It’s Definitely Sweater Weather for UVA Staffer on ‘Tonight Show’

December 20, 2023
Julia Weaver on the Tonight Show

Julia Weaver, a video producer in University Communications, got the surprise of a lifetime Tuesday when she won a custom-made Christmas sweater on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” It is named “Give Me a Beat, Santa.” (Photos by Johnny Pace, Todd Owyoung)

Is it ugly? That’s debatable.

But what isn’t debatable is that University Communications video producer Julia Weaver was sitting in the right seat.

On Tuesday night, she was in Studio 6B at NBC Studios in New York’s Rockefeller Center for the taping of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

Fallon was on the ninth night of his “12 Days of Christmas Sweaters” segment, in which he gives one lucky audience member a gaudy, holiday-themed jumper. 

This particular sweater was truly remarkable. Glittery gold in color, it featured sewn-on bells and red-velvet Santas playing drums, bass, guitar and a horn. The white collar was festooned with musical notes and colorful lights, and a stylized keyboard curved down the back. 

But who would win the treasure? An NBC page held out a Santa hat filled with seat numbers for Fallon to draw from. 

“If I call your number, I need you to jump up and let me know where you are,” he shouted above whoops and cheers from the excited crowd.

Fallon reached in and pulled out the magic number: 420.

Weaver excitedly hopped out of her seat and made her way to the aisle, where Fallon met her. “What is your name?” he asked. 

“My name’s Julia. I’m from Virginia,” she responded. 

After Fallon displayed the gaudy garb, Weaver slid the sweater over her head and struck a pose for the crowd, beaming with excitement.

“Waking up this morning, I am still in disbelief,” Weaver shared Wednesday. “I came to New York for a few days to treat myself to all of the amazing holiday energy the city brings, and last night ended up being one of the most surprising and fun evenings of my life. 

 

 

“I’m a huge late-night TV fan, and have been since I was younger,” she gushed. “I got to meet some of the awesome folks who work behind the scenes after the show, and I think that was my favorite part. It’s truly something I’ll never forget.”

Bradley Cooper and Martha Stewart

But wait, there’s more. Bradley Cooper and Martha Stewart were Fallon’s guests.

“After they wrapped up filming the Martha segment, she starts walking backstage and whispers up to the audience, asking, ‘Where is the girl who won the sweater?’” Weaver recounted. “I waved at her with the sweater in my hand, and she continued to whisper, ‘You look really good.’ I think that’s when I mentally passed out.”

The comments on YouTube came fast and furious. While they varied in content, the sentiment was unanimous: The sweater was stupendous. 

@phil4208 may have put it best. “Head to the catwalk, Julia. That sweater completes the outfit.”

Media Contact

Jane Kelly

University News Senior Associate Office of University Communications