Jon Macks

Jon Macks is a writer and producer with extensive experience in over 200 live television shows, including a record 25 Academy Awards, where he served as head writer nine times. He is known for his tenure as the top writer for "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" throughout its 22-year run, during which he crafted over 100 jokes daily, contributing to a total of over 18,000 jokes broadcast on late-night television. His writing prowess extends to other major events such as the Emmy Awards, The Golden Globes, The Tony Awards, and the National Memorial Day Concert on PBS from 2017 to 2020.

Macks has excelled in political comedy, recognized as the top political comedy writer during "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." His humor has resonated in speeches, jokes, and sketches for notable figures including Billy Crystal, Chris Rock, Helen Mirren, Marty Short, Steve Martin, Michael Douglas, Queen Latifah, and Ricky Gervais. His contributions have earned him eight Emmy nominations and two Writers Guild Awards. Additionally, he has produced significant events like "The Betty White First and Second Annual 90th Birthday Specials" on NBC in 2012 and 2013 and has been involved in stage productions such as "Hugh Jackman’s Back on Broadway" and "Steve Martin and Martin Short: An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life."

An expert in corporate branding and crisis management, Macks has also authored several books including "Monologue: What Makes America Laugh Before Bed," "How to be Funny," "Fuhgeddaboutit: How to Badda Boom, Badda Bing and Find Your Inner Mobster," and "Heaven Talks Back: An Uncommon Conversation." He specializes in presidential debate preparation and has written speeches for CEOs and over two dozen U.S. Senators since 1996. His insight into politics and comedy was also shared on the podcast "That Trippi Show," where he discussed a range of topics including politics and comedy writing. Macks continues to influence the intersection of comedy and political discourse, having been named by Newsday in 2004 as one of the 20 top players influencing television coverage of the presidential election.