BEVERLY HILLS — Bill Maher took advantage of pal Jay Leno's Television Academy Hall of Fame induction to offer a spirited attack on what Maher called undeserved “bad publicity” for the former “Tonight Show” host. The other inductees included media baron Rupert Murdoch; Julia Louis-Dreyfus; prolific writer-producer David E. Kelley (“Boston Legal,” “The Practice,” “Ally McBeal“); and former ABC executive Brandon Stoddard, who shepherded breakthrough shows including “Roots.” Introducing Leno at Tuesday night's ceremony, Maher said his behavior never warranted the brickbats tossed at him over Conan O'Brien's short-lived tenure as “Tonight Show” host. Leno's reputation among critics as a bland host compared with supposedly “edgy” predecessor Johnny Carson also is a falsehood, Maher said, and called Leno suited to his time just as Carson was when he hosted “Tonight.” After Maher's introduction, Leno's remarks proved mild. Repeating assertions he made when he ended his 22-year tenure as host in February, Leno, 63, said it was the right time to turn “Tonight” over to the younger Jimmy Fallon, who is 39. Leno said he watches Fallon's show, and the two talk a couple of times a week. “He's terrific. He brings a new energy,” Leno said before the ceremony. “I think he was smart to take it to New York, get a different vibe or different feel.” Louis-Dreyfus, the Emmy-winning star of “Seinfeld,” “The New Adventures of Old Christine” and “Veep,” was saluted by friend Amy Poehler as “the best one on ‘Seinfeld'” and always the funniest in a room. Louis-Dreyfus shared advice she learned from her physics high school teacher: “Have fun at all costs,” she said. — AP
