Universal City, CA - Comedian, writer and talk show host Jimmy Fallon (NBC's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon) has been named host of the 62nd Primetime Emmy® Awards, airing live coast-to-coast on NBC, Sunday, August 29 (5-8 p.m. PT, 8-11 p.m. ET).
The announcement was made jointly today by Paul Telegdy, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, NBC and Universal Media Studios, and John Shaffner, Chairman and CEO, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
“Jimmy was the natural choice as one of the most promising and likable young entertainers who will now have the chance to display his many talents on television's biggest night,” said Telegdy. “His proven skills as a comedian and host — as well as his openness to new ideas — will fully engage audiences and ultimately deliver a lively Emmy telecast.”
“Jimmy Fallon provided one of the most memorable and talked-about moments from last year’s Emmy telecast,” said John Shaffner. “He is a bright, insightful and energetic entertainer who made his name performing on live television, and we welcome him to host our annual celebration of great television as the show returns to broadcasting live coast to coast.”
“Jimmy has many talents. He can sing, he can dance, he does impersonations, and he does it gracefully and with ease,” said executive producer Don Mischer. “I think he'll make a terrific host, and we are really looking forward to working with him.”
“Hosting the Emmys has been a dream of mine ever since they told me I was doing it,” said Jimmy Fallon.
Fallon first garnered attention in 1998 when he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live and quickly became an audience favorite during his six-year run with the show. In 2000, Fallon became the co-anchor of the popular segment Weekend Update alongside Tina Fey. Fallon is a two-time host of the MTV Movie Awards and also hosted the MTV Video Music Awards. Fallon made his feature film debut in Cameron Crowe's rock ’n’ roll road film, Almost Famous, and starred in the Farrelly Brothers' romantic comedy, Fever Pitch, opposite Drew Barrymore.
The 62nd Primetime Emmy® Awards will be produced by Don Mischer Productions. Don Mischer is the executive producer.
Nominations for the awards will be announced Thursday, July 8 at 5:40 a.m. (PT) from the Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre at the headquarters for the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in North Hollywood, California.
Media Contacts
NBC
Wendy Luckenbill, NBC Entertainment Publicity, 818/777-2839
Mandy Ellis, NBC Entertainment Publicity, 818/777-2846
Television Academy
Lewis Kay, PMK-BNC PR, 310-854-4800
Chris DiIorio, PMK-BNC PR, 310-854-4800
Release: Fallon Tapped for 62nd Primetime Emmys
NBC and Television Academy picks Late Night host and SNL alum Jimmy Fallon to helm the 2010 Primetime Emmy Awards, airing live August 29.