Jimmy Kimmel is an American television host, comedian, writer and producer, best known for hosting the late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which debuted on ABC in 2003.
He initially gained recognition through his work on the game show Win Ben Stein’s Money on Comedy Central, where his quick wit and easy-going personality contrasted with Stein’s dry style, earning the pair This couple won an Emmy.
He later co-hosted The Man Show, which expanded his influence in the entertainment industry. In addition to late night television, Kimmel also hosts major events such as the Academy Awards and the Primetime Emmy Awards.
File
- Full name: James Christian Kimmel
- Nickname: Jimmy Kimmel
- Date of birth: November 13, 1967
- Age: 56 years old
- Gender: Male
- Place of birth: Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Nationality: American
- Profession: TV host, comedian, writer, producer
- Height: 6 ft (1.83 m)
- Parents: Joan Iacono (mother), James John Kimmel (father)
- Siblings: Jonathan Kimmel (brother), Jill Bryan (sister)
- Spouse: Molly McNearney (current), Gina Maddy (ex-wife)
- Children: Katherine Kimmel, Kevin Kimmel, Jane Kimmel, William “Billy” Kimmel
- Relationship status: Married
- Religion: Catholic Christianity
- Ethnicity: Mixed (Italian, German, Albanian ancestry)
- Net worth: 50 million USD
Early life and education
Jimmy Kimmel, now 57, was born to Joan and James John Kimmel on November 13, 1967, in Brooklyn, New York.
His father worked for companies such as American Express and IBM, while his mother, of Italian descent, came from a family with roots in Ischia, Naples.
When Kimmel was nine, his family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he grew up with his younger brother Jonathan and younger sister Jill. He attended Ed W. Clark High School in Las Vegas.
After graduating from high school, Kimmel enrolled at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas for a year before transferring to Arizona State University.
Although he did not graduate, he received an honorary degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2013. In a Catholic family, Kimmel served as an altar boy during his childhood.
Personal life
Jimmy Kimmel married his first wife, Gina Maddy, in 1988 and they have two children, Katherine (born 1991) and Kevin (born 1993).
However, the couple divorced in 2002. After the divorce, Kimmel was in a close relationship with comedian Sarah Silverman until 2009.
Later that year, Kimmel began dating Molly McNearney, co-writer of Jimmy Kimmel Live! The couple got engaged in 2012 and married in July 2013.
They have two children together, Jane, born in 2014, and Billy, born in 2017. Billy’s birth attracted widespread attention as he underwent multiple heart surgeries shortly after his birth due to congenital disease.
Kimmel has spoken openly about the emotional experience and has used his platform to advocate for health care reform.
Career
Kimmel’s career began in radio during his high school years. He held a show Sunday night at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas station KUNV.
This led to some local radio work and by the late 1980s he was co-hosting a morning radio show in Seattle.
However, Kimmel’s big break came when he joined the game show Win Ben Stein’s Money on Comedy Central in 1997.
His role as Stein’s comedic partner helped the show win an Emmy. Kimmel’s success on the show led to more television opportunities, including co-hosting and co-producing The Man Show with Adam Carolla.
In 2003, Kimmel launched Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC, a late-night talk show that became a mainstay of American television.
Kimmel has hosted the Academy Awards multiple times, including the 2023 and 2024 ceremonies, and has hosted several other notable events such as the Primetime Emmy Awards.
His ability to combine humor with social commentary and occasional political monologues has made him a prominent voice on late night television.
prize
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host by Winning Ben Stein (1999)
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2013)
- Multiple Emmy nominations for Jimmy Kimmel Live! and a host for major awards ceremonies
Net worth
Jimmy Kimmel’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million. His wealth was largely accumulated through his long career as a television host, producer and comedian.
His success with Jimmy Kimmel Live! is a significant contributor, along with organizing famous events such as the Oscars and producing other television shows.
Argumentative
Throughout his career, Kimmel has been no stranger to controversy. One of his first scandals occurred in 2004 during the NBA Finals when he joked about the possibility that the city of Detroit would burn if the Pistons won the championship.
His comments caused ABC to pull his show from the air that night. Kimmel quickly apologized, but the incident sparked a wave of criticism about the responsibilities of entertainers when making public statements.
Another significant controversy occurred in 2013 when a skit on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Involving children in discussing political issues has led to outrage from the Chinese American community.
In the segment, a child proposes “killing everyone in China” as a solution to America’s debt problem.
Although the segment was intended to be humorous, it was considered offensive and racist, leading to protests and apologies from both Kimmel and ABC.
Kimmel’s feuds with many public figures, including his long-running pseudo-rivalry with Matt Damon, were often humorous but occasionally caused real tension.
His political monologues, especially those related to health care and gun control, also drew praise and backlash, reflecting the growing political tone of late night television.
Social Media
- Instagram: @jimmykimmel
- Twitter: @jimmykimmel
Cinema
- Garfield: The Movie
- Road trip
- Perfect pitch 2
- nobles
- Hot weather in windy city
Book
