Mavis Leno is an activist and philanthropist who is famed as the wife of the American comedian, Jay Leno. The pair have been married since 1980.
Even though Mavis is in the spotlight because of her husband, it can’t be ignored that she’s making a name for herself as well thanks to her humanitarian activities and support.
Here are 7 Interesting Facts about Mavis Leno
1. She is 4 Years Older Than Her Husband
Jay Leno’s wife was born Mavis Elizabeth Nicholson on September 5, 1946, and she’s 78 years old. This means that she’s 4 years older than her husband Jay Leno who is 74 years old. He was born on August 28, 1950.
From the records, Mavis was raised in San Francisco alongside one of her siblings whose identity isn’t known to the public. Her father, E.A. Nicholson was an actor and activist who was very loud about his takes on the female place in the society while her Victoria Edith Chance was an entrepreneur who also encouraged equitable living.
While not so much about her life has been established, records have it that she completed her basic and high school education in her hometown. Following this, she proceeded to Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts where she obtained a college degree.
2. Mavis Leno has a Great Stance on Feminism
Jay Leno’s wife is widely known as a feminist and has been serving in the office of the Feminist Majority Foundation since 1997. The group actively supports women’s rights and stops gender apartheid in Afghanistan.
Mavis Leno’s stance on feminism was spurred as a child after watching several TV shows including Honeymooners, which portrayed women as not being resourceful enough to take up jobs or even follow their passion. Rather, they were always in the comfort of their home and continuously faced threats from their husband who were often chanting about leaving.
It was at this time Mavis became detained to make a difference. She also described getting married and having kids as a lifetime bondage that she won’t be part of.
3. She Met Her Husband on a Comedy Show
Even though Mavis had resolved to not get married, she had second thoughts after meeting her husband. As the story goes, the pair met at the “Comedy Store”, a comedy club in Los Angeles sometime in January 1976. She recalled locking eyes with the comedian and after that bumping into him in the bathroom.
They soon got conversing and later began a friendship that blossomed into a relationship after a while.
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4. Mavis Leno and Jay Leno Have Been Married For Over 4 Decades
Jay asked Mavis to marry him four years into their relationship. According to her, he popped the question without a ring involved but promised to get one later after she interjected and yes, he got her a diamond ring.
The pair exchanged vows on November 3, 1980, in a very small wedding that was held at a friend’s house. They have been together for 44 years and still counting.
5. Do The Pair Have Children?
Despite being married for a long time, Mavis and Jay have not welcomed any children. According to Mavis, she never liked the idea of having children since her teenage years and attributed this to some television shows she saw while growing up.
6. How Does Mavis Leno Spend Her Free Time?
When Mavis isn’t busy as an activist, she enjoys outdoor activities and also spending time with her family.
7. What is Her Net Worth?
Mavis makes money primarily from many engagements however, her net worth isn’t known. Nonetheless, Jukebugs estimates her at $2 million judging from her lifestyle and philanthropic activities.