Jimmy Fallon Shares Insights from His Whirlwind Year of Fun and Adventure

Yes, indeed, Mariah Carey remains “The Queen of Christmas,” but Jimmy Fallon is swiftly elevating the rankings (both literally and figuratively) as “The King of the Holiday Season” with his numerous acclaimed projects in 2024.

Continuing to host The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, his NBC late-night program achieved its highest viewership night of the year on Thanksgiving, attracting 2.6 million viewers and marking the most-watched week since Thanksgiving 2023. Additionally, his Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasonings Spectacular television special garnered 4.2 million viewers across all platforms, triumphing in the 10 p.m. timeslot.

As if that wasn’t sufficient, his newly released Holiday Seasoning is celebrated as the #1 Comedy Album, #1 Current Holiday Album, and #1 Debut Holiday Album of 2024, according to Mediabase charts.

Fallon took a moment this week to chat with me, just after he “was recently getting schooled in UNO by my two daughters” to discuss his remarkable year, his creative mindset today, and his career plans as he heads into 2025.

Jeff Conway: So, to start, Jimmy, as you reflect on 2024, which projects and special moments stand out to you the most?

Jimmy Fallon: I launched more projects this year than I have in my entire life – and I turned 50, as well. It was an incredibly wild and enjoyable year. I’d say what stands out the most is that the album was a true labor of love. Crafting that album took me roughly three and a half years, as I had to arrange all the duets, obtain permissions, and then compose the songs. Writing a single Christmas song is challenging – and I ended up writing around 25 Christmas songs. I’m at a loss for even more themes to explore. Seriously, how many words rhyme with snow?

Conway: That’s fantastic! Hilarious, indeed. You mentioned you recently turned 50 back in September, so happy belated birthday, my friend. This was a significant milestone birthday; how have you perceived, Jimmy, the growth within yourself over time and with experience, both as a professional and simply as a developing human being?

Fallon: I’ve gained a lot of insight. This year, I’m realizing that there really isn’t a peak in the climb, you know? It’s a continual ascent that never ceases if you handle it properly. You ascend, you reach a level – take a small breather, and then you keep on climbing.

Conway: But do you feel, Jimmy, that you’re relishing the journey along the way, at least, I hope so?

Fallon: Absolutely savoring the journey. I feel so fortunate because I can genuinely appreciate it now – all the efforts for the album and the process, but I truly enjoyed recording. I would go to Electric Lady Studios after I finished The Tonight Show. Arriving at the studio around eight or nine in the evening, I’d stay until two in the morning, then back again the next day. I’d repeat the cycle with The Tonight Show, followed by Electric Lady. It became part of my routine, and I learned so much, yet I loved the work and truly enjoyed every moment – from production, mixing, to simply appreciating life and how lucky I am to have these chances.

Conway: That’s wonderful to hear. Following up on my previous question, Jimmy, as you undertake more projects and apply your diverse skills across various industries, have you noticed your creative priorities and interests shifting or expanding in particular ways recently?

Fallon: Absolutely! The exciting part is that the world of books has opened up. I wrote this picture book, a children’s book as a joke, just so that the first word your baby would say would be Dada. Initially just for fun, it became a bestseller – people actually bought it. Consequently, people were asking, “Hey, where’s Mama?” Knowing that I have two daughters, they would eventually ask, “Dad, why didn’t you write something for Mama?” So, I created [Everything Is] Mama – I also did Nana [Loves You More], which unveiled a whole new realm of children’s literature.

It’s tremendously enjoyable – this led to 5 More Sleeps ‘til Christmas, which inspired 5 More Sleeps ‘til Halloween, ultimately culminating in Tonightmares, a Halloween haunted maze we designed in 30 Rock with the experts from Universal Studios, who typically create Halloween Horror Nights. They collaborated with us – it was a significant achievement since they had never attempted this in New York. It necessitated building the sets from scratch, hiring actors, and managing hair & makeup which is costly, yet they pulled it off.

Subsequently, the label approached me, saying, “Hey, would you be interested in doing a holiday special, if NBC is on board?” I responded – Absolutely! Let me inquire. And of course, NBC replied, “We’re enthusiastic! Let’s proceed.” And I thought – Oh, here we go! Then, you have to make the phone calls once more. I genuinely dislike asking people for favors, but for this album, I reached out to everyone and they all showed up for me.

