NEW YORK CITY -- Rev. Al Sharpton is being touted as the replacement for Jay Leno on NBC's legendary Tonight Show.
Sources say Leno will be retiring from the show soon to return to a weekly routine of touring small comedy clubs and that Sharpton is Leno's "first choice to host the show" when he leaves.
Sharpton, a 49-year-old New York native, was ordained as a minister when he was 10, and has long reigned as a social activist and media personality.
"Mr. Sharpton would probably start by doing some guest hosting while Jay sets up some one nighters," said a source at NBC.
Should he replace Leno, Sharpton will be heir to the position once also held by Johnny Carson, Jack Parr, Steve Allen and Jerry Lester.
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