Mavis Elizabeth Nicholson, born September 5, 1946, better known as Mavis Leno, is an American philanthropist. She is famous for being the wife of the veteran comedian and TV host, Jay Leno. Mavis Leno was born in San Francisco, California, the United States.
Wiki Profile
Full Name: | Mavis Elizabeth Nicholson |
Date of Birth: | September 5, 1946 |
Place of Birth: | San Francisco, California |
State of Origin: | California |
Nationality: | American |
Occupation: | Philanthropist |
Net Worth: | $5 million |
Husband/Spouse: | Jay Leno |
Early Life and Education
Mavis Leno was born on September 5, 1946 to E.A. Nicholson, a well-known character actor in films and television programs.
She grew up in San Francisco, California, in the United States with her parents and siblings, a place she was born.
In the 1967 film “In Cold Blood,” she portrayed the hooded executioner. Mavis used to have aspirations of being a jockey.
Her father informed her that girls weren’t permitted to do this, which tragically dashed her dream. Young girl’s confusion and indignation inspired her to speak out against gender-based discrimination later in life.
Career
Since 1997, Mavis Leno has presided over the Feminist Majority Foundation’s initiative to eradicate gender segregation in Afghanistan.
She and her husband Jay Leno gave the organization $100,000 in 1999 with the intention of raising awareness of the situation of Afghan women living under Taliban control.
The organization was successful in preventing an oil pipeline from being built in Afghanistan. After she made public the Taliban’s mistreatment of Afghan women, Mavis, according to American novelist and journalist Melissa Rossi, was instrumental in persuading Bill Clinton and the executives of the now-defunct oil company Unocal Corporation to change their minds.
In addition, Mavis Leno and her husband give financial support to the human rights group Equality Now, which promotes the civil, economic, political, and social rights of women and girls.
Additionally, the couple has offered support to a variety of hospitals and colleges, including Mount Holyoke College, Health for Everyone, Boston University, Huntsville Hospital Foundation, Northeastern University, and McPherson College.
Mavis Leno Net Worth
Mavis Leno is a popular American philanthropist and the wife of Jay Leno. She has an estimated net worth of $5 million.
Personal Life
In 1976, Mavis and Jay Leno crossed paths in Los Angeles while the latter was giving a performance at the Comedy Store.
Mavis informed her mother when she was a young girl that she would never get married or have children. However, after meeting Leno, she had a change of heart and decided to get married to him.
After a short period of courtship, they were united in marriage on November 30, 1980. The couple decided against having children.