Jenny Jones (presenter) facts for kids

Janina Maria Stronski (born June 7, 1946), known as Jenny Jones, is a Canadian television host and comedian. She is most famous for hosting The Jenny Jones Show.

Early Life and Beginnings

Jenny Jones was born Janina Stronski in Bethlehem, which was then part of Palestine under British rule. Her family moved to Italy, and then to Canada in 1948. Her parents were Polish immigrants. Her mother, Zosia "Sophie", was a seamstress, and her father, John Stroński, was a Polish army officer. Jenny grew up in London, Ontario, in a strict Catholic home. Her parents owned a bridal shop in Canada.

Jenny's Career Journey

Starting with Music and Comedy

Jenny Jones began her career as a drummer in a rock band. Later, in the 1980s, she tried her hand at stand-up comedy. She found success in comedy, even winning the 1986 season of the TV talent show Star Search.

Before Star Search, Jenny appeared on several game shows. She was a contestant on The Price Is Right in 1979. She also appeared on Match Game in 1981 and Press Your Luck in 1985.

Winning Star Search and Touring

In 1986, Jenny Jones became the first woman to win the comedy category on Star Search. This win really helped her stand-up career. She then performed as an opening act for many famous stars. These included Sammy Davis Jr., Engelbert Humperdinck, Kenny Loggins, and Tony Bennett.

By 1983, Jenny was opening for comedian Jerry Seinfeld. She also created a comedy show called "Girls' Night Out." This show was for women only and sold out 10 times in a row. Her routine was even featured on the TV show 20/20.

Jenny Jones was also featured in the 1991 documentary film Wisecracks, which looked at women comedians.

Hosting The Jenny Jones Show

The Jenny Jones Show started in September 1991. It was meant to be a different kind of talk show. It launched on 178 TV stations, which was a huge start for a syndicated talk show. The show was made by Telepictures and distributed by Warner Bros. Television. It was filmed in Chicago at WMAQ-TV studios. The show ran for 12 seasons, ending in September 2003.

In 1995, an episode of the show led to a legal case. This event caused the show to face a lawsuit. The court later decided that the show was not responsible for what happened after the guests left the studio.

In 1997, Jenny Jones released her memoir, Jenny Jones: My Story. She wrote it with Patsi Bale Cox.

Life After the Talk Show

After The Jenny Jones Show ended in 2003, Jenny focused on other projects.

Helping Others: The Jenny Jones Foundation

In 2005, Jenny started The Jenny Jones Foundation. This foundation helps people in need, focusing on education, women's health, and improving communities. In 2008, she created "Jenny's Heroes." Through this program, she gave two million dollars of her own money to people who wanted to make a difference in their local areas.

Cooking and Healthy Eating

Since her talk show ended, Jenny has focused on cooking. She wants to encourage more people to cook at home and eat healthy. On April 10, 2006, she released a cookbook called Look Good, Feel Great Cookbook. All the money from the book went to City of Hope Breast Cancer Research Treatment and Education. In 2008, Jenny launched a cooking website and YouTube channel called Jenny Can Cook.

Personal Life and Advocacy

Jenny Jones has several websites. She has her official site, JennyJones.com, and her cooking site, JennyCanCook.com. Her YouTube channel also features cooking videos. Another website, JennysHeroes.com, shares stories of people who have positively impacted their communities. Jenny has given over $1 million to fifty "heroes" through this site.

Jenny has been married three times. She was married to Al Gambino from 1970 to 1972. She then married Buz Wilburn from 1973 to 1980. An earlier marriage was ended. She has been in a long-term relationship with Denis McCallion, a film-location manager, since 1986.

Supporting Women's Health

Jenny Jones has been a strong supporter of women's health. She was an honorary chairperson for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Chicago Race for the Cure. This event raises money and awareness for breast cancer research. Jenny also donated a mobile mammography coach to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County. She also created The Image Foundation to help women find information about implants and support for body image issues.

See also

In Spanish: Jenny Jones para niños