A bunch of celebrities bet that Jimmy Fallon would not be the "Tonight Show" host

Robert De Niro, Stephen Colbert, Lady Gaga and others were proven wrong in Jimmy Fallon's debut episode

Published February 18, 2014 12:19PM (EST)

Former "Late Night" host Jimmy Fallon debuted as the new "Tonight Show" host with some serious star power on Monday night. As Fallon settled into his new desk, the "SNL" alum and former "Late Night" host paused to thank his fans. "Can't believe this is really happening," he said. "I'm really sitting here. I want to say thanks to all the fans for their support ... and to my buddy who said that I'd never be the host of the 'Tonight Show' -- and you know who you are -- you owe me a hundred bucks buddy."

Without skipping a beat or saying another word, Robert De Niro then stormed on set, slapping $100 on Fallon's desk. As soon as he walked off, Tina Fey came by with her money. And then Joe Namath. And then Rudy Giuliani (who thanked Fallon for bringing the set "back to New York"). The parade continued with Mariah Carey, Tracy Morgan, Joan Rivers, Kim Kardashian, Seth Rogen, Lindsay Lohan, Sarah Jessica Parker, Mike Tyson, Lady Gaga and Stephen Colbert, who dropped a bucket of pennies on Fallon's head and took a selfie with him.


By Prachi Gupta

Prachi Gupta is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on pop culture. Follow her on Twitter at @prachigu or email her at pgupta@salon.com.

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Comedy Jimmy Fallon Late Night Stephen Colbert Television Tonight Show Video