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Car enthusiasts are ready for the new season of Jay Leno’s Garage, as one of their favorite participants is back in action: Donald Osborne. He is Jay Leno’s all-time car appraiser on the show and has gathered quite a following due to his profound knowledge and love for classic cars. His insight into some of the world’s most remarkable vehicles has made him a beloved figure among viewers.
While Osborne may be well known for his insight into all things automotive, his personal life has been something of a mystery. The man behind the appraisal table has been a subject of interest among the show’s fans and the wider car-collecting community on social media.
Questions regarding his family and whether he’s in a relationship have always circulated. Fortunately, Osborne does occasionally give his fans peeks into his private life through his own social media accounts.
With all these glimpses, one gets the feeling that Donald Osborne enjoys a loving and supportive family. He is also very fond of his partner, who frequently appears in his posts. Although he seems to like to keep most of the details of his personal life private, from what is shared, it would appear that he is a man who loves connection and values his loved ones.
For those who love Donald Osborne because of his erudition, charm, and presence on Jay Leno’s Garage, it is a real treat to realize that his life off-screen is just as rewarding as his work with cars. His fans can further appreciate not only his work in the field of automotive but also the personal happiness he found along the way.
Donald Osborne’s Early Life and Career
Donald W. Osborne was born on March 27, 1956, and hails from New York. He is currently based in Newport, Rhode Island.
Osborne graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in Queens in 1972 and attended the Hartt College of Music. He graduated with a BA in opera in 1977.
Osborne has worked in sales and branding for most of his career. Since 2004, he’s been the owner and operator of his eponymous branding and consulting firm.
While initially heading boards in the opera and music fields, he began contributing to sports car publications in 2000. He was a writer and auction analyst for Sports Car Market Magazine for over a decade. He was also the co-host of Discovery Channel’s What’s My Car Worth?, and contributed to the New York Times automobile section.
A noteworthy appraiser in the car collectors domain, he was appointed the CEO of Audrain, LLC in 2019. And you can tell his expertise from his regular appearances on Jay Leno’s Garage.
Donald Osborne’s Parents and Siblings
Donald Osborne is the youngest of four children born to Earle Osborne and Jimmie Lee Leneau Osborne. The family was based in New York, but in recent years has lived in different parts of the country.
Before he passed away, Donald’s father Earle served in the U.S. Army during World War II. His mother Jimmie had many roles in her lifetime before she passed away in Newnan, Georgia in 2017. But she is perhaps most remembered for her efforts to end racism.
An ordained Presbyterian elder of over five decades, she served on the Anti-Racism Task Force of the National Capital Union Presbytery and also worked in church schools. She served as a deacon, church school superintendent, and director of Christian education.
While in New York, Jimmie worked with multiple teachers and education organizations. She also encouraged Black youths to pursue a career in aerospace with the Bessie Coleman Aerospace Legacy, Inc.
Jimmie and Earle are survived by their four children, Arthur E. Osborne, Barbara Osborne-Harris, Carl Osborne, and Donald Osborne; their children’s respective partners and children; and extended family.
Among Donald’s siblings, his brother Carl is continuing one of the many legacies their mother left behind. He is a flight attendant with United Airlines, works with ACE Academy (Aviation Career Education), and is part of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals.
Also Read: Was Dr. Seuss Racist and Did He Abuse His Wife?
Donald Osborne’s Partner
Donald Osborne has been in a relationship with Frank Garofalo for decades. Connecticut native Garofalo currently lives with Osborne in Newport.
Garofalo studied literature at Rider University and special education and teaching at Saint Joseph College. In the ‘90s, he went back to school to complete his culinary certification.
He was the program director at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners in Italy. He’s also been a director at culinary institutes in New York and Connecticut. He’s currently a culinary curriculum development specialist based in Newport.
He is fluent in Italian and French, which perhaps explains Osborne’s fluency and affinity towards the Italian culture beyond Italian-made cars. He occasionally shares his latest culinary creations, which he makes either with Osborne or as a surprise for him.
