14 DAY TRIAL // Without any regards towards his personal safety or health, Jimmy Fallon, the newest Tonight Show host, jumped into the freezing waters of Lake Michigan on Sunday morning in the name of charity.
And while others have a better idea what to do with their time on a Sunday morning and prefer to just give money to charity instead of prancing through ice cold waters, Fallon did not hesitate to jump in fully clothed in a black suit and tie, as part of the “Polar Plunge,” as the Washington Post reports.
Also joined but Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Fallon took part in the charity that aims to raise money for the Special Olympics. The entire incident was a result of a promise Fallon made to Emanuel which stated that if the mayor would appear on his show, the presenter would agree to the cold swim.
In his usual style, Fallon said prior to jumping in the water “If you hear a scream like a little girl’s … know that Jimmy Fallon is swimming in Lake Michigan.” Luckily for him, there was not a high chance something could be heard over the blaring sounds of several bagpipers that were standing in the knee-deep water blowing a traditional song.
After he splashed around in the murky water, with snow piling high on the banks of the lake, Jimmy quickly jumped out into the arms of the press and posed for a couple of pictures, dressed in a Special Olympics sweatshirt.
At the moment, Jimmy Fallon is enjoying a huge surge in popularity since he replaced Jay Leno as the host of the Tonight Show and managed some impressive audiences for his first weeks. Apart from bringing in some new material, Jimmy has also kept some of his long-running bits such as Thank You notes, rap battles and rapping celebrities mash-ups.
His departure from the Tonight Show left a space open on the Late Night Show, which was filled by Saturday Night Live alum Seth Meyers. Now Fallon stands as the main front runner in the race of late night entertainment against David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel.
Also, he doesn't seem to mind doing his bit for charity, even if it involves running around in freezing water in the middle of the winter in Chicago. The annual event draws in several thousands of courageous swimmers who all draw attention to the Special Olympics and hopefully, some money for those who participate.