Jay Leno lends hand in bathroom and nursery renovation for former intern David

Former talk show host Jay Leno helps out former intern with a home renovation project

Former talk show host Jay Leno has made headlines after helping out his former intern, David, by providing him with a home renovation project. Jay Leno suffered severe burns on his neck and face following a garage fire in November 2020 but David was there for him throughout his recovery, taking care of him and his wife. In a recent episode of Celebrity IOU, Leno returned the favor by enlisting the help of Drew and Jonathan Scott to renovate David‘s bathroom and nursery before the arrival of his baby with his wife Margaret.

A story of lasting friendship

Leno and David‘s relationship goes way back when David was a teenager and became an intern for Leno, who was in the process of building his antique car collection. Over time, their relationship evolved and became like a father and son bond that lasted throughout the years. “When I had my accident and set myself on fire, David was there for me, taking care of me and my wife,” Leno said. “I don’t have a son, but if I did, I think this is what it would be like.”

An emotional home renovation project

Leno asked Drew and Jonathan Scott, popularly known as the Property Brothers, to help out with the renovation project. The trio had a four-week deadline to complete the renovations, which included adding stylish built-in closets to the nursery and a new entrance for the bathroom. Jay volunteered to help out with the demolition, despite his recent motorcycle accident that left him with a broken collarbone and ribs.

A personal touch

The team also included new insulation in the attic and windows with improved energy efficiency. Jay helped with choosing a wallpaper for the baby’s room and even helped with the peel-and-stick installation. The baby room also featured a car-themed wallpaper that Leno approved of. David was shocked at the renovations, and his wife Margaret was stunned when she saw the nursery while holding their newborn son. They named their baby boy William James Swift, with the middle name in honor of Jay.

The balance of modernization and preservation

“I think Jay and the brothers struck the right balance between modern and preserving the character of the house,” David said. Leno responded to this, saying, “That was the greatest gift he could ever give. I don’t have any children. So, that was really something special.”

Final thoughts

The renovation project was an emotional experience that highlighted the lasting friendship between Jay Leno and his former intern. It also showcased the love and care that Leno has for David and his family. The project is a reminder that true friendship stands the test of time and that kindness and generosity cannot be repaid, but can certainly be passed forward.