Emmy-winning host of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, he continues to share quick wit, music-filled sketches, and genuine laughter with millions each night — proof that joy is even better when shared.