John Melendez - A biography
After 15 seasons on Howard Stern’s radio show, John Melendez, known to Stern fans as "Stuttering John", joined NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." Melendez will be the show's nightly announcer and will be involved in comedy sketches and correspondent pieces.
"Growing up, I was always a big fan of 'The Tonight Show' and its amazing history. Now to actually be a part of it is beyond my wildest dreams! I thank Howard Stern, the most talented radio personality, for giving me my start, for without him, 'The Tonight Show,' would never even know me. I am looking forward to working with Jay Leno and the rest of 'The Tonight Show' staff."
Melendez, who began with "The Howard Stern Show" as an intern in college, landed on the air almost immediately. During his 15 seasons with Stern, Melendez gained national acclaim and recognition with his daring interview style and prominent personality. In addition to interviewing countless celebrities on the radio, Melendez was simultaneously hired as a field reporter for the nationally syndicated "Howard Stern Television Show," where he worked for two seasons as an interviewer and in sketch pieces for the show’s recurrent man-on-the-street segments.
Aside from his notable work with Stern, Melendez's other credits include "Private Parts," "Dude Where's My Car", "Osmosis Jones" and the animated series, "Tripping The Rift", which begins airing on the sci-fi channel March 4. Last year Melendez participated in the reality series "I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here."
Melendez began his role with "The Tonight Show" on March 29, 2004.