On another occasion, they mentioned, “We require one more grand finale.” So, I proposed – How about I fly through the air and land on the roof of 30 Rock where we can have The Rockettes? I could sing atop New York City and create a festive ambiance. There’s a fantastic new attraction atop 30 Rock known as The Skylift. If you step onto this device, it resembles a little circular platform with railings; then, with the press of a button, it elevates, making you taller than any building in New York City. It’s pretty exhilarating! So, we did.

It – it ended up stunning. We utilized drones. It was perhaps the most amazing experience ever, and I adore the festive season. Therefore, it was genuinely the most festive celebration I’ve had thus far. It was wonderful.

Conway: You mention the Dada book – you are indeed “a girl dad” with two daughters, Jimmy, if I recall. So, in what ways has your parenting role with your spouse Nancy enriched your overall perspective on life and career as you continue to progress?

Fallon: Every action I take is influenced by thoughts of them. I often wonder – Will they feel proud of Dad if he does this? I consider myself fortunate to tuck them in each night. I see them every morning – we share breakfast before they head off to school. I cherish all this time together. Growing up, I don’t believe my father knew where my school was located. I find myself visiting my children’s school more than they do, at times – they assist me, and I certainly bombard my wife with countless questions. You know, she’s the unsung writer behind everything I do.

Conway: Jimmy, you’re now in your 12th season of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Congratulations! You remain a delight to watch. I understand it requires considerable effort, but how do you manage to keep things thrilling and innovative with you and your Tonight Show team, ensuring the role continues to be fulfilling for you after all these years?

Fallon: It just flows – it’s remarkable. I work alongside fantastic individuals – brilliant writers and exceptional producers – truly the crème de la crème. They all originate from that Saturday Night Live family. Every morning, I head into work filled with excitement – it’s incredibly varied. Each night presents new challenges and different guests. Unique issues arise, which keeps it intriguing, and the news is ever-changing, prompting us to write fresh jokes for the monologue. Thus, it remains very invigorating and entertaining for me. I love it.

After a decade with the Tonight Show, 5 years in Late Night – 15 years in this domain, you really get to know your guests, witness their evolution, their successes and failures, their marriages and misadventures in dating. It’s rather enjoyable to watch individuals come onto the show, and it’s undeniably fascinating. I look forward to these moments and I’m incredibly thankful.

Conway: We’ve been acquainted for years – you mention Saturday Night Live – your films, your music, your late-night hosting, and more, but I’m intrigued – Who is Jimmy Fallon today? How would you characterize yourself and what drives your days the most recently?

Fallon: I believe it revolves around maximizing life, truly living it, pushing your limits, and asking yourself – Can you accomplish that? And can you tackle this? Just keep raising the bar for yourself and see if you can pull it off. Regardless of what I pursue, I strive to excel – and this year, I’ve really challenged myself, and I plan to keep pushing myself next year. I’m uncertain what next year holds and how it might surpass this year, but I have faith it will in some way.

Conway: So, after everything you’ve achieved so far in your career, Jimmy, are there specific fields or endeavors that you still itch to explore and intend to pursue in the near future?

Fallon: There’s always the possibility of reuniting an act. That’s where I began – performing stand-up. I’m not quite sure if it will be a solo show or stand-up comedy, but it’s definitely on my radar. I’m set to try Broadway for the first time. I’m a bit anxious – January 28th – I truly don’t know what I’m getting into or how I’ll transition from The Tonight Show to Broadway, but it’s all achievable, and we shall see! It better be feasible. I mean, I’ll be collaborating with Alex Timbers, the director, and alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda, so I believe I’ll be in capable hands.

Conway: You are indeed in good hands. Jimmy, as you approach the new year, what are your personal aspirations and main focuses as you enter 2025?

Fallon: Well, I do aim to improve my fitness, as everyone typically does, at least during January – and then as the months advance, members quit their gym commitments. While I’m not out of shape, I wouldn’t say I’m fit either, if that resonates. To illustrate – I’ll visit the pool wearing Spanx beneath my rash guard. When I remove that shirt, it emits a suction sound – it resembles the noise of draining the Atlantic Ocean. There will forever be lingering tasks.

Conway: Absolutely, that makes sense. Finally, Jimmy, what message do you wish to convey to your devoted fans and supporters, those who consistently tune into The Tonight Show and eagerly anticipate what you will contribute to our world next?

Fallon: I express my gratitude, encourage positivity, and assuring them I’m here for a laugh before they drift off to sleep. I understand everyone endures long days. While I don’t know everyone’s story, I believe everyone puts in hard work. So, all you need to do is tune in to NBC, settle into your bed – I’ll deliver the humor. I’ll bring joy and laughter as you unwind and prepare for another day.